Trekking Poles ?

[Phil Tuccillo]

Anyone use trekking poles for mountain hunting or packing out meat? If so what brand,style, etc... Thanks for any info. ahead of time.
                                Phil

[wingnut]

Yep both Jason and I got them last year before our Moose hunt on Johns recommendation.  I will never be without them again when packing meat and one worked great as a monopod style pole for glassing.

I think we paid about $60 a set for ours.  Just google trekking poles and check them out.

Mike

[Phil Tuccillo]

Thanks, wingnut I have googled them and there are hundreds to choose from. What kind did you use,and would you recommend that brand and style, were they 1 piece or telescopic?
                                Phil

[Jeff Mundy]

You can spend a lot of money on those things if you are so inclined! I've never had any but my girlfriend has some of the cheapies from Walmart & they seem decent enough.

[ron w]

I make my own hand carved walking sticks and have used them while hunting. I did get a pair of collapsible alum. ones from Sportsmans Guide, just a cheap pair. They work better , shorten them up and  slip them right into your pack when you don't need them. I like a walking stick or trek'n pole crossing fast streams and steep down hills.....The old knees aren't what the used to be....lol!

[centaur]

I have some Black Diamonds that I have hiked the Grand Canyon twice with, and they really help. Haven't hunted with them, but they would no doubt be a big help if you were packing out an elk; that hasn't been a problem for me lately.

[John Havard]

Phil, the Black Diamond brand has the most positive locking device I've ever used on any of my trekking poles.  You can usually find them on sale somewhere online.  Get a set and you'll never want to be without them in steep country or when carrying a heavy load.

[PowDuck]

I wondered about using a pole but here's my question:

If I've got a longbow in one hand, wouldn't the pole in the other hand kind of be a lot to hang on to? Just not sure I'd want both hands tied up "so to speak."

I've never used a trekking pole (walking stick) while bow hunting so I really don't know. Just an assumption.    

[ron w]

That's where the collapsible part come in, while hunting, unless really needed put them away. Then use them when you have to. I find I need them more at the end of the day when I all tired out...lol!

[Uncle Buck]

I have a bad disk in my back. Using a pole takes some of the strain off and greatly increases my walking range. I too use one of the cheap less than 20 bucks models.

[ibehiking]

I echo the sentiments about the telescoping ones. The versatility they offer is tremendous. Not only when you don't want them in your hands, but they can be adjusted for uphill and downhill hiking.

When I first switched to them while backpacking, I likened them to four wheel drive when going uphill with a back on your back.

[Orion]

I've never used trecking poles, but certainly see their value.  I've been using a walking stick for a long time. I cut and make my own out of scrub saplings. I don't use it when hunting, but sure comes in handy when packing in and/or packing out meat. Also find it very useful when covering ground while scouting.

[Daz]

Trekking poles are like any other piece of outdoor gear: you need to base it on use, and not be afraid to spend $$ on quality.

You are highly unlikely to find a mountain hunter or someone packing a moose quarter using cheap poles. If you've ever seen someone under load on a downhill when one collapses, you'll know why.

If you are not gaining big elevation, or under serious load, a walking stick that you find or cut down is probably the ticket.

Leki, Black Diamond and Komperdell all make great poles. Stay away from "anti-shock" or "anti-vibration" styles. More weight, and noisy.

[limbolt]

I have a bad hip and some herniated disc's in my lower back and the trecking poles help greatly.I use them to lean on while resting on steep ground,while crossing streams,even shorten it and use it for a shotgun rest while turkey hunting,great tool in the outdoors.

[wingnut]

Like John said, Black Diamond was the brand we bought and used.  They will be going with us on mountain hunts for years too come.

Mike

[Randy Morin]

Its standard procedure for me to locate a nice straight branch or two at the beginning of any steep climb round here.  Really helps to push your way up a steep hill.  If I have meat to pack its a no-brainer.  Thought about buying some but I think mother nature provides a good alternative.  Course if you live where its hard to scrounge up the perfect branch then store bought may be the way to go.

[J. Oles]

I'll be trying the new super light Black Diamonds this year...

Can't wait to give'em a try!

J.O.

[John Scifres]

I always have a pole in my right hand and a bow in my left except if hunting out of base camp with just a day pack.  It's like having another leg.  I've used the same $10 Walmart "Swiss Army" in this pic since 2004.

 

I am never without 1 or 2 when backpacking without a bow either.

[Jack Shanks]

I can honestly say trekking poles have probably saved my life on more than one occasion. I used Black Diamonds on my last Mt. goat and sheep hunts. I would not hunt the terrain they live in without them.

Here's an old thread with some pictures from some goat hunts to show.

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=054803#000000