Topic

Easton MP Carbon Hike 3 Trekking poles – anyone have any experience with them?

  • This topic is empty.
Viewing 5 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
PostedFeb 24, 2015 at 7:35 am

Hey everyone…

I'm looking at this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GT2RH04/ref=s9_wish_gw_d78_g468_i13?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=024MA0DCW82AMSZ1JF5W&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=1970559082&pf_rd_i=desktop

It's the Easton Mountain Products Carbon Hike 3 trekking poles… they seem to be on closeout, and I'm wondering if there are any GLARING flaws or if these are some decent poles for the money. $50 ain't bad for a 1 lb. pair total weight set of poles with cork grips and foam under the grips (something I anticipate enjoying for steeper ascents).

Anyway, thoughts? It looks like the locking mechanisms have been vastly improved over the old "twist-lock" system they used to use.

PostedFeb 24, 2015 at 10:24 am

I think they look good. Almost tempted myself since I bent my current pair on my last trip out.

I prefer the anti shock but that's just me.

PostedFeb 24, 2015 at 10:29 am

What's the deal with anti-shock? Does it really help that much? I'm 32, do I really need to be investigating anti-shock at this point?

jimmy b BPL Member
PostedFeb 24, 2015 at 10:37 am

Anti shock. I have had both. Of course it is personal preference but I would not consider carrying extra weight for the option. IMO lighter poles make much more difference at the end of the day. Borrow a pair and try them out, YMMV.

jimmyb

Bob Moulder BPL Member
PostedFeb 24, 2015 at 3:02 pm

Even if there were no weight penalty I would also pass on anti-shock.

I used a friend's poles with this feature and found them rather annoying. I prefer a solid pole plant with the immediate tactile feedback that confirms a good, solid stick. That boingy-bouncy feeling from anti-shock detracts from that.

But I guess I could get used to it if I had to…

However, do not dismiss the value of very light poles such as GG LT4 and the like. By UL standards, 1 pound is actually quite heavy for a pair of poles. I did a lot of experimentation last spring, summer and fall to see what really suited my personal preferences for UL backpacking. Tons of experimentation using them uphill-flats-downhill, strap and strapless, etc, checking time/distance, noting hand fatigue, etc.

I settled upon the Black Diamond Ultra Distance (carbon, 120cm fixed length) with the straps and connecting hardware removed (sections glued together with epoxy). They weigh 4.3 oz each, are plenty strong for me, and I just love using these things. Turns out the 120cm length is also perfect for pitching my shelter (zpacks Duplex), so this is a dual-use match made in UL heaven.

Viewing 5 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
Loading...