Hiking/Trekking poles

I think poles are good, but I only use them on multi day hikes with a heavy pack, that is when they make the most sense. On single day hikes, with only a light daypack on the back and usually busy scrambling up or down some challenging route....they are in the way.

I use two poles - long hikes and day hikes - also for "practice" ie to be used to them on the longer/overnight hikes (unless climbing/scrambling involved as yes they can get in the way)

Lucky enough to have a brother living in France so have a super lightweight pair of Quechua poles.

I have switched to 2 pole hiking after many years of no poles, and it took a while to get used to but in my experience there is a definite advantage in the load share to your arms and off your legs, and I also found it increased hiking speed over flat terrain.

Ascents and descents on a steep path were also improved with the extra pull using arms going up, and the improved balance going down.

So, time for new trekking poles.

Had a cheap set of K-Way's before, they did last a while so definitely nothing against K-Way.

What would you guys recommend? Budget can go to around R1.5k for a set, but cheaper can (obviously) also work. (I'm not a gear snob...).

Thanks!

I have had 3 trekking poles (2 currently work, 1 broke within 6 months).

My first one was the cheapest First Ascent one, it was terrible - the plastic thing on the handle that holds it top together kept falling out, it's tip fell out and after 6 months it became the thing my mother keeps in her car for when she wants to walk up the hill and its slippery...

My second one was the cheapest K-Way one. Its great, had it for 2 years now and it still works just fine. Only problem is that its handle is plastic and therefore by day 3 of a hike it hurts the webbing between your thumb and hand to the extent that it becomes rather irritating.

My 3rd one is a K-Way "ultra hyper carbon" (cost R300) with a rubber handle. It is great, had it for a year now - no complaints. Its also really light.

Ok - I see you're aiming at higher level ones, but hope that helps anyway.

ghaznavid wrote:
My 3rd one is a K-Way "ultra hyper carbon" (cost R300) with a rubber handle. It is great, had it for a year now - no complaints. Its also really light.

Ok - I see you're aiming at higher level ones, but hope that helps anyway.

Great I'll check it out. Great if one doesn't have to spend too much!

@Highlands I use Mr Price Sport trekking poles, I have used them for 2 years and had no issues whatsoever and at R120 a pole I can afford to take the chance, they have gotten me out of some sticky situations.

Hi All

I use just one Black Diamond Pole. It's has been great. I have often bent it probably beyond the 30degree mark and it has not broken., it also comes back to it's original shape. I find two poles a hassle especially up the more difficult passes where you sometimes have to use your hands and upper body.
Regards
Selous

Thanks to all for the replies!

I will likely go for the K-Way Aconcagua Carbon poles. Its the slightly more expensive version but with triple telescopic extension, these will likely be stored away more easily when not in use (as opposed to the cheaper Grand Canyon with only two telescopic sections, i.e. tougher to stow away at the back when not in use)