The Outfitter
Four-wheel hiking
Forget the stares. Trek poles save knees, work upper bodies and are handy for impromptu fencing practice. Scott Doggett
< Note: Price is per pair. All the poles extended to 55 inches. Unlike hiking staffs, trekking poles are designed to be used two at a time.
SUPER MAKALU
I found the easy-lock system clunky, the strap adjustments trickier than a Rubiks cube and the cork grips of the Cor-Tec version too firm. At 20.8 ounces a pair, the poles were the heaviest of the group. Retracting to 32 inches, they were also the hardest to pack. I did like their vibration-curbing feature. $140. (800) 255-9982, www.leki.com (Eric Boyd / LAT)
TERRA CF
The locking mechanism on this Black Diamond creation couldnt be simpler. I found no fault in the grips, but strap adjustments were a bit cumbersome. Like the Superlite 3s, these poles lack shock absorbers, which slightly reduce strain on elbows, but the absence of that feature didnt really bother me. $125. (801) 278-5552, www.blackdiamond%equipment.com. (Eric Boyd / LAT)
SUPERLITE 3
The straps on this Tracks product adjusted easily, the locking mechanism was a snap, and the foam grips and wooden knob were a comfortable fit. Retracting to 26 1/2 inches, the Superlite 3 was also the easiest to pack. Theres a hidden camera mount under each knob and rubber feet (shown) for street use. $125. (801) 278-5552, www.blackdiamond%equipment.com. (Eric Boyd / LAT)
PEAK UL AIRSHOCK
The UL stands for ultralight, and, at %13.6 ounces per pair, these were the lightest poles by far. They contain mini- shock absorbers that twist lock same as the Leki poles, but the twist locks on these REI products were easier to use. Strap adjustments were simple and the foam grips as good as they get. A terrific product. $145. (Eric Boyd / LAT)
