Trekking poles with quick strap-length adjustment?

[Aaron D]

Does anyone make a pole with a quick and reliable strap-length adjustment system? (e.g. for use with or without gloves as the day warms up)

I’ve seen two types of adjustment systems
1) Friction slide-through (like the picture below). These are easy to adjust, but you have a plastic buckle grating on the back of your hand.

2) Internal within the grip. Adjustment requires pushing out a little plastic pin, removing the strap, adjusting, and slotting the pin back into place. To me, this style feels better, but I never bother to adjust them when slipping gloves on or off; so the length isn’t ever really “right”.

Is there a style #3 with some sort of quick-lock adjustment? Perhaps something like the lever-clamp mechanism now common for pole-length adjustment, built into the handle? I know there would be a weight penalty, but I think I’d pay that ~1 oz or so to always have my straps the right length.

[Bill Budney]

Not a direct answer to your question, but I had a similar frustration with adjusting the straps on my poles. I also found changing pole length annoying, especially on rolling hills.

Eventually I decided that changing my grip was easier. So I set the straps for maximum length and set the pole length for level ground, then:

• Hand goes up through the loop then wraps around the strap, holding the pole lightly with fingertips (normal cross country ski grip); pressure is on the strap. I use this grip for slight downhills and sometimes on level.
• Hand goes straight through top of the loop and grips the lower “secondary” grip on the pole; pressure on the strap: For uphills, makes effective pole length shorter. I also use this grip on level ground as an alternate to the above, like changing handlebar grip on a bicycle.
• Hand on top of pole; pressure on palm: For steep downhills and balancing on water crossings.

Changing my grip takes a second from x-c style to uphill style, two seconds for reverse. I find it simpler and more effective than tinkering with strap or pole lengths.

 

[Aaron D]

Answering my own question (at least partially) for posterity:

It appears that Leki’s current poles have the adjustment I was hoping for.

Perhaps other manufacturers too. It looks like it’s time to go look at a few in person.

[JCH]

Interesting, but I haven’t adjusted my straps since first getting the poles :)

[Bill in Roswell]

Leki strap adjustment is very easy. Pop the top of the strap upward, releasing the hinged friction lock. Pull strap to length, push the top lback down. Its about a 20 second job. Not seen any easier with consistent reliability Also, I much prefer the flexibilty of the polyester strap that easily conforms to hand shape and dries quickly.

[Aaron D]

Thanks, @Bill. I’ll definitely shop for Leki’s.

@JCH, Re: “…haven’t adjusted my straps…” – I’ve generally used the same set of poles for summer hiking (with thin gloves at most) and snowshoeing or climbing (with thick winter gloves). With my last couple sets of Komperdells, I seem never to have quite the right length for either use. Dedicated season-specific sets would be one option, but that’s multiplied by a family of 4… Glad to know at least one brand has improved in the 10+ years since I last bought a couple pairs.

 

[JCH]

@Aaron D – Looks like the Leki  are the way to go for you, and it is definitely a premium brand…no real chance of going wrong with them.  They are not the lightest, nor the most minimal for whatever that is worth to the individual.

I don’t get any snow action so have no need for strap adjustment.  My poles are MYOG 2-section CF (14mm & 12mm) with GG Corkalon handles and BD flicklocks.  Weigh ~4oz each.  I can’t imagine a better pole…for me.

[dirtbag]

My black diamond poles straps adjust.

[Author]

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