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I want to get my girlfriend some walking poles for Christmas since she found improvised poles (formerly known as sticks) really useful on steep stuff in France earlier this year.
What should I look for? Apart from the obvious - weight, length, material.
I know nothing about them. My instinct is to go for some of Alpkit's since I want something that just does the job, is good quality but not gimmicky and is good value, and Alpkit stuff normally fits that bill.
I got Alpkit ones for my mum a while back. V good VFM as you'd expect. Not had any complaints about them. I havent tried them so I dont know how much "weight" they'll take, but since theyre for your Mrs, that shouldn't be an issue.
I use a single pole when walking in france, and I really ought to get a second one. I've been looking at getting Alpkit ones for myself, but getting them out there when I fly with cabin luggage only is tricky. I might just have to get something from Decathlon instead.
Ones with a "flick lock" type closure are easier to operate and lock than the type which rely on twisting the pole. Certainly when cold and tired, with the poles heavily rimed....
Three stage poles will obviously collapse to smaller length so will be easier to stash on your sack should you need to use your hands.
Black Diamond always used to make some decent ones, though upper price range.
Have fun 🙂
Ones with a "flick lock" type closure are easier to operate and lock than the type which rely on twisting the pole. Certainly when cold and tired, with the poles heavily rimed
that's true.
I've had to use my teeth before 😳
Black Diamond Distance get a thumbs up from me. The three way fold makes them nice and small in a pack and they are quite quick to pop together.
those BD look nice but 2x price of alpkit carbons.
I like the Alpkit carbon jobbies, I have an old, old pair which are still in use. FastYoungGit borrowed them for an adventure and lent me his, with lever locks. I didn't like the way the levers caught on things, perhaps being used to the others.
Good tips, thanks.
Hadn't considered the locking mechanism much. The one on the ali Alpkit ones looks good - bit like a tent pole, with inner tension wire, but with a lock. Designed to be used with gloves. More good-sense design from Alpkit.
I walked with a friend recently who had some very nice Black Diamond carbon poles, but very pricey and fixed length.
Ones with a "flick lock" type closure are easier to operate and lock than the type which rely on twisting the pole. Certainly when cold and tired, with the poles heavily rimed....
I agree.
Three stage poles will obviously collapse to smaller length so will be easier to stash on your sack should you need to use your hands.
This too
Black Diamond always used to make some decent ones, though upper price range.
Mr and Mrs Slowoldman have Black Diamond Expeditions. Flick lock, 3 section, very compact. Very well made. Spare sections and locks readily available (not that I've need any spares yet).
Bought some carbon Karrimor ones earlier this year with the flip locks.
Meant to be very good - weigh bugger all...not really used them yet though.
£30 posted I think they were...
I've got pair of Leki Makalu from years ago, no idea of they still make them but I chose them because all ze Germanz use them, and the Hun seriously love a pair of walking poles. Good enough for them = good enough for me.
those BD look nice but 2x price of alpkit carbons.
You get what you pay for.
Leki are "supposed" to be the best AFAIK. No idea how true that is, but it's what we bought and I can't fault them.
It depends which features are important to you. My neighbour has a telescopic pair (standard 3 sections) where he can unscrew one of the handles and the top section can be filled with Schnapps! (I guess you could use any high alcohol refreshment! )
I know what your thinking, the same as I did - this is a game changer in the world of walking sticks!
You'd look a bit of a plum supping from a yard of schnapps, mind.
Look at Easton poles
[url= http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/the-basement-c524/easton-compact-aluminium-5-trekking-poles-p1566 ]Poles[/url]
I've got a pair of these and they've been great.
[url= http://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-x-lite-carbon-walking-poles-784103 ]Karrimor poles [/url] - I've got these. Prefer the flip lock fixing as I find twist lock poles fail often. Cheap to replace if they break or get lost.
After a yard of Schnaps. ...would you care?
Also consider the poles with angled hand grips. Like pacerpoles
I have the original 3 piece carbon fibre Alpkit ones. They're years old now but still functional. Don't do so much walking anymore, more bikepacking, but when I do they're handy. I also need them to pitch the shelter I use when I'm walking!