(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best trekking poles

I'm training to summit Mt St Helens in about four weeks. I'd like to buy trekking poles soon to train with them before the summit. I also intend to use these for backpacking trips around the PNW.

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So far I'm between these two:

• Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles
  
• Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles
  
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  What trekking poles would you all recommend?

http://www.amazon.com/VOROSY-Trekking-Climbing-Physical-anti-shock/dp/B00Y82IYCC

I've used these on a couple of trips now - super comfortable, nice and light and flip lock.

When I was researching poles and trying a bunch out, I decided to go with flip locks - twist locks just didn't seem durable and seemed like a week point in the strenghth and design. In the little bit of testing I did - I didn't find a twist lock that I liked.

Flip locks add a little volume and take away from the streamlined appearance, and probably hurt your aerodynamics a miniscule amount - but they felt so much sturdier, and I like that you can adjust the gription of the lock mechanism.

I'm also not an expert on trekking poles, but I wanted some that were a small size packed, light and could support my tarp and got these. I've traveled with and they've gotten some decent use and have yet to give me an issue. I've had them for like 3 years.
https://www.amazon.com/VOROSY-Trekking-Climbing-Backpacking-Collapsible/dp/B00Y80GK84

I’m quite fond of the $18 and $40 HETTO poles on Amazon. I have both plus a few different Black Diamond poles.

Hetto 1 Pair Carbon Fiber Hiking... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075N83SVJ

Amazon has carbon poles for $20 I love mine https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CN6X4NS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ABWRAbQJMJ9MC

Problem is I'm not sure what length I really want (I'm 6'5), probably won't know for sure unless I try them out in a store for a while (no REI or similar close by).

What about these? Cheaper than the ultralight ones, probably stronger too (aluminum vs carbon fiber), good brand, although 10 oz heavier than the black diamond ultra distance.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HZ28YCM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=39VFV2KX4RLBM&coliid=I2Z2DDMXVF3D5R&psc=1

You could always pick up some tip caps like these:
https://www.amazon.com/Need-Extra-Hiking-Pole-Replacement/dp/B019ZRS9B0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484179894&sr=8-1&keywords=trekking+pole+caps

Cheaper option is to go into a hardware store and repurpose caps designed for chair legs. Something like this:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Waxman-4-Pack-1-125-in-Black-Rubber-Tips/3032995

I just checked the caps that came with my CP3's, and they weigh 11 grams each. They can also come in handy if you have long road walks.

I've heard really good things about the Pacemaker Stix Expedition poles which are avaialable for $50 and backed by a solid warranty too.

I really like these Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IC7XZ68

$59.97 on Amazon.

I prefer this version or this one, which seem a bit more elegant in design to my sensibilities.

The Paria outdoor gear aluminum poles are $48 on Amazon. I have a pair and really like them. The quick fold/unfold is really nice, and they store a lot more compactly than the telescoping kind, but are still adjustable. There also make a lighter (but slightly more fragile) carbon fiber version for $60.
https://www.amazon.com/Paria-Outdoor-Products-Tri-Fold-Trekking/dp/B01HCL1WJC?ref_=w_bl_hsx_s_sp_web_14371119011

Cascade Mountain Tech has a really good pole for its price.

https://www.amazon.com/Cascade-Mountain-Carbon-Fiber-Trekking/dp/B01MUFDBQ9

Ok... I'm gonna try and look exclusively on amazon, because it seems pretty representative of prices elsewhere and it would take too long to look everywhere. I'll work in UK money, since that's where I live, and I'll convert it to USD at the end.

• Archery - £23
  
  
• Hatchet - £10
  
  
• Bowie Knife - £80
  
  
• Slingshot - £3
  
  
• Small and large BBs - £11
  
  
• Flint and Steel - £1
  
  
• Collapsible Fishing Rod - £10
  
  
• First Aid Kit - £17
  
  
• E-Tool - £60
  
  
• Hiking Boots - £65
  
  
• Socks x 5 - £10 x 2 = £20
  
  
• Underpants - £25
  
  
• T-Shirt x 10 - £3 x 10 = £30
  
  
• Climbing Rope - £37
  
  
• Twine - £8
  
  
• Jeans x 3 - £20 x 3 = £60
  
  
• Duct Tape - £6
  
  
• Matches - £3
  
  
• Water Purification Tablets - £4
  
  
• Toothbrush x 30 - £3 x 30 = £90
  
  
• Gloves - £10
  
  
• Plant ID Book - £23
  
  
• Guille Suit - £39
  
  
• Beef Jerky isn't on Amazon, but I'd hazard a guess at around £20 for enough to keep you going.
  
  
• Also not on amazon, but 50 smokes would add up to around £25.
  
  
• Snare Wire - £24
  
  
• Hiking Stick - £16
  
  
• Compass - £2
  
  

• Magniying Glass - £8
  

  
  

  All of these items add up to £730, or $1040, so, unfortunately, just over $1000.
  

  
  

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You can definitely save some money on trekking poles. You can consider going for Hiking Hunger Carbon trekking poles( on sale on Amazon). Other option is to go with BD Alpine Ergo ( slightly cheaper).

https://www.amazon.com/Hiker-Hunger-Carbon-Fiber-Trekking/dp/B01C60REBO

For firestarter you can check here for some cheaper options. Light My Fire is a decent choice.

I like these ones for about $50.

I used this method, laid out by Andrew Skurka:

https://andrewskurka.com/trekking-pole-replacement-tips-buyers-guide-instructions/

I used these tips on my Locus CP3S:

Black Diamond Flex Tips, Long https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UYTFCA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_louxDb4QMGNGG

A more expensive set of poles may have flick locks (easier to adjust and perhaps more reliable than twist locks) and cork handles (Black Diamond Carbon Cork).

7.8 oz

https://www.amazon.ca/Cascade-Mountain-Tech-Collapsible-Trekking/dp/B07FSYS27P/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=cascade+mountai+ntech+carbon+fibre+quick+lock&qid=1558187885&s=gateway&sr=8-2-spell

I have the aluminum ones theyre well made

This was the original item, it's nothing like the new item

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

I bought these a year ago for snowshoeing and hiking. They’ve been solid and reliable so far.

Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Adjustable Trekking Poles - Lightweight Quick Lock Walking Or Hiking Stick - 1 Set (2 Poles), EVA Grip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L5YWW7I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_i2y4DbZDHHY5K

I also need a single pole, but that also means I can sell you my remaining one. Does this one work? Obviously just one, not a pair.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IC7XZ68

https://www.amazon.com/Cascade-Mountain-Tech-Aluminum-Collapsible/dp/B01L5YWW7I/ref=sxin_2_ac_m_pm?ac_md=1-0-VW5kZXIgJDI1-ac_d_pm&keywords=hiking%2Bpoles&pd_rd_i=B01L2HYPNW&pd_rd_r=84279085-3ca7-455c-9de4-71b461456d4a&pd_rd_w=FFOMK&pd_rd_wg=wZLRs&pf_rd_p=808372f4-ce06-4458-88ef-16b605aa053a&pf_rd_r=S4N5RM73TD25REDG73JV&psc=1&qid=1573928460&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01L5YWW7I