[pct-l] trekking poles

[Shelly Leavens]

Brad, et al,
This is my first post ever to the list serv because I loved my trekking
poles so much...so I had to reply. I bought Black Diamond Alpine CF poles
(they were on sale too) - they held up beautifully and, after 5 months,
ranked up there with my favorite pieces of gear. I watched so many others
have to replace tips or deal with bent poles, and this never happened to me.
They stayed solid the whole trail. This is not to say that I did not abuse
them either. In times of frustration trekking poles quickly become the
closest weapon to take out aggression on a rock or stump. Case in point:
when we ran out of water and food on the stretch before Big Lake and were
walking over a huge mountain of treeless pumice in the middle of a scorching
day - the pumice was no match for my poles!  Also, the grip absorbs sweat
well - so much so that when camping at guitar lake a marmot chewed my handle
in the night for the salt. little bastards.
Ok, thats enough about those poles. I highly recommend them!

here's one site i found them at.
http://www.ems.com/catalog/product_detail_square.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442592130&emssrcid=GoogleBase

Gooeyduck



REI is having a sale on their ultralight trekking poles (REI peak UL
Carbon).  They are a great deal, but after reading the reviews I see mixed
reactions regarding the twist lock system.  Though there are alot of
positives, there are also many, many negative ones.

The price is right, as is the weight, but if they are that much of a problem
I don't want to chance it, as I would rather pay a bit more for the Gossamer
gear poles (assuming those have good reviews...anyone?)  Suggestions
please.  Here is the link to the poles:

http://www.rei.com/product/756146#ReviewHeader

Thanks,
Brad.