Backpacking Discussions

Posted by **sirbob** on Fri Apr 04, 2008 8:20 pm

I've been looking into getting some new trekking poles. The Black Diamond Spire Elliptical Trekking at REI has 17 great reviews. 4.5 out of 5 stars - Pros: Good grips(14), Lightweight(11), Easy to adjust(5), Strong(5), Flexible(4). Although, I think it is interesting that the newest two reviews is 1 star and 5 stars, so obviously there is a range of opinions. I love that it is only 20 ounces, but it doesn't come with shock absorbing. The range of height is pretty good with a max of 55 to a min of 27. A big problem is that it's $125! Any other trekking poles that are better (and maybe cheaper)?

Posted by **bpm** on Mon Apr 07, 2008 5:36 pm

I found this review for the 2007 Alpkit Carbonlite Trekking Poles on Backpacking Light's site.

Overall Rating » Recommended At $80.00 these are exceptional trekking poles. They combine high durability with very light carbon fiber construction. The grips are comfortable and the poles absorb a great amount of shock. If you are looking at carbon fiber poles but blanche a bit at some of the higher priced models, you won't go wrong with these even though they weigh an ounce more than the lightest 3-segment poles (Komperdell C3 Duolock Women's).

Introduction
Carbon fiber trekking poles are becoming quite common. We have reviewed an astonishing variety in the past year from large and small companies. Fixed length, 2-segment, and 3-segment poles with all manner of grips, straps, and locking systems have been examined. One thing many of the poles have in common though is their fairly high price. A notable exception can be found with the Alpkit Carbonlite Trekking Pole Review written by Doug Johnson last fall. Alpkit has since refined the pole, making several changes which I believe have made a value-leading trekking pole better yet.

What’s Good
Very stiff, deflecting 1.75 inches in our stiffness tests, among the least in their class.
For their stiffness and overall length they're quite light at 6.9 ounces per pole.
Secure locking system that remains easy to adjust.
Comfortable straps that do not cause undue sweat on the wrists.

What’s Not So Good
Somewhat less durable than aluminum poles where side impacts are concerned.

Specifications
Year/Model: 2007 Alpkit Carbonlite Trekking Poles
Style: Three-section collapsible
Shaft Material: Carbon fiber
Tips: Tungsten/Carbide Flex Tip
Grips: EVA foam with straps; cork grips with straps also available
Grip Size: medium
Weight Per Pole (without baskets): 6.7 oz (190 g) measured weight for poles with EVA foam grip; 6.9 oz (196 g) measured weight for poles with cork foam grip; manufacturer’s specification (not clear if it's with baskets) per their website 216g (7.6 oz) (EVA handle)), 220g ( 7.8 oz) (cork handle)
Pole Length: 26.6-53.9 in (65.5-137 cm)
Baskets Included? - Yes 2.2 inch baskets weighing 0.35 oz (10 g)
Basket Type: Press Fit
MSRP: about $80

Performance
A solid locking system is vital for any trekking pole. I used these poles on a variety of terrain including steep root and rock infested ground, and steep hard pack with plenty of loose rock and soil.

For more of the review, visit http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin ... eview.html

Posted by **sirbob** on Wed Apr 16, 2008 8:04 pm

Those sound good. They are cheaper at least! Anyone else?

Posted by **heliskiYT** on Wed Apr 23, 2008 10:21 am

Just head over to the camping dept. at Walmart and get their famous $10.00 Trekking Poles!

Made by Swiss Gear (WEGNER- the maker of Swiss Army knives, makes alot of camping gear under the name SWISS GEAR), these are amazing poles for the price. They are 3 pc, telescopic, anti-shock, carbide tip, with a removeable rubber tip cover, a larger rubber tip and a basket. Compressed size is 26 inches and extend up to 54 inches, using the twist and lock method. I've had them for years and although they do have wear-and-tear, they are still great. You can google them or find them on ebay for double the price, or you can get them from Wal-Mart (although I usually don't support them) for $9.97! For that price, if they only last a couple years, it is worth a try.

Posted by **outdoorhighadventure** on Wed Apr 23, 2008 9:58 pm

Just head over to the camping dept. at Walmart and get their famous $10.00 Trekking Poles!

Yup, heliskiYT isn't lying. I have a pair of those and I love them. Had them for a couple seasons, and for 10 bucks, they were a steal!

Posted by **sirbob** on Fri Apr 25, 2008 9:42 am

Wow. I can hardely believe that Wal-Mart would sell something like that and with the kind of quality that you guys say the poles are. I did go drive down the street (that is crazy that most people in America can just drive down the street to get to Wal-Mart, kind of sad actually...) and try them out at the store, but I was in a rush so I didn't get to study them a whole lot. I think I'll get them though. Even if those aren't the poles that I usually used, I can use them for trips when I'd have to get sandy water inside or something. Thanks you guys.

Posted by **Mark of the mountains** on Thu Sep 25, 2008 10:04 pm

I must say that I have purchased 2 sets of the trecking poles at Walmart (Swiss Gear brand) as gifts and one pair for myself. I am very impressed with them. The shock absorbers work great. They are durable and have taken the high abuse that I have given them. I broke the tip off another brand and had a problem with the adjuster on that same pair. That is when I started buying the Swiss Gear poles at Walmart for $20.00 a pair.

On the down side, I don't know how they compare on weight. They don't have the nice spongy, sweat absorbing cork handles that come on the expensive ones. The wrist straps are a little whimpy compared to the high end poles. None the less, I am starting to see alot of people using them so I am not the only one that is convinced by a good price.

Mark

Posted by **heliskiYT** on Sun Oct 05, 2008 7:44 pm

Mark of the mountain wrote:
On the down side, I don't know how they compare on weight. They don't have the nice spongy, sweat absorbing cork handles that come on the expensive ones. The wrist straps are a little whimpy compared to the high end poles. None the less, I am starting to see alot of people using them so I am not the only one that is convinced by a good price.

Ya those are true cons of these poles, but like you said, for $20, they are very much worth it. Honestly, the fact that they don't have cork handles isn't a big deal at all to me. They do weigh a little more than others, I've been trying to move to the ultralight side of backpacking. On the Walmart site, they say the shipping weight is 1 pound. The Alpkit Carbonlite Trekking Poles from above are about 7 ounces per pole, so about 1 ounce less than the Swiss Gear pole.

Posted by **sirbob** on Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:34 pm

Well I picked the Swiss Gear poles up from Walmart, and they are just what you guys said. They are really pretty good for the 20 bucks I bought them for! Not the best, but I'll use these when I go hiking in water or in rocky places where I risk ruining the hiking poles. Thanks for the help you guys! Glad I didn't buy the $125 ones! Although I might buy another pair that is a little nicer and better quality.

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