How to Choose Trekking Poles

[@jameswuu4241]

Thanks for the video! Straightforward and easy to understand comparisons.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

You're welcome, James. Happy trails. ~ Ben

[@dfclbb]

Excellent, straight-to-the-point video! Thanks.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

You're welcome, David. ~ Ben

[@mrwmc22]

Excellent video, just what I needed. Great job!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I'm glad it was useful. ~ Ben

[@roanahb]

Such a great and informative video 👍🏼😊❤️

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Cheers @Roana B.! ~ Lauren

[@bluecheese1066]

Very informative. Cheers!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Glad to have been helpful! ~ Lauren

[@hamishjohnappleby3825]

Great video - However, you missed one other important aspect and that is the difference between holes with and without suspension. I do yearly walks of around 1000 km per walk and I always use poles with suspension because I find they are better on the wrists. It's personal of course but people should be aware that they have the option. Leki used to do a great pole with with both a cork handle and suspension.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for your feedback, Hamish, I can see that the suspension would be useful for particularly long walks. ~ Ben

[@eesharaazia1445]

What is the difference between walking pole & walking stick? How do I determine I'm purchasing a pole & not a stick when buying randomly online.?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Hi, Eesha. Hiking and outdoor brands like Leki and Black Diamond generally refer to these as poles whereas, by my definition 'walking stick' is usually used in reference to a walking aid used by the elderly. But, I think the term can be used interchangeably. ~ Ben

[@carolcutmore2801]

What about weight issues do you need specisal pole ? If you're solid person ?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

A heavier person would be best avoiding the super lightweight/thin options. Any pole is going to bend if someone falls on them from the side, regardless of weight, but they are tested with a downward force to rate the holding limits of the locking mechanism. The strongest mechanism Leki have is the Super Lock which is the twist lock and has a 140kg rating. Some of the quick lock poles are down to around 120Kg. I'd recommend something like the Leki Eagle or Trail poles. ~ Ben

[@ynyslochtyn]

The T-handle poles may good for descent?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Yep, definitely something substantial to lean on for descents if you were to use "T" grip handles, Ynys Lochtyn. Not quite as streamlined to pack in a backpack though... there's always a trade off. ~ Ben

[@helwrj28]

Is aluminum more durable than Carbon alloy?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I'm not sure of the science on this sorry, Robert, but from my understanding, carbon offers more strength and longevity at a far lighter weight but a much higher cost. I have heard people saying that carbon poles are also nicer to use in that they are lighter in the hand and handle shock a little better. There may be some scientists reading this that can elaborate more, but from my point of view, if you want to save weight and can afford the carbon poles, you won't be disappointed. Failing that, aluminium poles are a good choice for the occasional user. ~ Ben

[@harveythompson6951]

Carbon fiber poles can shatter and break.

[@robertthetexan8537]

I'm not sure that I knew what kind of trekking pole I'd buy after this video, but man if I didn't have the strongest urge to travel from Texas to Australia and travel the length and breadth of your beautiful country. Australia still reminds me of Texas, minus the kangaroos and poisonous snakes. Oh wait we have those as well... Anyway, I'd likely pack my ruck up and head south of the equator except for this Australian mate by the name of W. Canterbury (I'll leave his first name off to protect his privacy and the fact he had hair plugs) but that SOB brought me a jar of vegemite from Perth all the way to Texas, and with evil and utter glee watched me take a big ol heaping teaspoon of that Vegemite and take that bad boy down like a big ol' spoon of honey roasted peanut butter (the smooth kind which is delicious). I won't go into the details of my revenge because I don't think the statute of limitations has expired, but let me just say, that is probably the last time he'll do his Vegemite trick without a nice slice of toast. Before I kick the bucket my goal is to learn to sail, buy a sailboat and sail to Australia. It'll probably kill me, but that's a more optimistic goal than saving and traveling there. Oh I'll have to wait until y'all pull your heads out of your backside on the whole vaccine thing, but on a sailboat I can sorta just forget that whole thing. (Former MI spook so I can be sneaky) Oh and nice video. Looks like a great store too!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Haha, thanks for your comment, Robert. You'd be surprised how many of us eat Vegemite off a spoon here in Australia, not me personally but my Snowys Camping Show Podcast co-host, Lauren, eats it straight from the jar, sans toast. All the best with your sailing goals, I hope you are able to set anchor on our coast one day. ~ Ben

[@Cyfkycdrycvkb]

Will you be making this into a text and picture blog?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

We don't have any immediate plans for this, Sang, but we'll make a note of it. ~ Ben

[@manuelvolk6177]

I don't know if you guys are going to react to this, but what are the benefits of each type of locking mechanisms?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

The flick locks are easier to adjust with gloves on i.e. in an alpine environment, whereas twist lock are more streamlined so don't get caught up if in thick scrub. There are differences in weight loadings but these are generally well in excess of the forces an average person will place on their trekking poles. ~ Ben

[@MrZippoHead13468]

I just got the hiccups watching this.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

You need someone to give you a fright, Mark. ~ Ben

[@alphaartax1044]

90% alloy? aluminum, not alloy

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Yeah, good point Alpha Artax, thanks for picking this up, but late to change it now though sorry. ~ Ben

[@darrennorth7987]

This cant be the same Ben. Sound like he just left high school in this video.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Haha, that's one of the imposters. This Ben was with us some time ago, but he's moved to greener pastures now. ~ Ben

[@worddunlap]

Plastic, broad term. Cork can get quite nasty. I wrap mine in them rubberized roll bandage material. Friction tape sort of....Yes some can blister you. Get used to it...don't be a sissy.