Suggestions for Hiking Poles

[J3NN1F3R]

I'm looking for suggestions on a set of cheap hiking poles for a broke college student. I need to get a pair in the next few months and have about 30-40$ to spend. I will be upgrading in about 8-12 months (post-graduation)when I will have several hundred dollars to spend, but would like to keep the first pair for visitors. Thanks for the info!

[vrocco1]

I use Black Diamond Trekking poles. I've had them for about two years, and they don't show a hint of wear. I also like the locking system. It is very secure, and has never given way on me. You can get them for around a hundred bucks (US) or less, depending on the features you want..

[swoosh]

walmart's house brand "outdoor designs" actually makes some decent poles that will work just fine for you until you can afford some top of the line lekis or black diamonds...

[rangerbill]

I am a beginner to the hiking scene, Essentially. However, Began Hiling at around 317 lbs. and needed something to help navigate the rough terrain. I was also broke. So, i went down to Lowe's and bought an 1.25 inch by 4 foot wooden Dowel. Cost acout $4 around here. i Drilled a quarter inch hole, six inches down and threaded through som leather boot straps from a shoe store, (doubled).
Now, these are very strong, and not too heavy. yet i would much rather have my stick should i need to defend myself from an animal or such.
BTW I still use the same stick. and i went down to 223lbs.

[whiteOak]

wow. thats some magic dowel! congrats on the weight loss

[stonemark]

just like I said it before, I always use no human-made poles, I just use some strong branches which can be found in the forest~

[whiteOak]

I just wonder what happened to this guy

[Sergemaster]

Since hiking poles are generally just ski poles, how about using a pair of those? They're relatively cheap and can find them just about anywhere either in used or bland spanking new condition..

Cheers,
Serge

[PDA]

Try these - lighter than carbon fiber, cost less than $10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erHUhzkFWNE

[Cesium]

I usually go hiking without poles, but sometimes I will find a cool stick on the trail, maybe with a vine wrapped around it which gives it that spiral look, and I'll cut it off and use it as a hiking stick. Then I'll bring it home and keep it to remind me of the hike.

[Sergemaster]

The girl just picked up a pair of Leki's and she seems to be enjoying them quite a bit, I've played with them a little and one thing I will say these are super light and collapsible too..

Cheers,
Serge

[John13np]

I'm still just sticking with sticks (ha).

I'll probably go after some poles after I get some other things that I want to get (an awesome tent)

[Sergemaster]

How about a Hennessy Hammock as an alternative to a tent, or no access to trees in the “The Grand Canyon State”?

Cheers,
Serge

[John13np]

There's trees depending on where you go. I would say it's 50/50 where I tend to go.

Here in Sothern AZ there are far fewer trees than in the Northern part of the state. All just depends on where you feel like going and what time of year it is :p