Leki Wanderfreund 2082-02 for All the Walks, Hikes and Mountains I Still Need to Climb
Written: Jan 15 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Adjustable, lightweight, stable, sturdy, great handle.
Cons: None in its price range.
The Bottom Line: In its price range, I don't think you can do better. It meets my needs and looks nice. If you "suffer" from Wanderlust this might fit the bill.
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| jo.com's Full Review: Leki Wanderfreund 2082-02 |
It became clear after out trip to Hawaii that hiking poles would really be helpful. I saw many people of all ages using them and although bamboo sticks do work, I wanted the real thing. I never thought I could get one for the price of $37.95. I expected to pay $100 but altrec.com has some great deals.
A hiking pole is essentially a ski pole that has been modified to reduce stress on your body while walking. Many people use two poles. I wanted one and I sought out a pole that was a single. Leki Wanderfreund 2082-02 is the one I chose and I love it.
What it is like:
It is intended for use in mixed terrain. We do hike a variety of land types. The reason I only wanted one is because I often find myself climbing a rock and needing one hand to help climb it. I often hike down slippery areas and find myself grabbing onto a tree. If I had two poles I would then have to put one pole in a hand already holding a pole and do so quickly. For me one pole works better.
This is an adjustable pole. The shortest position measures 28 inches. The longest position measures 41 1/2 inches and you can adjust it anywhere in between those two numbers. It easily unlocks to adjust it by turning the rubber piece around the pole close to the bottom and pulling or sliding it out. There is a designated “stop max” area 1/2 way up the pole, which tells me that I shouldn’t pull it out anymore. If that happens it goes back in so don't be alarmed. By turning the pole it locks in place tightly. I have never had any loosening up of the pole since I’ve had it. It is truly an “Easy Lock System.” In spite of my Leki pole never loosening up on me I do check it periodically just to be safe.
I had no idea how light this pole would be until I got it. It is extremely light which is wonderful. Even when I could find a light branch it was heavier than my pole. I almost don’t know I am holding my hiking pole. In spite of that it is really strong. I can’t imagine the frame of it breaking or bending unless something strange happens like I run over it with my car!
The handle is wonderful. It is called a multifunction CoreTec grip. It looks like corkboard and feels soft and smooth. The picture of it here is exactly how it looks and you can see how many ways I can hold it. I can hold it like a cane by the handle that sticks out (3”) from the rest of the grip, I can hold it around the handle itself below the opening or I can put my fingers through the hole. How I hold it depends on where I am walking. The type of material this is made of makes it really easy to grip the pole and not have my hand slide. In addition there is a strap on the handle for extra security.
The pole itself is really stable. When I put it down, whether on rock or leaves it stays. I haven’t had it slip under me as of yet and don’t expect it to.
The bottom of the pole had a plastic tip on it to protect it. You want to take that off. Under that you will find what Leki calls a “carbide flextip system” which protects the lower shaft from damage. In fact this flextip can be changed (I have not had to do this.) if it is broken or worn down by just knocking it off the shaft with a snap and applying a new tip and tapping it down so it is secure. The company recommends that you carry extra tips with you but we haven’t done that. I will for our next major trip this summer.
You can see in the picture a piece that is slightly above the bottom of the pole. This does not come on the pole but it comes with it and you can add it on if you want. This is called a Terrain basket. It is made of flexible plastic. I had never owned a pole before but I figured out what to do with it and why. If I am walking in soft terrain, let’s say, and my pole digs into the ground this will prevent it from going any farther down. You can buy a similar accessory called a Snowflake basket which allows snow to go through it and a Rubber tip attachment that fits over the carbide flextip for use on pavement or if you are using it indoors as a cane. I can't think of any other reason for indoor use. Let me know if you can!
The Leki pole should be cleaned of dust and dirt regularly. It is recommending that if you use this in the rain, to take apart the sections and let them dry.
There is a 10-year parts/service warranty.
Jo’s final thoughts:
Although I so wish I had my Leki Wanderfreund Pole in Hawaii I didn’t but I am making use of it now. (Well not now since it is below zero in Massachusetts.) We live in a wonderful area for hiking and I have had many opportunities to use it. This is a perfect pole for me. It is lightweight, adjustable, stable, sturdy and gives me the extra sense of security that I like to have. In addition I think it is really cool looking so no matter what your age it should fit into your lifestyle. I hemmed and hawed over a pole at first feeling I would look old (older than I even am!) but as I said, I see Boy Scouts using hiking poles so I got over that.
I am giving this 5 stars with the understanding that this is in the, if not the, bottom of the price range. You can buy a single Leki pole for over $100.00. You may get a spring on the tip of it, which probably has advantages. As I said the 2082-02 works for me.
Please feel free to leave a question or a comment and please be a responsible hiker. Take only pictures, leave only footprints.
A related review you might find helpful:
Merrell 2000 Eagle Low Hiking Boots Womens 5.5
Recommended:
Yes
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