What makes a good trekking pole?

My knee has been bothering me, especially on descents. I imagine trekking pokes could help take some weight off and make for smoother approaches and descents. Anyone actually use them? I'm would use them on routes that I could leave then at the base, definitely bit bringing them up the climb

I use them fairly regularly and have hauled them up and over many big mountains. Helps on the up as well as the down. I like poles with three sections as they can be put into a pack. Mine have the shock springs in them. While stiff the springs really do help with the bounce loading on the down. I have found the ergo handles to be nice - i.e. they have a slight bend at the handle. The other that I like are the cork grips. I have an older version of these:

shop.leki.com/en/product.ph…

While the internal locking can be a pain sometimes I frequently use the pole sections in the snow to stake down my tent. One can not do that as easy with the speed lock version.

Just do your homework this time. Hate to see another thread about a REI return.

JeffL wrote:My knee has been bothering me, especially on descents. I imagine trekking pokes could help take some weight off and make for smoother approaches and descents. Anyone actually use them? I'm would use them on routes that I could leave then at the base, definitely bit bringing them up the climb

Don't know what "definitely bit bringing them up the climb" means.

I use trekking poles all the time. As do many people on this site.

Here are the features I want in a trekking pole (and have with my BD Trail Compact):

Flicklock adjustment (way better than the screw-down type)
Padded wrist strap.

Adjustable wrist-strap, but not the kind that has a buckle in the strap.

Collapses fairly compact for stowing in a pack.

I don't care if it has the anti-shock feature, as I think there is only a negligible value to that.

When you first start using them, it might seem awkward to have something in your hands while hiking. After a while, you'll wonder why you waited so long to get them.

Edit: From looking at BD's website, it appears that the Trail Compact model only comes with the anti-shock feature now. And they're on sale!

blackdiamondequipment.com/e…

Edit #2: Be sure to buy a pair, not a single pole. Way more useful as a pair.

I've used 'em since I had knee surgery for a ruptured ACL two years ago. I think they are great. I now use them for trail-running (my version is more like trail-shuffling) as well.

What you want is something

Very light
Stiff
Folds up very small
Sections don't slip (fliplocks not twistlocks)

I have the BD Distance FL's which meet all these requirements. They are compact enough folded to put inside a small summit pack like the Petzl Bug, so no problem having them along when scrambling is in the offing. I haven't yet carried them up a climb for the descent, but might consider it if the descent is long and steep enough. I think the carbon ones, which are lighter, would be even better. You do lose the adjustment, but I don't find I change the length of my poles much anyway.

One requirement the Distance FL's don't meet, if you care, is interchangeable baskets. You can't put a snow basket on them.

I like mine because they are:
Flip lock
Adjustable, padded wrist strap
Shock absorbing
Carbide tipped

And perhaps most importantly, the padded grip is extra long so I can grab it lower when I am going uphill or for other various reasons. Mine are BD

The best kind are the ones you find at an rei garage sale for $8.

Should have read 'definitely not bringing them up the climb.' I'll do the walk off without them. It's just the initial approach with my rack/rope that I worry about. Is the weight difference of carbon really worth the reduced durability?

JeffL....I've been using ski/trekking poles since 1984, when I went to Europe and watched the Europeans scampering around the mountains with ski poles. Which make, model, brand, or style you employ depends on your objective. While the ultralight weight, titanium poles are great they are not very durable, especially in deep snow, with a large pack, as encountered in mountaineering. I use the ultralight titanium poles for trail running (e.g.. R2R2R in the Grand Canyon) as RGold indicated. We used very sturdy, heavy Lekis on Denali, whereas we carry ultralight titanium poles on the Timberline Trail on Mt. Hood and the R2R2R in the Grand Canyon. Bottom line...ski/trekking poles are great, especially for supporting your ailing and compromised knees, but the style of pole you pick depends on your application.

Leki is the standard on the AT. I have never used BD trekking poles but they have the reputation of being less durable than Leki.

I have a pair of carbon alpine bd piles going on seven years of use. Had to replace a flick lock once. Other than that sub 1lb per pair and bomber.

blackdiamondequipment.com/e…

Shock absorber is great on the way down, takes a lot of the knees. Currently 25% off through REI until the 26th.

I don't care if it has the anti-shock feature, as I think there is only a negligible value to that.

When you first start using them, it might seem awkward to have something in your hands while hiking. After a while, you'll wonder why you waited so long to get them. .

Disagree, once I went anti-shock I barely use my BD expedition's anymore. I even use my BD anti-shocks when splitboarding. I think the difference is highly noticeable especially in your hands after a long day.

The second part is so true. Difference in speed, load carry, stress on the body etc. is HUGE. If I forget to bring them it always makes the hike immensely more difficult, and I regret not having them.

I've decided on some version of the BD Trail shocks.

I can't quite tell what the difference between the Trail Pro Shock, and the Trail Shock (2013) other than price. Someone mentioned there is a new/improved locking system on the trail pro, but I haven't heard of any negatives to the old flip lock. Anyone withe experience?

Hey Jeff,

I just had to weigh in here. I have owned flip lock and core lock, black diamond, Leki, and REI, shock absorbing tips and standard, regular grips and ergonomic grips. I have found that if you buy the right poles you can do many things with the same pair and save yourself a lot of money. I ski in bounds and out of bounds, mountaineer, and long distance hike (+100 mi)all with the same pair.

First off let me say that owning poles is essential these days whether your knees hurt or not. With that said you could probably take care of your knee problems with some stretching and exercising. Could very well be a tight ITB band. If so use one of these to stretch it out. nefitco.com/nimbus-foam-rol…

Ok, so here's my list of must haves:
1) Ergo grip with grip extensions: ergo save wrist pain, extensions work great in steep terrain.
2)Flick locks: this is a MUST for easy adjustment and firm locking. Can be used with gloves.
3) Powder baskets: many poles come with two sets of baskets, even though I don't like using baskets on dirt having baskets for snow is necessary.
3) Telescoping 3 section: don't get a folding, or solid shaft, it's just stupid. Three sections is plenty compact, and adjustable for activity/terrain.
4) Adjustable wrist straps: with/without gloves

These are the optionals:
1) Aluminum/Carbon fiber - strength, cost, weight preferences
2) Shock absorbing (spring loaded) tips - Could be good for someone with bad elbows, since I don't it just adds weight and cost.
3) Interchangeable tips - metal or rubber, I hike fine with metal, just one more thing I don't need to worry about.

My bottom line recommendation: Something along the lines of the BD Alpine Cork

Hope this helps.

w/e features/gimmicks you end up going in for, make sure that you don't get a trekking pole with a twist lock. BD Flicklock or anything similar is the way to go.

Eric Mountford wrote: My bottom line recommendation: Something along the lines of the BD Alpine Cork Hope this helps.

Thanks! I'm now shifting towards the BD Alpine Ergo Cork. I'm not sure If I like the cork handle, due to durability concerns, but everything else about the pole looks great.

No Durability issues. I've been using mine for 5 years and their still in the same shape as when new. Cork also gives a better grip than synthetics.

I have an old pair of Master something-or-other poles I bought at REI 15 years ago. I think they were $50 and came with three sets of baskets. I ski with carbon poles I bought at Repeat Performance for $8. I guess if you plan to spend $150 you may as well go all in but none of the "must haves" are really all that important.

also, get metal tips. the plastic ones break all the time and are a bitch to replace.

JoeCrawford wrote:w/e features/gimmicks you end up going in for, make sure that you don't get a trekking pole with a twist lock. BD Flicklock or anything similar is the way to go.

I don't even know why they make twistlocks anymore other than BD probably holding the rest of the quality patents. They slip, break, fail when dirty etc. I don't want to have to take apart and clean the spring mechanism to make them work.

Flick lock is pretty crucial. For my uses I also need powder baskets.

I have the BD alpine cork. Can't say I've tried out many different ones but I've got no complaints.