How to Choose Trekking Poles and Hiking Staffs

This telescoping REI Hiker Staff features easy-to-adjust external locking mechanisms that lock tight to support your weight on steep climbs and tricky descents. Plus, it doubles as a camera monopod!
$6
10% Reward
on this and every eligible full-price item*
+
$30
Bonus Card
valid for 60 days after joining*
=
$36
Value
Keep shopping
Imported.
View all REI Co-op Hiking StaffsBest Use | Hiking |
---|---|
Shaft Construction | Aluminum 7075-T6 |
Grip Material | Foam |
Adjustable | Yes |
Maximum Length (in.) | 55 inches |
Minimum Length (in.) | 26 inches |
Collapsed Length (in.) | 26 inches |
Maximum Length (cm) | 139.7 centimeters |
Minimum Length (cm) | 66 centimeters |
Collapsed Length (cm) | 66 centimeters |
Locking Mechanism | External Lever Lock |
Camera Mount | Yes |
Weight | 11.5 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.
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Love the hiking staff. This is my 3rd one. The ball on top is great handle. First stick I managed to break. It is very sturdy but am rough on equipment. Need it to balance myself when going over rough ground. Never did get used to the 2 pole method. I like having one sturdy pole. On the second pole the twist locking got funky and hard to use. But I got years of use out of each one. Won’t buy anything else. When I camp use it for a tarp pole. Am one of these lightweight guys, so this thing does double duty and saves weight.
Gone through dozens of hiking poles. This one has emerged as my favorite. Love the globed top. Easy to adjust, easy to tighten the locks. Has been tried and true over many miles. I'm a large human, and appreciate this pole's rugged durability. Have two, which go everywhere with me. Worth every penny.
My favourite pole that I’d had for many years finally broke while hiking through Yorkshire. It probably could have been fixed but I treated myself to a new model after many years of faithful service!
Loved this walking staff simply for walking with, it is light and strong. That said, it was above tree line that this staff really proved its worth. With NO trees, rocks or anything to hang our gravity water filter from around we used this walking staff. We were able to wedge the staff into rock outcrops to elevate and lift to gravity water filtration setup we had. This REI walking really saved the day!
I left the old version of this pole at an inn, so I ordered this one to replace it. This one uses lever locks to set the lengths of the two adjustable sections. The old one used the twist locks that used to be standard for hiking poles. This one has a larger cork knob on top that is slight asymmetrical. The old one had a slightly smaller spherical knob on top. The old one had a stiff spring in the shaft that provide some shock absorption. Springs like this used to be common in hiking poles. This one lacks the spring. Both have aluminum shafts and are light and easy to carry. So, what would I like? The larger knob from this one is more comfortable in the hand. However, I really liked the shock absorption provided by the spring in the old one. So, a mix. I also have this one with the cane-style handle, which I bought when I developed back problems. However, I prefer the knob on this one, so I use it most of the time. I would buy it again.
this is such a comfortable pole to use! no slip ups on issues locking. i use it as a cane as well as a staff and both work excellently.
the handle has two options to hold
Easy to use. Definitely helping me get back in shape comfortably following over a year of inactivity
Given the high price of this staff, at least one tip protector/rubber walking tip should have been included. I made the mistake of assuming that a tip was provided without verifying that one was. It is dangerous and risky to pack or just carry this staff with the sharp tip. Chances are good it will either poke you, a fellow traveler, or punch a hole in some of your other gear.
The "ball" at the top of the handle is a little too big and I have large hands. The grip below is a little too skinny. I'm constantly moving my hand around trying to find the best hold. Hope I get used to it. Also, the rubber walking tips should be included like with other brands.