Question of the Day ... Trekking Poles

Founder · Mar 27, 2014

Question of the Day ... Do you use trekking poles at all whiling hunting and/or backpacking into a hunting area?

I remember years ago my buddy and I making cracks about dudes using "walking sticks". It seemed so granola, and appeared all they were doing was packing extra weight. Man, was I a dope!
I use them on all my backpack trips and sometimes even when I'm doing a tough, before daylight hike into a hunting spot. (I don't use them while hunting) I discovered that not only do they help a person with balance, but also allows me to use my arms to take about 20-25 lbs. off my legs.

Another question for those who do use trekking poles. I can buy a basic set that weighs about 1 lb. for $40-$50. Is it worth it to go with the carbon model that weighs 13 oz., and pay an additional $100? I've never used the carbon model.

Brian Latturner
MonsterMuleys.com
Will you LIKE MonsterMuleys.com on Facebook! I need a friend....

bucklover · Mar 27, 2014

When hunting, I've already got enough crap to carry, and I don't want two sticks to put up with. I do use the two legged shooting sticks, that fold together, like one, when I'm walking. I use them as a walking stick, for balance, mainly, but they are instantly ready, to be used as a shooting stick when I need it.

Bruinbrewin · Mar 27, 2014

Brian,
I use a walking stick almost everywhere I go. I have a couple different ones and finally sprung for the Outdoorsman walking stick. I started with a $20 off Craigslist to see if I would use it and it was very useful and did not get in the way. I screwed on a shooting V for rifle and I have it set at pretty much eye level for the rifle and I also use it for resting my binoculars on when I stop while standing. I use the 15X and have them on my harness and when I see something that catches my eye I just place the bino's on the top of the V and stabilizes them as good as on a tripod. That is out to about 400 yds or so then I sit and pull out the tripod.
BB

earlyriser · Mar 30, 2014

Never used them. I am still at the stage of poking fun when I see someone with them....Ha!

beech18 · Mar 31, 2014

I use to think using walking sticks where for sissy's. Until this year. I decided to give them a try against my personal judgement. Wish I would have used them sooner. They are awesome. I dont use them to actually hunt with but when backpacking in and out with a heavy load, helps alot in my opinion.

Thunderclapper · Mar 31, 2014

In my experience trekking poles extend your hiking range and increase the amount of meat you can comfortably pack out. I used to make fun of them until I gave them a try.

seven · Apr 1, 2014

Carbon fiber poles can be found for a good price. I got some komperdell carbon fiber poles recently for $77 online. I've used them the last several times I've gone shed hunting and I really like them so far. They've saved me from taking some nasty falls on really muddy hillsides as all the snow melts.

bigbull1 · Apr 6, 2014

Been doing poles for 7-8 years anytime I think terrain or weight in my pack requires a third and fourth point of contact with the ground. Poles has saved me many falls, trips and potentially hunt ending tumbles more than I can remember...

I have trashed many cheap poles, and now have a set of Diamond Expedition external clamp poles for the last three years. I sanded them and painted them flat brown, As they were stainless and cherry red, reflecting even moonlight

I use them in place of tent poles when spiking out and like putting my binocs on them when glassing!

Ed

Guess I'm the old guy people chuckle at on the trail, LOL!

bighornbob · Apr 7, 2014

The only people that don't use poles are the guys that don't back pack enough to realize how important they are.

Up here is BC, almost anyone that back packs in for sheep uses the poles. As others have said they provide additional points of contact on the ground. When carrying big weight an additional point can save you from really getting hurt.

The best benefit is for going up or down hills and side hilling. If you get adjustable poles, shorten them when going up hill and your arms can help your legs by pulling. When going down hill, I make them quite long so they can reach the ground a few feet in front of you. Just a word of caution, I take my hands out of the straps when going down hill. I fell once heading down hill and the pole was stuck in the ground and my hand was strapped in to the pole. I almost impaled myself on the pole as I could not release from it. So now I take my hands out of the straps when descending. Even side hilling they work. The high side gets shorten while the low side gets lengthened.

BHB

kk · Apr 9, 2014

I use them most of the time. I think they really help. And I liked the ones from costco last year better than this years model.

Mallards_Only · Apr 10, 2014

The Costco ones lasted me a year--long enough to realize they were worthwhile enough to spend the money on a good quality pair. Word of advice--get the flip-lock adjustments. The twist-locks are more sensitive to inclement weather(cold, wet, ice, etc) and the poles are useless if you can't adjust them.

Founder · Apr 10, 2014

Are the carbon fiber poles worth the extra $$$ though?

Brian Latturner
MonsterMuleys.com
Will you LIKE MonsterMuleys.com on Facebook! I need a friend....

gznokes · Apr 14, 2014

All of them can break. I really like the black diamond carbon w flint lock. I do not like the Lekis w the twist locks (much slower). In my opinion it's not a question between lightweight aluminum and carbon. It's between heavy aluminum and carbon. The lightweight aluminum crease and break much easier--especially for guys over 6' tall and pushing 200 lbs going hard in the scree in the back country. So yes! Carbon is worth it. Just don't get the ultra ultra light two piece versions. Those seem to be too minimalist

earlyriser · Apr 20, 2014

LAST EDITED ON Apr-20-14 AT 05:39PM (MST)[p]Edited

cabinfever · May 6, 2014

I use to poke fun of the nature lovers and their trekking poles. Not any more. If you are a serious backpack hunter you are at a major disadvantage by not using them. Most of your serious Alaskan sheep guides will tell you to not show up for a hunt without them. Infact, not using them in steep country could result in serious injury or worse. They are back savers and frankly help you to go longer and harder. Trying to keep your balance in scree slides is exhausting and dangerous. Your burning precious calories trying to stay verticle, not to mention your arms help share the load with your back and legs. Black Diamond makes a solid pole. I use the Aluminum ones but have thought long and hard about the carbon poles.Laugh all you want but I'll not be found in the hills without one and I will also mention that they really shine when your carring 100+ pounds of meat and antlers.

Founder · May 6, 2014

Easton has come on board to sponsor our Big Bucks, Big Bulls, and Other Big Stuff Contests and they loaned me some packs and the carbon trekking poles last week. I used them in Wyoming shed hunting, hiking some steep, rugged country and I liked them. The weight was amazing they're so light!!!
Will tell more in another thread.

Brian Latturner
MonsterMuleys.com
Will you LIKE MonsterMuleys.com on Facebook! I need a friend....

jims · Jun 1, 2014

I never used poles until my buddy got me hooked on them for packing large loads on an Alaska dall sheep hunt. Now they are a "must have" on super steep slopes. They save your legs...especially going downhill. Most of the time I don't use them when hunting because they make such a racket when they hit rocks.

A couple things I like w/poles is that they telescope small and are light weight. I would also recommend paying extra for a quality set. Cheap ones likely won't hold their grip at the telescoping locking mechanism.

I would recommend Sierra Trading Post. You can get 25 to 45% off and if you use a coupon code can get an additional 20 to 35% off! I bought Leki's from them and they are fantastic. They are made in Germany and have been in the mountaineering business for years. Which ever poles you get be sure to take a look at reviews of the particular model you are interested in.

As you start using poles you will likely learn there are techniques that will save your legs and back. As mentioned earlier...shorten the uphill pole. Also run your hand through tight straps so you can torque against the poles. You can put a lot of weight on the poles when going down steep hills and it will really save your legs, knees, and back!