carmand

My husband and I will be hiking the North Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon later this month. We had planned to bring our hiking sticks which are made of wood with a metal point at the bottom.

Lately, we have been thinking about buying collapsible walking sticks instead so that they can be packed more easily and are more likely to survive the airport baggage handlers.

Since there are so many kinds to choose from, can anyone give us advice of what to look for and/or where to buy?

Also, can these collapsible poles be put into carryon luggage?

Thanks!
Reggie

Pat2003

Reggie, you won't be able to put your collapsible poles into carryon luggage. We like our Leki and travel everywhere with them. We bought them at EMS store. I do not recall how much we paid for them

elberko

I like the cane-type collapsible I bought from Sierra Trading Post last year. The exact one is no longer available, but it was like the first one on this list, but with the anti-shock feature:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/...st_display.htm

kayd

I have a Tracks collapsible walking stick from REI that I've take in both checked and carry-on bags to Europe. It folds down to less than 18 inches and has a fat rubber tip that slides on over the pointy end.
Use search words "tracks compact travel staff" at
http://www.rei.com

Fodorite018

We like our REI poles...they are made by Komperdell and have the antishock feature, which is a tremendous help at times. Two places to look for inexpensive ones are Sierra Trading Post and Campmor. There are so many features in various tekking poles that I would recommend going to an REI or equivalent store and checking them out in person. Some people like the cork grips and others rubber, etc. and that way you can see what you are most comfortable with. If you are not very tall you could also get childrens versions, which can save quite a bit of money.

travellyn

I've got Lekis with adjustable springs inside to cushion the impact on hard trails. I love these things and use them whenever I hike on rough or steep surfaces, also for any stream crossings or if I'm carrying a heavy pack. They DON'T collapse to carry-on size. I think they cost about $100 from REI mail order. My hiking guru says "always use two poles, not just one, because everyone feels sorry for a three legged dog".

bob_brown

Some of the sections of trails in the GC can be very sandy and a pointed stick will be like sticking it in snow. So for some of the trail you will need a snow basket to keep the pole from bogging up in the sand. That is also when you need the pole the most, too, because it like walking on the dry sand of a beach.

Other parts of the trail are hard, so you will need good traction tips.

There are several good poles on the market. I have Leki's, my wife has Gabel poles. I prefer hers. Both fit in a 26 inch suitcase on the diagonal, but barely.
These have been tested in many conditions from snow to hard rock. The Gabels because of the snow basket work better on snow banks. They also held up longer.

carmand

Thanks for all of the information. I'll start researching now using everything that you have told me.

Thanks again,
Reggie

Dick

Some hiking poles wil fit in carry on luggage.

Our Lekis just fit. It depends on your suitcase. We have two identical carry ons. The pole fits collpased in one easily. In the other, the pole only fits if I unscrew one section all the way out and pack it in 2 pieces.

johns1

My family bought Master's Kompressor's 1 day before taking off to the South Kaibab - then back up the Bright Angel trail (after overnighting in Phantom Ranch) just last month...

We ordered them through Backcountrystore.com and couldn't be more pleased with our purchases. If we would've planned ahead they would've shipped em free but I was glad we got them overnight.

My wife & boys (7 and 9) have gotten used to using rustic hiking staves but I thought maybe trekking poles would be the way to go in the middle of the canyon - didn't want any twisted ankles you know...

Since then I've bought some cheaper poles from the same on-line store for members of my Sunday school class - The "Explorers" are only $30 a pair right now (if you buy 2 sets I think they kick in free shipping)

Both of these models telescope nicely for traveling purposes.

Godspeed

Fodorite018

Johns1--Our kids use the Leki Pathfinders and they are pretty inexpensive...I think $39 for the pair and they are great. We buy most items from REI for two reasons...if you order online and have it shipped to the store there is no shipping charge, and two, their return policy...can't beat it