TREKKING POLES - Buying ADVICE!

Trekking Poles can be confusing to shop for. I've personally purchased a few pairs, not knowing a single thing about why I was buying them. For how useful and expensive they can be, there isn't a whole lot of explanation about the different kinds, how they work, and what to buy.

In this video, I cover 3 different types of Leki Trekking poles and give you my buying advice.

If I were you, I'd pick up the following

ABOUT ME:
👋 My name is Emory, and I love helping people learn how to backpack, so I've dedicated this channel to offering practical tips and techniques, down-to-earth perspectives on gear, and general outdoor commentary to help you improve your experience in the backcountry.

Emory, By Land

P.S. Don't forget to check out my beginner backpacking course!

This channel is dedicated to helping you get better at backpacking. I hope these videos leave you feeling inspired and encouraged to pursue that backcountry adventure you’ve been dreaming of!

**********************

FAVORITE BACKPACKING GEAR:

**********************

WHERE TO SHOP FOR BACKPACKING GEAR:

[Bluetongue.]

Came for the advice, stayed for the porno music

[captaincoyote]

As a retired 64 year old, and after two careers. (Retired Navy and retired Federal Wildlife Officer), 40+ years of refusing to grow up and doing crazy s—t to my body, I cannot imagine hiking with anything on my back without poles. You are right on, Em, when you say “click! I get it!” Because I resisted poles for a long time! I also like using them to tap on opposite sides of logs and rocks, as I move forward in “high snake” country! Used “twist lock” on shake down backpack hikes....you are right! Annoying to readjust. When I return to the AT this year, Leki Corclites WITH SpeedLoc, will be coming with me! Bravo-Zulu on an informative AND entertaining, to-the-point video. NOW better get to repairing that divot you put in the wife’s counter top!

[JamesBrown-ntpo]

I was a runner years ago. I’ve only recently started hiking to any serious degree. I knew poles were a good idea given a few prior knee injuries. My first poles were carbon fiber and twist-to-set from a national chain sporting goods store. I used them a few weeks before I started researching what my “real” poles might be. This video is the best. My LEKI poles arrived yesterday... with cork hand grips and speed locks. Just finished a 10 mile afternoon on a local trail. The difference in quality needs to be experienced to fully understand. You have improved every mile I’ll cover from here on out. Thanks a million!

[josephjamison]

I use the Z-style, tri-fold, whatever you want to call them. Used the same pair on a thruhike of the PCT, then Backcountry Skiing, Snowshoeing, five 14ers a numerous day hikes and short backpacking trips. Function wise they are great, make sure to buy ones that adjust, some don't. They pack up smaller than standard poles, which makes them easier to stow in your pack for travel by car or public transportation. They are also considerably lighter than standard poles. Been using them for 6 years won't go back to standard poles. The one draw back is they are difficult to carry by hand in the collapsed position, they are awkward, I would suggest some type of strap or something to keep them together during transport.

[onamiilove]

My first trekking pole was $2 non- adjustable from thift store and my hiking game went way up!!! Faster strides and upper body trim down. Awesome feeling...time to step up my pole game now!!

[steventodd]

Thanks for the video! I've used them off and on for years, but 3 months ago, had total knee replacement (I'm 64 but in great shape) and yesterday hiked a moderate 2.5 mile up and down trail in Rocky Mountain National Park... with my trekking poles. My surgeon (who is also the US Winter Olympic Team Physician, told me simply, "your trekking poles are your permanent hiking partners forever!!

[Jondantic]

Have been hiking for 30 years without trekking poles successfully with 25 kg packs. Bought my first pair 3 months ago as I now have arthritic knees. These things have changed my life. I can now hike better for longer. Really wish I had listened. Thanks mate. Excellent advice

[isk]

I have watched at least 4-5 videos to get some idea about trekking poles that best suits myself as a beginner level hiker in Alberta... And all of the influencers are bullshitting to sell me what ever they can! Except you! Finally I have an idea what to get, thanks to you!

[lornelorne]

If the speed lock trekking pole is used to thrust hard like a spear (in a self defense scenario), do you think the pole would endure or would it collapse? Just wondering about the durability of the locking mechanism on the telescopic poles. Thanks

[nigeltaylor]

Big Fella that is fantastic advice, I am actually looking for my first set of poles so the information you have just given ( all be it 3 yrs ago) is perfect for me . Thanks

[Annie-cvuq]

Saved me so much grief! Answered exactly what I was concerned about. Thank you!

[ahmedal-rubie]

I am 27 and have been using poles for the best part of 5 years!!
My knees are terrible going downhill and they are an absolute lifesaver! I wouldn't imagine going on any trek involving hills without poles. I just bought a pair of Leki khumbu antishoock ones after years of buying cheaper brands. Looking forward to putting them to good use!

[eddies]

I have quick locks, and I have black diamond z-poles. Both are awesome. The z poles are light and strong, and pack up small. I also have some cheap z poles that are kinda wobbly, so don’t skimp. I also use poles for my tents, and the z poles can be tricky to use. The have limited height range, and they are actually too long for one of my tents. I’d say quick lock style are best for that purpose, they just don’t pack down as small as the z poles if you want to hook them to your backpack. Bottom line, both have pros and cons. If the quality of my black diamonds weren’t so awesome, I’d probably go with quick locks.

[virtualtreks]

As a senior looking to start using trekking poles to help reduce stress on my knees I found this video very helpful. Thanks for posting.

[jublywubly]

Thanks for the great advice! I do a fair bit of hiking and I'm moving up to greater inclinations and rougher terrain. There have been many times when I wish I had a pair of trekking poles. Now I can see what's in the stores, while knowing what features to look out for.

[felippetf]

@Emory By Land have you tried to wrap some rubber bands on the collapsible parts to improve your grip and help you unscrew the tight part?

[cibablea]

You solved it for me; bought the Leki. Thanks, mang.

[libu]

I have the tent pole type where there is a cable running through the pole and you collapse by folding. Well, the ones I’ve been using for 1 month just failed. There is no way to secure the sections together, as they are held in place by friction. As of today, the middle section on one of my poles keeps sliding out of the top section mid-stride, so I found myself stopping to reinsert it every minute or so. I cut my hike short and immediately began researching trekking poles the moment I got home. Thank you for your helpful video!

[Rashoop]

Someone may have mentioned this to you already... Leki has a GREAT warranty. Send that defective (non-collapsing) pole to them. They should either fix or replace it.
Also, the Leki Vario poles I have use the simulated cork also. Looks like cork, works like cork, but more durable than cork. Great poles, and I agree about the speed-lock system. Awesome.

[mrgee]

What do you think about the Komperdell Stiletto Expedition trekking poles? They have a push button at the very top. Just press your thumb to change length.