Two Trekker Gold Standard Hiking Poles Telescoping Collapsible Sticks for Backpacking Trekking Walking or Trail Hikes 1 Pair

So up front I have not used or had trekking poles before but they got good use with a recent 45 mile backpacking trip. With that in mind perhaps all of them are like these I don't know. They are very light and do collapse pretty far, far enough so that they are easy to carry and pack when not in use. They also did not break even with some rough use. However, they have a habit of collapsing at very inopportune times. I think I am fairly average in height and weight (69" and 155 lbs. woman) but when I used these to pull up or slow down on inclines/declines they often collapsed. I mean that even though the clamps stayed locked I apparently overcame them and forced them to retract. Which was bad enough but since it did not always happen it left me uncertain as to whether or not the poles would actually help me climb or slow my descent or if they would contribute to a serious injury. Also the plastic knobs used to tighten said clamps seemed very cheap and unreliable and needed to be repeatedly tightened or the clamps would just open and collapse. Since nothing major happened I am leaving it at 3 stars.

Bought these specifically for 6 day backpacking the Weminuche Wilderness Area Pine River/Flint Creek Trail, Colorado1) Not easy to adjust. screws must be tightened very tight or they collapse repeatedly at inopportune moments.During a creek crossing one pole suddenly collapsed, plunging me chest deep into the icy snow melt. Now both boots are filled with water and we had several hours to next camp and faced a 14 mile hike back to trail head the next day.In the late afternoon I stood on the riverbank and stripped down to skin to get into dry clothes or risk hypothermia.2) Design flaw: screws must be captive. Lost a screw.3) Without a screw the tip end of pole kept completely coming off the end, sometimes at critical steps.The tip length of pole came off during creek crossing which caused me to step knee deep in icy snow melt that filled my boot. Two and a half more days hiking were ahead. That pole length is buried in mud at the bottom of a creek in between the Continental Divide and Ute Lake.4) Two bulky screws and clamps on each pole hang up on plants, shrubs and even own gaiters or pant legs which throws hiker off balance frequently.5) Bulky screws and clamps make storing poles in pack loops very hard while not wearing pack and impossible to stash while wearing pack.6) 10 ounces each pole is not heavy UNLESS you can't collapse and stash poles in pack and you carry them 6 days. One day was 9 miles another was 14 miles.7 You simply cannot trust these to not collapse. That adds so much stress.

I bought these poles for hiking Mt Whitney this past July. Up and back 13.5 hours. I only used them on the way down when my legs were fatigued. I bought two pair, one for me and one pair for my sister who went with me. The tightening brackets/nut at the bottom kept loosening from the ground vibration, and so the segment would telescope back up inside itself. A bit of a pain in the butt over the course of 7hrs down when we were having to retighten every 15 to 20min or so. The handgrip also made my hands sore from holding. I know these aren't very heavy, but again, over the course of holding for several hours, I could definately feel it. I would have returned both after the trip, but the time frame I had to return them was already passed, so know they hang out in the garage next to the pair of carbon fiber poles my boyfriend found while waiting for us to return.... evidently, another couple came down the mountain, threw them down, said never again and walked off and left them there. I wish I would have had those on my trek! Such a difference side by side, specifically the weight and cork grip. Can't wait to use them on Whitney and Pikes peak this summer. So.... i know the price point is inexpensive, but I'd definately recommend spending the extra on carbon fiber poles. You won't be disappointed.... unless of course you buy these instead.

These were perfect for the hike in and out of Havasupai Falls in the Grand Canyon. Super lightweight, the hand grips were super comfortable and I never worried that they were going to break.

Really great for the price. I just use 1 so I lent the other to my husband on the AT rollercoaster. Very rocky and steep, these look great after a 12 mile beating, feel confident they will last awhile. Tightened screws down at desired height to make sure it didn't collapse while running on the trail.

Enjoy walking on the beach. These r sturdy, helps with my balance, so I have extra support on my legs.

I love it. Went on a 50 kms hike 15,000ft hight up and dowm. Difficult Terrain and really helped.

Love the locking mechanisms, and great grips from the tips. seem durable. we've taken them out over 3 days (1 day trip and an overnight hike) about 20 miles. comfy grips, the only adjustment is the wrist straps tend to loosen over miles, even though we have a different brand set with similar design that seems to do ok.