[pct-l] Trekking poles

[Julian Plamann]

I have some Peak UL's and use them on ~15+ mile dayhikes in very
rough/muddy/rocky terrain every weekend and
don't have a single complaint! I'm looking forward to using them on my PCT
thru this year.

So far, even with the plenty of abuse I've thrown at them, they don't have
the collapsing problem some users report.
As Halfmile said, most of that seems to come from people not tightening them
properly. The older versions had a design
flaw that caused them to slip and I suspect most of the negative reviews you
see on websites are likely from people who have
the 2006/2007/whatever model.


Regarding the Gossamer Gear poles... I've heard mention that they are
thinner than standard trekking poles and, thus,
likely more prone to snapping. I've never seen them in person, though, so
don't take my word on it.

I say go for the Peak UL's! REI has a good return policy if you change your
mind later.

-Julian



On Sat, Jan 17, 2009 at 6:53 PM, Halfmile <halfmile at pctmap.net> wrote:

> Brad,
> I have the compact version of theses poles (which I see are also on
> sale) and I think they are great poles. Check the compact version
> unless you really need the extra length.
> The only negative about them for me,  is on hot sweaty days the grips
> turn your hands black. I think this was more of a problem when they
> were new, and don't think they do this as much now that I have used
> them a year.
> As to the twist lock issue I don't have any problems with mine once I
> figured out how to work them. The trick is not to over loosen the
> twist lock because if you do it will not tighten. If the twist lock
> won't tighten you can extend the section all the way and flex the pole
> while you tighten it to get the twist lock to grip. Once I figured
> this out I have no twist lock problems.
>
> -Halfmile
>
>
>
> On Sat, Jan 17, 2009 at 6:25 PM, Bradley Issler
> <bradley.issler at gmail.com> wrote:
> > 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.
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