What trekking poles do I get?

I started with a 16/oz pair of Black Diamond CF poles, before switching to 8/oz a pair Gossamer Gear LT4's.

The BD's are certainly sturdier, and I've kept them around for winter snow-shoeing. Also the flick-lock mechanism has so far been unaffected by either cold or wet, whereas the LT4's expansion lock has had periodic issues with both.

I also broke the shaft on my LT4's in a fall shortly after buying them. That fall would have broken by BD's and bent any aluminum, but there have been several other times when I've been nervous about snapping them. It's something you have to be aware of.

For the more rugged trails I've encountering in the Catskills, the BD's are probably preferable, but for my attempted Tahoe Rim Trail thru-hike, or any hike I've ever done in the Sierra's, I'd take the LT4's.

As far as weight, I wouldn't have thought that 4ozs per arm would make a huge difference, and it's not like the BD's feel like carrying around dumbells, but I found that after 12-15 miles or so, I started getting lazy with the poles due to arm/shoulder fatigue, to the point they were of little use besides descending steep trail sections.

Using the LT4's, I've done multiple 25-35 mile days with no problem. I'm even comfortable picking them up and jogging on easy sections to make miles on long days. At 4oz/pole, they're barely heavier in my hands than wearing a wristwatch.

I'm just more aware of when I have to be careful with them, as with any piece of UL gear.

It all depends on the terrain. Sierra trails would be LT4's for me. Something like the Devils path or Long Trail out East, I'd probably go with the heavier but sturdier Black Diamonds.

The Gossamer Gear LT4's are an excellent, if pricey, choice. I've been using them on trail and off for 2 years now and have found not found a single weakness for three season hiking. However, they share a common weakness with other poles that use an internal expander plug to lock the pole sections in position: In winter hiking water can work its way up the lower shaft, inside the upper shaft, to the expander plug, occasionally resulting in pole slippage.

Worth a look, IMO.

I've owned both Leki and a set of REI CF poles..

Both had issues with the locking mechanism.. Nothing more frustrating than having to deal with this issue . as you trek along on your multi day hike.

A couple of years ago I bought some BD " spire's".. LOVE them ! I fell on one of the poles once, bent the shaft . However, the locking mechanism held ..

I'm 100% sold on these poles!

Another vote for any pole with the "flick-lock" mechanism for locking the poles in position. Other than that, as long as it is a decent weight and feels good in your hand I dont think that the brand really matters.