Wow, for a second there it looked like sportwoot was selling syringes.

hiking with poles really depends on the person, some love them and some hate them. personally they seem useless on flat terrain or going uphill. but going down on a few slippery and very steep trails i really would have loved to have a pair.

plus you can always break one in half and do a glissade Bear Grylls style.. http://videos.howstuffworks.com/discovery/28206-man-vs-wild-glissade-in-alaska-video.htm (skip to half way into that video)

No threaded screw on the handle, so you can't use it as a monopod for your camera.
Pass.

For ANYONE who has experience with hiking poles...Are these poles any good?

Are they of decent quality,weight, composition,construction?

How are the general specs to someone who is familiar with hiking poles?

I want to get them as a gift for someone who is a BIG walker and has expressed an interest in trying hiking poles out...

Please help and share your knowledge...thx

antfarmer wrote:No threaded screw on the handle, so you can't use it as a monopod for your camera.
Pass.

I just hold my camera in my hand, works great.

I think you'll be able to find info under a slightly different name: Yukon Charlie's Trekking Poles (I think I'm right)

http://yukoncharlies.com/trekking-poles/#jtabs-4

video:

is that actually how the strap is designed to be used? Seems like it may be designed correctly (like other trekking poles, holding the wrist and slipping between the thumb and index finger) but is being used wrong. Any insight?

antfarmer wrote:No threaded screw on the handle, so you can't use it as a monopod for your camera.
Pass.

I don't think it would be too difficult to acquire any number of micro-tripod/clamps that feature a 1/4" x 20 stud for portable cameras that could be attached with velcro straps or clamps.

First: These are different models than on the website at this time, although the instructional video includes both these and the newer models, which feature a more conventional handgrip & wrist strap. A picture of the current model may be found at:
http://yukoncharlies.com/yukoncharlies/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Trekking-Poles.jpg

Those poles have a well-defined upper & lower ridge above & below the handgrip, with a ski-pole type loop that appeals to me more than the slim grip on these models with the wrist "sling", which fits snugly. I can appreciate the wrist support aspect of this arrangement, but having to velcro them on & off rather than slipping a hand through a loop seems excessively restrictive.

Second: I could not find anywhere on the website that the alternative parts were available anywhere (street tips & snow baskets), and the manufacture does not sell direct. The online vendors they listed are very limited as well - even Amazon doesn't have these sticks or any parts.

I'm not a big hiker, but I use a single pole to help me get across the expanse of very hilly, very soft, and very deep, dry sand necessary to get down to the beach. Until I saw this deal I didn't realize that two poles would be better than one. It's unclear to me what exactly is included in the box. One photo shows the poles with two clips and what appears to be baskets stored between them. The specs simply say that the box includes a "set".

In spite of my uncertainty, I'm in for one (which means two, right?). And do you know why? BECAUSE IT'S ONLY 15 DOLLARS +shipping!!! It's not that I have $15 bills to throw around, but if it improves the hiking experience and therefore the quality of life for someone, I say quit the hemmin' and hawin', get off the dime and fish or cut bait!

jamesbottomtooth wrote:hiking with poles really depends on the person, some love them and some hate them. personally they seem useless on flat terrain or going uphill. but going down on a few slippery and very steep trails i really would have loved to have a pair.

plus you can always break one in half and do a glissade Bear Grylls style.. http://videos.howstuffworks.com/discovery/28206-man-vs-wild-glissade-in-alaska-video.htm (skip to half way into that video)

If you can't see (or feel) the usefulness in these when going uphill, you must not be using them right. It's like kicking in 4 wheel drive. Spread the force between legs and upper body.

roadkill2343 wrote:If you can't see (or feel) the usefulness in these when going uphill, you must not be using them right. It's like kicking in 4 wheel drive. Spread the force between legs and upper body.

Agree. Used properly, it takes a lot of the stress off your hands and back, especially going uphill.

Thanks for posting this!

Wonder if they will get upset with me if I use these on the treadmill at the health club?

I'd very possibly have gotten these if they came with snow baskets. Snowshoeing is right around the corner, based on the frost I see outside!

I've been looking for a set of affordable trekking poles. I like my wooden walking staff but now that I am older, I can see the value of distributing my weight. BTW, Nordic walking, even on flat surfaces burn more calories than regular walking. Plus the winter hiking season is around the corner. I shouldn't need snow baskets for trail walking.

I do a lot of hiking in northern MN. Poles have been shown to decrease stress on the knees so I typically use one. I always benefit from those that take the time to comment. Here are my thoughts.

Good:
1. Cork grips reduce palm friction and are warmer for cold weather hiking.
2. Tip cap for use on sidewalks or paved trails,
3. Sharp tip for use on earthen trails. This is essential in rocky terrain when you need them to plant securely in the earth.
4. Collapsible for storage and ease of transport.
5. Relatively lightweight.
6. Wrist bands for use with x country skiing, snowshoeing and Nordic walking.

Not good depending on type of use:
1. Wrist bands flap and get in the way for hiking as you typically use one pole and are changing hands.
2. Off brand so I would not depend on these for distance hiking, wilderness trips, or backpacking where you are depending on a pole for rock hopping.

I am a photographer and never use a pole mount, just rest the camera on the top of the pole. Most pole companies sell additional baskets so if you want a basket for snow the company may be selling one. I would freely buy these for someone interested in nordic walking or light hiking. Hope this helps.

They might be a decent "tryout" set at this price.. The carbide tips and cork grips are encouraging (you won't get this on cheap Wallyworld ones that break on first use), but the $30 list price doesn't give much hope that the shafts and locking mechanisms are real quality, and that's where you need it if you want them to hold up. Komperdells and Lekis, etc. are pricy, but the use of high-quality alloys and parts helps ensure that they last so you get what you pay for.

Check out what's available at places like Campmor, say, to get an idea of what's available overall...maybe look up some reviews at Backpacker magazine.

I was a little concerned that I could not find "Yukon Outfitters" anywhere but here doing a quick intergoogle search. However, as someone mentioned, for $15 it is hard to pass up even if they aren't the best.

Question: Would these be good for my 85 y.o. mom to walk instead of using a cane?

colonel00 wrote:I was a little concerned that I could not find "Yukon Outfitters" anywhere but here doing a quick intergoogle search. However, as someone mentioned, for $15 it is hard to pass up even if they aren't the best.

As 2 of us said above, Yukon Charlies: This may not be an exact match, but extremsuma said same type, older model:
http://yukoncharlies.com/trekking-poles/#jtabs-4

These are not good for anyone over 6' tall!
I am waiting for Woot to answer my request for a return authorization as they do not work for me...but I have not heard anything after 48 hours.

whatsamattaU wrote:As 2 of us said above, Yukon Charlies: This may not be an exact match, but extremsuma said same type, older model:
http://yukoncharlies.com/trekking-poles/#jtabs-4

I don't think that Yukon Charlie would like being associated with this Yukon Outfitter stuff.