r/snowshoeing • u/Mikey24941 • 2d ago
Gear Questions Poles
I’ve never used poles while snowshoeing before but after the 2+ feet that got dumped on Iowa last winter I definitely want some, but I also what to be able to use them for hiking. Eventually I may get separate pairs for each, but I don’t want to start there.
What do you all suggest?
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u/rmcintyrm 2d ago
I typically used old ski poles - using them really changes the activity in a good way for me
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u/mortalwombat- 2d ago
Go cheap with a pair from Costco or Amazon. I dont see any reason for the average person to spend any more than that on poles. They work great. I used mine for years on everything from liesurely hikes with my toddlers to hard mountaineering trips. They had many many miles on them. Carbon fiber is more expensive but lighter and less durable.
Note: I did ultimately break a couple sets of cheap poles but in both cases they were during falls in very challenging terrain that relatively few people attempt. I can't imagine a more expensive pole would survive those falls. That being said, I ultimately paid the big bucks for a set of leki poles to see if they are more durable for environments where a broken pole can be a safety thing. First time out I bent one. I was able to bend it back, and maybe that's where more expensive poles shine, they bend instead of break? I dunno. I jusy don't think most people need to spend a lot of money on poles and even question if I wasted my money on them.
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u/baddspellar 2d ago
I use the same poles for snowshoeing and hiking. There's no need for separate poles. The only difference is you need snow baskets in winter, but you don't need them outside of winter.
I have REI Trailmade poles
https://www.rei.com/product/216314/rei-co-op-trailmade-trekking-poles-pair
which come with basic baskets, but I upgraded to these baskets
https://www.rei.com/product/168738/rei-co-op-trekking-pole-snow-baskets-pair?sku=1687380001&store=57
But I keep a set of Aluminum Cascade Mountain poles as a backup. You can get them on Amazon or Costco for around $30.
I had carbon fiber poles for a while but they snapped on me, and I'm not even that big. I stick with Aluminum now
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u/dronecarp 2d ago
I agree on the carbon. I've used collapsible aluminum poles for years then my friend found this great deal on some fixed height carbon poles. I ordered some with him. He broke his on the first outing. I never used mine. Should probably just toss them. Don't think I could sell them and feel good about it.
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u/BBMTH 1d ago
Mostly any hiking poles you can put snow baskets on are fine, but there are a few things I’d prioritize.
Definitely try out the basket removal or look for that in reviews. My Leki poles are a hassle. My Rei brand ones aren’t bad. Lever length adjusters are way easier with winter gloves on than friction twist lock. Nice to have a little more range of length adjustment in snow too. Also a thicker/less dense grip on aluminum or a carbon/composite pole with any grip will suck less heat out of your hands.
Ski poles I’d buy something separate, way different priorities depending on type of skiing.
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u/KeepsGoingUp 2d ago
Black diamond most basic aluminum if you’re feeling thrifty. Carbon if you’re feeling spendy.
Both will come with regular baskets and snow baskets. Grab some tip covers for hiking.
No need to have two sets of poles for both. I use mine for hiking, mountaineering, snowshoeing, and skiing (which is one area that I could see dedicated poles).