Back country hunters and trekking poles...

[Rigs]

Greetings All,

I'm wondering what you guys are using for good durable lightweight trekking poles...  I was using Arakans but broke one on a recent Mountain goat hunt and am looking to replace the other as well...

Thanks in advance.

Happy hunting,
Jason

[McDave]

I've used the same pair of Leki titanium trekking poles since my mountaineering days  10-15 years ago.  Hope they last the rest of my life!

[Burnsie]

I used a pair of Mountainsmith Rhyolites that worked quite well, until I took a tumble and landed across one - put a pretty good bend in it.  My brother did basically the same thing and snapped his off.

[slivrslingr]

Black Diamond carbon's with the cork grips.

[centaur]

Black Diamonds are good; had a pair for over 15 years, hiked the Grand Canyon with them twice, Granite Chalet,and all around Wyoming and Arizona, and they are still just fine.

[wingnut]

We use Black Diamonds on our wilderness hunts.  I like the adjustment with firm snap down.

Mike

[Rigs]

ttt

[saltwatertom]

Black diamond graphite 3 piece    

[jax]

What are trekking poles

[Bivyhunter]

Jax, trekking poles are basically walking sticks. They look a lot like ski poles typically. They are usually made out of aluminum or carbon fiber. I've been using Easton's and have had great luck--with both the alum's and the carbons.

[MnFn]

I bought some from Cabela's, (their brand).

Cork handles were comfortable. The only thing I was disappointed in was they came with a screw on soft tip that worked themselves loose and fell off on the first trek.

They were a huge help when I hurt my knee (worse) on the way back.

[Steve H.]

I wont go on another sheep or goat hunt without "sticks".

I build my own with bamboo with a hardwood plug epoxied in the lower end and wrap the grip with cloth tape.  They are infinity superior to all the trekking poles you can buy (yes I have seen them things collapsed before on the first day).

You can just about pole vault streams and chasms with a good bamboo pole, would you trust a wimpy pole for those tasks?

The only draw back is they are non-collapsible.

[ron w]

I use a cheap pair from Sportsmans Guide. I also use an old aluminum ski pole. I carve walking sticks as a hobby and some times use my own carved ones. No matter what you use they a great think......really good going down hill. My knees thank me every time.

[saltwatertom]

Black Diamond 3 piece. Expensive but worth it. If you are on a "serious" hunt i.e. , mount goat, sheep, etc, the best available is the only way to go. JMHO.

[beendare]

I've used a few. Prefer the Black diamond aluminum with cork handles. The BD cam lock is superior to the twist lock of others that can loosen up on ya.

I only use mine with a heavy load but the stability and the less jolts [knees, ankles, joints] when going downhill is a big advantage.

[Bjorn]

What do you do with your bow when using the sticks?

[Kevin Dill]

I use one stick for balance when carrying my bow. I only use 2 sticks when backpacking a heavy load or working in very treacherous footing. I think 2 sticks are a hindrance when hunting. I like the collapsible sticks, as I can externalize them on my day back when I don't actually need them.

[ron w]

I agree Mr. Dill.......  

[longrifle]

Komperdells are my choice gotta have the cork grips for sure

[Jack Shanks]

Bjorn,

I carried my bow either broken down in my backpack or strapped to it when assembled.Broken down in the pack is the best way. Wanted both hands free for using trekking poles or grabbing brush.  

My sheep and goat hunting days are over but I used the Black Diamonds on my last few hunts.