Reddit mentions of Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles - Carbon Fiber Strong Adjustable Hiking or Walking Sticks - Lightweight Quick Adjust Locks - 1 Set (2 Poles), Blue

https://www.amazon.com/Cascade-Mountain-Tech-Carbon-Trekking/dp/B00EJP43FA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473433137&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=cascade+mountain+trekking+poles&psc=1

Get that costco swag

Trekking poles are the one area where Amazon beats Aliexpress:

 

CMT Carbon Quick Lock Trekking Poles = $36.84 USD

CMT Aluminium Quick Lock Trekking Poles = $16.76 USD

EDIT: looks like game over on these cheaper prices, back to ~$39 and ~$23 respectively

The tent and ground tarp are way too heavy, over 11lbs combined for just those two. If it is just going to be you then a one or two man tent would be a lot better.

The first aid kit is way too much as well. There are much smaller hiker kits out there.

You don't need three kinds of lights, most people get by with just a headlamp, maybe one other small lightweight light if you want a second light.

A lot of the stuff in the cookware kit is unnecessary but could just be left.

Do you already have a stove or how are you planning on cooking?

The water purifier looks like a chinese knockoff of the Sawyer mini, which is about the same price.

The sleeping pad might not be enough, I think you want one that is a minimum 3.5 r value if you are expecting snow.

You mentioned having a 3 season bag, if it isnt at at least 15-20 degrees below than your expected temps then you will probably be very cold.

Edit: these cascade mountain poles are generally better reviewed and are about the same price, they are also sold in stores at Sam's Club or Costco (cant remember which).

Edit 2: Fixed the first link, it didnt work. These poles are the ones I actually have and they have held up well.

You're kind of where I was a couple years ago. After my research I decided to go cheap and get these poles, realizing that I would probably want a much nicer set later on, and if I bought ~$75 poles I would just regret it more. They're a great value at the price and I have no serious complaints given that. But I do now want something lighter with a better adjustment and collapsing system, so a good set of lighter z-fold poles is on my list. I plan to keep these around and use them as loaners for the poor saps I drag along with me.

these or these. /thread

$40 dollars. Way less than the black diamond and comparable quality. See andrew skurka's comparison.

thanks to /r/ultralight :)

Andrew Skurka officially recommends the Cascade Mountain Tech Quick Lock Poles. He puts in a lot of miles, so they're pretty durable.


I've had a set of the foam-handled ones for a few years now. I'm pretty sure I've put more than 400 miles on them and they're still going strong so you can add my recommendation too :) Hard to beat for $36 on Amazon :)

Here is the link:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EJP43FA/ref=mp_s_a_1_2

I have had great results with Cascade Mountain Tech and they are relatively cheap compared to the more expensive name brands. They collapse and when extended have never had an issue with any parts slipping.

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https://www.amazon.com/Cascade-Mountain-Tech-Collapsible-Trekking/dp/B00EJP43FA/ref=sr_1_10?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1549362983&sr=1-10&keywords=trekking%2Bpoles&th=1

I mean you can tighten them by hand, but i like to overdo things.

Edit: Here are the poles. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EJP43FA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If for some reason that doesn't work, Amazon has the Costo poles for just a few bucks more:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EJP43FA/ref=s9_acsd_al_bw_c_x_1_w

I got mine from Bay-Area Costco hit or miss if yours carries them. More expensive from amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EJP43FA/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1501342519&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=Cascade+Mountain+Tech&dpPl=1&dpID=31PAa8UOM1L&ref=plSrch

Not sure where in Europe you are, but the Costco poles are available to buy online in the UK at least. They go by "Cascade Mountain" - here they are: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cascade-Mountain-Carbon-Fiber-Trekking/dp/B00EJP43FA

My primary reason for getting trekking poles was my hands would always (and still do if I don’t use them) swell when I hiked. But I found that, at least UL poles, are a real joy to walk with, and offer a lot of assistance with descending especially. And they’re the pope for my tarp at night, saving me weight there.

If you don’t mind spending $40ish, buy the Cascade Mountain Tech poles and give them a go. (I think that link is for Amazon Prime members only, but they’re available at a Costco, too, should you have one nearby.)

If you were holding off on the Cascade Mountain Tech ones due to price, they just went on sale on Amazon for around 40% off. They're now listed at $27, down from $45.
Link

These should be the correct ones: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EJP43FA

Just got these delivered yesterday actually. They seem pretty solid but haven't had a chance to do much with them.

When I started backpacking it was in Boy Scouts 35 or so years ago- we carried everything. I am 35 years older now so I figure if I carry less I will have more fun.

Butterfly bandage and ace bandage are good ideas.

I am thinking about the trekking poles- I found some inexpensive ones on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Cascade-Mountain-Carbon-Fiber-Trekking/dp/B00EJP43FA/ref=sr_1_2?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1413740260&sr=1-2&keywords=trekking+poles

I am trying go cheap- as I have already spent about $300 bucks on on backpack/sleeping bag/base layer/socks.

Trekking poles will save your knees. They are most valuable on accents and decents. If you get/have them... make sure everyone in the group does. The one without will suffer.

Inexpensive carbon fiber, lightweight, strong, flick locks (better than twist locks)

Cheaper, heavier, without the flick locks

Don't think... oh we're a bunch of young guys we don't need these silly walking sticks... Professional mountaineers all use them. I only wish I knew about trekking poles when I was your age.

Investing in a nicer down bag, or even a more budget-friendly one like an Aegismax, will also allow you to ditch the compression sack for even more weight savings, as down can compress more easily than synthetic.

It seems like budget is a concern, but it's really worth it in many cases to spend a little bit more one time, rather than having to spend money twice on gear you're going to want to replace (while I totally understand that whatever gets you out there, works).

Take a look at these trekking poles. They're the budget-friendly crowd favorite. Spring for the cork handles if you can. The anti-shock of the pole you listed is a fairly useless feature in practice that adds weight.

And yes, all the dry bags cost money, and add weight. Trash compactor bags are inexpensive, lightweight, and do the trick. I also like to use them to pack out other peoples trash on the last day.

Here is a much lighter, relatively affordable bug net option.

For the most part no. People often reccoment <this> and <this> as cheap, easy, and lightweight options. You can buy these at costco sometimes too. I think costco sells them for $20. also here's a review for them