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[Request] hiking poles (pair) (sopuli.xyz)

submitted 2 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I hike with my dog about 5 miles every day. I recently started to use poles, which have been great for clearing debris from the trail, and fighting off unwanted attention from unruly dogs on the trail.

I have a pair of lightweight aluminum twist to lock collapsible poles, but after 12 days of use the twist lock mechanism failed on one.

I am looking for something that is going to be more sturdy. I do not need ultra light weight, as the initial thought behind using them was for an upper body workout while hiking. AMA having a little more weight to them should I need to use them as a club would be welcome.

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

If you want something durable it's best to go with two piece poles rather than three pieces. When poles bend or break it's always on the bottom piece because it's the thinnest.

Unfortunately two piece poles can be hard to find. I've been considering getting some MSR poles because it's a reputable brand and they have a two piece option. I just wish they offered a model with cork handles because I've gotten used to cork and will miss it.

https://cascadedesigns.com/products/dynalock-trail-backcountry-poles

These are intended for snowshoeing, which makes sense considering the only time I've bent a pole it was while snowshoeing. But of course they can be used anywhere and come with regular mud baskets. If you're looking for maximum durability, these are a good option.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 days ago (1 children)

If a little more heft is okay, and you want to be able to use it as a club, perhaps a staff/large stick would be an answer? Cheap/free, just find one and make sure the ends dont have splinters. Will be sturdy, as long as you keep it dry, will last ages.

Downside is that it won't be collapsible.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 days ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

I do have a stick I use from time to time. I use it mostly when walking in town. But for the length of our daily hikes, it is too heavy, and it is only one and I would like a pair, and that would end up being way too heavy.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 days ago

While we wait for actual valid suggestions (I'm also in the market for some good hiking poles), in keeping with the low budget options, you could try a hollow metal curtain rod from a hardware store. You can put a rubber foot on it, and it might be a bit lighter than a stick, but still fairly strong.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/pillar-25mm-x-2-0m-black-curtain-rod_p1284013 < that one is 2m long, weighing 600g. Not sure where that fits in relative to your stick. Maybe its still too heavy :/

Hopefully someone has some better suggestions soon.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 day ago

I use bamboo poles that are cut to size for my height. They are sturdy and strong, but lightweight, so they may not be exactly what you need for the workout piece. They have an changeable rubber tip on the bottom that I swap when it loses its grip.