What is everyone using for Trekking Poles?

I'm currently using Komperdell C3 Airshock (carbon fiber) poles, 14.5 oz./pr., purchased in Fall 2004. These are made by Komperdell for EMS. I haven't had any problems with slippage as long as I lock them properly, although a twist-to-tighten system always begs the question "how tight is tight?" Before that, I used Masters Kompressor (aluminum) poles c. 2002, 25 oz./pr. (All weights are from my scales and include the small basket and straps.)

I strongly recommend carbon fiber for several reasons: 1) the swing weight (from your arm movement) is much lighter, read: no fatigue after many hours of use (compared to the 25 oz. aluminum poles, but you can get lighter al. poles); 2) there's no clank/clink noises from metal-on-rock (or tree) as the carbon seems to dampen most sound; and 3) no fear of long-term corrosion (although you should still clean the locking mechanism regardless of pole material).

Lesser reasons: the carbon weave is fun to look at in bright sunlight, there's no chance of electrocution when waving off that bear under some low-strung high-tension lines, and, well, carbon fiber is just plain cool. (Besides, CF trekkingpoles are a helluva lot less expensive than a CF bike frame…).

I baby the CF poles when there's any chance of crushing or overbending during transit; however, on the trail I give them all the abuse I can. At 6' and 220 lbs., I can exert a helluva bending moment on the poles, and so far, so good.

I always use poles, even on day hikes, and the CF poles are just easier to take. Plus, with a bum knee I can walk and climb with hardly any knee pain. And although the non-collapsible poles are lighter, I need the collapsible lengths for public transportation. The only improvement I can think of is a practical 4-section collapsible pole, simply to make collapsed length shorter.

Simon

George, you are not alone. I use a pair of Leki Super Pigs (aka Super Makalu) that come in at the same weight. On the positive side they have lasted around 13 years and have only slipped once during that time.

For hiking I shorten them and put my palm on top of the handles which is more comfortable (ergonomic) for me.

I too use the REI Peak UL Carbon Trekking Poles at 12 oz for the pair. My previous poles were Komperdell Northern Lights at around 20 oz. Big improvement for backpacking. Still use the aluminum Northern Lights for snow shoeing.

I haven't found them yet, but the ideal poles for me would be a sub-12 oz set of carbon poles with Flick Locks. Are you listening Black Diamond?

Does anyone have any comments on a non-adjustable,CF, fixed UL trekking pole with use on a TarpTent Contrail? Everyone's comments and suggestions were excellent.

"I haven't found them yet, but the ideal poles for me would be a sub-12 oz set of carbon poles with Flick Locks. Are you listening Black Diamond?"

Already done by Komperdell in a 2-section pole: http://www.komperdell.com/index_e.htm

They are in the Touring section of the site- C2 Carbon Tour. They are also in the Review Summary on this site (link above).

And they are so, so sweet!

Easy on the poles for the Contrail. The tent height is 114cm. So if you have 115, that's perfect. Shorter- you stick a rock under the pole or come up with some other ingenious solution. Longer- you just put the pole at an angle. A LOT longer can be pulled off too- but either having the tent height a bit higher or digging a small hole in the dirt to lower the pole length.

There's always ways around the pole length problem.

As far as specific models, there are many great posts here. My first goes into some of my personal favorites but it also has a link to our Carbon Fiber Trekking Pole Review Summary, which should be helpful.

Short answer- Ti Goat, Gossamer Gear, Komperdell, or Bozeman.

Have fun!
Doug

>>FYI- the Komperdell "Titanal" and Leki "Titanium" titles are mostly rubbish. These are aluminum alloy poles that use some minimum of titanium in the alloy. But for all intents and purposes, these are aluminum poles.<<

Yep, I know, but when you call a product titanal……… Or am I the only one with a sick mind here?

Eins

Look right?

GG Lightreks 2.4 oz each $130 pair
Bozeman (Out of stock) 2.7 oz each $280 pair
Adjustable Goat Pole 3.2 oz each $150 pair
Komperdell C3 6.2 oz each $129 pair

George,
Might I add to your list the REI Peak Ultra-lite Compact at 5.6 oz/pole and 24" collapsed, $129/pr? Light, sturdy, great stowed in bushwhacking situations, excellent handling qualities, and greatly improved in reliability over the original, defect plagued first generation. AND, they no longer have the dorky compasses on top of the grips!! I've been using them from the beginning and, after a couple of initial rturns due to defective locking mechanisms, have never looked back. They are, correct me if my info is out of date, still the lightest adjustable pole out there. Plus, you always have the REI no-questions-asked return policy to back you up. Lots of good poles out there, just my 2 cents worth.

Thanks for all the outstanding feedback on the Trekking Poles. I ordered the Gossamer Gear Lightrek 120 cm's (new version). You can buy the old version for $75.00. The new version is $130.00 + ~$8.00 shipping. Oh Boy! However, we'll give them a try on AT in 3 weeks and report back.