How to Choose Trekking Poles and Hiking Staffs

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The REI Co-op Walker Power Lock Staff provides the support you need over uneven and steep terrain.
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View all REI Co-op Hiking StaffsBest Use | Hiking |
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Shaft Construction | Aluminum |
Grip Material | Cork |
Adjustable | Yes |
Maximum Length (in.) | 39.4 inches |
Minimum Length (in.) | 18.9 inches |
Locking Mechanism | External Lever Lock |
Weight | 8.8 ounces |
Gender | Unisex |
Basket Type | Trekking |
Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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I have several of these, the early model with a screw lock, and the current with flip locks. I use them for all my backpacking and dayhiking, and don't hike anywhere without it! I prefer a single cane to a pair of trekking poles, and the Komperdell is ideal for my needs. While I'm not saying it can't be broken, I've put mine through incredibly hard use, much of it off trail, with no problem. One of the critical things to do when using the cane is make sure the Phillips-head screws on the flip locks are tight enough. This will allow the flip locks to clamp down hard enough, locking the pole height at a single position with no slippage.
Got this while traveling after knee operation and knee was pushed too far. I am 300lb guy so wasn't sure about it staying extended under the psi, but it did an amazing job.
These are perfect support if you have any kind of issue with your legs. I have one knee that is in candidate... but prereplacement status. These canes make it possible for me to go on 5-8 mile hikes. I LOVE them!!
This pole has every feature that I wanted. The more popular ones I had with the regular grip made it difficult to go down steep hills as you either have to really bend you hand to maintain full contact with the grip or grab on just the upper round portion. I have great support now both for up hill and downhill and it has the clamping kind of locks which I find much better than the twist type.
I use one staff. It was recommended by an orthopedic specialist due to poor posture due to a curvature and other problems of my lower back. It folds easily by unclipping each segment and pushing sections together. One can make the most comfortable length for you. It provides easy balance and a faster pace, if needed. The shoulders are becoming more level. One does not always need to press down, but can simply use the staff as a guide.
Working well as a cane while working through some hip/knee problems. I can quickly collapse to pack into my messenger bag or a small shopping cart. I bought the REI rubber tips since I'm currently using it on floors and sidewalks instead of trails. A rubber tip "tip": When the carbide tip started to poke through the rubber, I put several metal washers inside the rubber tip. Now the weight is on the washers and the carbide tip hangs harmlessly in the hole of the washers. Problem solved!
I bought this for Aunt Lil who independently lives alone at age 98. She had recently taken a fall going from the kitchen into the dining room. I want her to be able to move around with confidence and without fear. She likes the grip. One need not be a thru- hiker to use a walking staff.
This stick has increased my mobility. It easily doubles the miles I can comfortably walk. It is especially helpful for traversing rugged terrain with elevation changes. Helped get me down and back out of the Grand Canyon. Great assist in remote parts of Joshua Tree NP. Collapsible for carrying in suitcase. Good handle. Light and very sturdy. I have bought them for friends. Great buy.
I was happy with this walking staff - was easier to open/extend to full size and collapse again as needed while walking/hiking - more so than a different one I had used in the past. And it folds small enough to fit into a smallish suitcase!
This held up well during a long trip and now I use it as a spare cane. I was careful to not extend it past the red limit lines that are conveniently marked. I added a replacement rubber cane tip I got from Walmart. (the kind that are sized for a 4 prong cane) It’s now my favorite walking companion, light, folds down for packing or in the car, sturdy enough for a big person.