• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Hiking sticks?

You might get lucky and get a set that works or you'll get a set that won't hold and collapse when you need the most. Do your research and buy the best set you can afford. If you plan on using them a lot it will be money well spent.
 
I'd rather just make use of nature and find a nice big stick that fell from a tree. 😀

Usually can find some good ones when randomly roaming around a dense pocket of trees/in the woods.

Though, I never did that specifically for hiking, so maybe just a random branch won't be effective enough. 😉
 
destrekor said:
I'd rather just make use of nature and find a nice big stick that fell from a tree. 😀

Usually can find some good ones when randomly roaming around a dense pocket of trees/in the woods.

Though, I never did that specifically for hiking, so maybe just a random branch won't be effective enough. 😉
Click to expand...

tried that for months, failed to find the perfect walking stick.

time to buy!
 
destrekor said:
I'd rather just make use of nature and find a nice big stick that fell from a tree. 😀

Usually can find some good ones when randomly roaming around a dense pocket of trees/in the woods.

Though, I never did that specifically for hiking, so maybe just a random branch won't be effective enough. 😉
Click to expand...

This. Most places that you would hike have sticks you could use. Where is the OP hiking that none are available? A desert/arctic environment?
 
I like saplings/remains of saplings that have had vines wrapped around them. They're distinctive looking, comfortable, and cheap.
 
JulesMaximus said:
You might get lucky and get a set that works or you'll get a set that won't hold and collapse when you need the most. Do your research and buy the best set you can afford. If you plan on using them a lot it will be money well spent.
Click to expand...

This couldn't be more true.

There isn't really a huge difference between those. The biggest concern is failure of the twist locking mechanism. I went through a couple pairs of cheap poles that broke because of the twisting lock. The cost isn't a big deal, but losing a pole with 50 lbs on your back out in the wilderness while trying to go up and down 4,000 ft sucks. I could've saved all that money if I just bought the better poles in the first place.

Black Diamond came out with flick locks several years ago - simpler and much less prone to failure. I do a ton of hiking and mountaineering and 90% (no exaggeration) of the people I see have the Black Diamond poles. In fact I'm starting to see skiers use them at the slopes now. They are more expensive though.

Now other companies are copying the Black Diamond locking mechanism. However, based on the good Amazon reviews I would give those poles a try, depending on what you do. If you do backpacking on longer trips with heavier loads, I would spend more on something less prone to failure.

BD poles:
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Diamond-...sr=1-1-catcorr
 
Last edited:
KillerCharlie said:
This couldn't be more true.

There isn't really a huge difference between those. The biggest concern is failure of the twist locking mechanism. I went through a couple pairs of cheap poles that broke because of the twisting lock. The cost isn't a big deal, but losing a pole with 50 lbs on your back out in the wilderness while trying to go up and down 4,000 ft sucks.

Black Diamond came out with flick locks several years ago - simpler and much less prone to failure. I do a ton of hiking and mountaineering and 90% (no exaggeration) of the people I see have the Black Diamond poles. In fact I'm starting to see skiers use them at the slopes now. They are more expensive though.

Now other companies are copying the Black Diamond locking mechanism. However, based on the good Amazon reviews I would give those poles a try, depending on what you do. If you do backpacking on longer trips with heavier loads, I would spend more on something less prone to failure.

BD poles:
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Diamond-...sr=1-1-catcorr
Click to expand...

thanks!
 
I hate twist locks on ANY mechanism. Should think that something which regularly gets impacts (like hiking poles) would be even more prone to failure.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top