Hiking Staffs

Recent Hiking Staff Reviews

Swiss Gear Hiking Pole

Great trekking pole for the money! Never bought a trekking pole before. Always found a stick on the trail. Finally bought Swiss hiking poles at W-Mart. Price was low and do they work great! Full review

Swiss Gear Hiking Pole

They are sturdy and dependable for the price. Work in woods, rock, and some inclines. The baskets kept coming off, so just kept them off. The grips are great but the straps are uncomfortable. Overall worked fine. Full review

Swiss Gear Hiking Pole

Great hiking pole. I bought a Swiss Army hiking pole at a Target store about 10 years ago. I have used it on a lot of hikes, when wading rivers fishing, and as a cane when I had some health problems. It has never let me down. It is so light and comfortable especially with the shock absorbing tip, and the price is great too. Full review

Swiss Gear Hiking Pole

They work well for their intended purpose! On a hiking trip to Switzerland, we were unable to bring our trekking poles because they wouldn't fit in our checked luggage. Once in the village we were staying in (Murren...GO, if you never have!), there was a shop selling many different souvenirs and some useful sporting goods items such as trekking poles. One of these was $20 so I bought it but then wondered how I'd get it back to the states. The shopkeeper cut off a length of cardboard tubing and… Full review

Mountainsmith Trekker FX MonoPod

As others have found, the tip doesn't hold up well. Though I must admit it has been one of the best poles I've used in keeping the height adjustment accurately—have had no slippage in three years of use. I'm planning a long trip on some rough trails, so am planing on getting another one to be on the safe side. Also always carry an extra tip just to make sure. After three years of use this has not once slipped from the set height and the grip is just as comfortable as when I first got it. Only… Full review

Swiss Gear Hiking Pole

Durability-to-price ratio is excellent. Comfortable grips with a nice overall feel. I picked up a pair of these @ Dicks about 6 years ago because at the price of $25 I felt they were at least worth a try. I've used them ever since and couldn't be happier. The locks continue to hold fine and the shock absorption qualities remain as good as when I purchased them. They have been used on extremely rocky terrain in the Adirondacks of NY, Vermont's Long Trail, NH'S White Mountains, and the Bigelow Range… Full review

REI Hiker Shocklight Staff

A sturdy lightweight staff that provides plenty of support for the backpacker who wants a hand free while hiking. When my much loved Leki Makalu Tour trekking poles finally wore out after years and miles of use, I thought I might prefer a different approach when replacing them.  I decided after much consideration, to go with a hiking staff instead of trekking poles.  I so far have not regretted my decision.  My one staff, while not super light at 10 ounces, is still lighter than two trekking… Full review

Mountainsmith Trekker FX MonoPod

I generally use two poles for winter hiking and snowshoeing; but for summer treks, I find one pole is sufficient, and easier to keep out of the way during scrambles. Last summer, I decided to put away the single ski pole I had used for summer, and try an actual trekking pole. I did not want to spend a lot of money, as this was going to be new—using an adjustable pole, with spring mechanism. My husband and I bought the same model...well, I am now sold, and really like the Mountainsmith Trekker… Full review

Gabel XW Photo Compass

I have been using a Gabel Photo pole since 2002. I mount my GPSr on the pole and use the pole as a camera mount too. Pros: The poles have a number of features I like. The adjustment threads are quicker than most brands and hold quite well. The finish on the aluminum is very durable, it has held up great. A big plus is the removable ball on the camera 1/4-20 camera mount does not have the wrist strap mounted in it. The wrist strap stays on the pole even if you remove the knob. The carbide tips… Full review