Leki Super Makalu Cor Tec Positive Angle (2)

Pros: Great absorption, I like the cork/rubber grip and positive angle, grabs everything well, strap comfortable
Cons: Pricey but worth it

I recently finished the 211-mile John Muir Trail that spans from Mount Whitney north to Yosemite Valley. All said I probably covered closer to 230 miles with added side trips and the 11 miles from Mount Whitney to Whitney Portal parking lot. I used my ...

Pros: Lightweight, comfortable grip
Cons: The barrel lock is prone to loosening

If you are considering buying poles, you probably already know that they are knee-savers. With practice, they can also help you hike faster, more agilely, and with greater confidence on steep and rocky terrain, as well as keep your arms in shape during...

Pros: Lightweight, shock-absorbing, positive-angle cork grip
Cons: Could provide more grip farther down pole for uphills, Strap-tightening system annoying.

Trekking poles are one of those pieces of gear that not everyone uses but once you try them you're totally hooked. Not only do they improve posture by keeping your body upright, they save strain on the joints and back and make you a more efficient hiker....

Pros: Lightweight, compact, shock absorption, ergonomic handles
Cons: wrist strap adjustment, no locking feature

I used these poles to trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro this year and they worked very well. The poles are light weight, fold compactly, good shock absorption, and retain their structure even with heavy use. I never had problems with them collapsing even with the constant pounding they received over rocks and permafrost. The handles were also ergonomic and I never developed any blisters or hot spots gripping the poles. The only problems I had with the poles were that the strap system is a little unwieldy. Especially going from thin gloves to thicker mittens. It isn't very easy to change the strap length and the loosening screw on top of the pole is difficult to use with gloves on. It would also have been nice if the poles could lock completely so that there was no rebound. This would have been particularly useful when ascending. Overall, these are excellent poles and are very well made.