Troop198

Just wondered if anyone uses them (in or out of Texas) and any insight into types that work best heading for some longer hiking in Montana this summer

honeask

Not totally sure if this is what you are looking for but I bought the Nordic Walking poles on that "auction" website and really like them. They have info on a website. I got mine more for exercise while walking but can't wait to take them on some trails. The kind that I got are one piece and they don't collapse. The collapsible kind are good for traveling by plane but we roadtrip most places. The kind I got also is height specific so you get poles that are correct for your height. I also ended up buying two more pair for family members that wanted some also. I looked around Houston for some but never found anything that I liked as much as the pair I ended up buying online. Good luck!

Sandy

JohnK

I use them when backpacking in mountainous or rocky terrain, especially if carrying a heavy pack. In addition to simply providing a huge safety factor in the event that you mis-step or loose your balance, by using two of them you can actually transfer some of the load from your knees/ankles to your shoulders.

You can spend a lot on trekking poles, but, unless you are planning on doing a whole lot of heavy duty hiking, I'm not sure it's worth the added cost. I have a pair of Coleman trekking poles ($14.99 each) that I have used on three trips though the Guadalupe mountains and they show no signs of wearing out. They are quite comfortable and I'm sure I will get many more years of use out of them. The length is adjustable, and I've never had any problems with slipping of the adjustment mechanism.

Coleman - Trekking Pole -

If the link is broken, send me a PM and I'll get it to you.

You may want to check out poles at an outfitter before you settle on a purchase. I looked at poles at an REI and then found these at the Coleman Outlet in San Marcos.

JohnK

DayTripper

My wife and I use trekking poles for basically the same reasons JohnK lists in his first paragraph. In addition, we find the poles also relieve that swelling you get in your hands when they dangle at your sides for long periods when walking. I don't know what that is called, but you'll know what I mean if you've done much hiking, especially in warm weather.

We are in our mid to late 50s, so we appreciate the knee support as well as the balance provided by these 3rd and 4th legs, especially when coming down slopes with loose rocks or crossing streams (see my avatar).

Like JohnK, we use relatively inexpensive adjustable poles and find they work just fine.

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DayTripper

Motorman355

I have a pair of Leki Summit Antishock Trekking Poles bought on sale from REI. The first time they were put to use was last May in the Adirondacks. At first, it was awkward like running a gunny sack race. Then you get into a rhythm and it becomes second nature. There were occasions that the poles kept me from tumbling under the weight of my pack.

Unsure? Just happens REI Dallas store is having a clinic "Hiking with Hiking Poles 101" May 21, 2009.

That being said. This week I was driving to 8 mile Appalachian day hike. It was not a planned trip so I didn't have any of my gear. Just so happens there was a Wal-Mart where I needed to turn off the highway. I pulled in to get a few things for the hike. I picked up an Outdoor Products single trekking pole for $14. Never heard of the brand before, but I did not want to rely on finding a good walking stick on the trail. I was not expecting much for that low of a price. It actually held up very well supporting a big fellow like me. Did not collapse once and the trail was a very strenuous one calling for me to lean on the pole with a lot of pressure.

Here is a good example for the need of trekking poles. On Monday’s hike, there was a long section of trail that angled downhill. I could feel the extra pressure on the outside muscles of my right leg (downhill side). I extended my pole longer for use on the downhill side. This helped relieve some of the stress on the leg.

Trekking poles – don’t leave home without them.