So whats your preference? Bamboo Trekking Poles or Metal Trekking Poles or do you use Wooden Walking Sticks or do you use walking sticks at all? Would really like to hear your feedback on your idea of the best type of Trekking/Hiking Stick. Whats better Metal or Bamboo..Bamboo seems to be a better choice if you look at strength to weight ratio compared to metal.
Adjustable is the key for me, which probably means metal. I seldom use my sticks on the trail but carry them for stream crossings and other sticky spots as well as using them for tarp poles.
I could see where adjustable could be handy But for me if im going to be carrying that weight it might as well be in my hands to aid in balancing me so the part of it being collapsible isn't that important to me since ill be holding it the majority of the trip. I typically use an external frame pack in spring and fall so if i need saddle my trekker I can just mount it to the side of the pack. Ive fallen in love with the strength:weight ratio for the bamboo poles now over the metal ones. I guess it all comes down to, "To Each His Own" type of thing. We all know what works for us.
The adjustable feature allows you to shorten them for accending and lengthen them for decents. You can also make one longer than the other if the trail traverses a steep slope.
There are too many scenarios where the adjustable pole would be a better choice to consider something else.
I own metal adjustable poles, they have been set at the same height since I bought them. I think I'll be checking into a set of Bamboo poles. I can always go back if it doesn't work out for me.
I made my bamboo poles a few inches longer than what my metal ones were set at and wrapped the top 8 inches in grip tape. I can move my hand down a few inches when ascending or up a few inches when descending. This allows me to adjust the height of my poles without ever touching a clamp or even breaking stride. the biggest difference I notice is that my bamboo poles absorb shock whereas the Leki poles vibrate when they hit rock.
Thats exactly what I did. I wrapped about a 1 ft section near the top with Friction tape then wrapped over it with 20'ft of paracord and made a lanyard. I love how light they are compared to the metal ones. And if I loose or break them who cares, it cost me way less for the bamboo than the metal ones.
I have a set of fiberglass or metal ones, I cannot remember which in my closet. I do not think I've ever tried them to be honest. I may have lent them to my brother who has knee problems. I do keep an oak stick in my truck. Florida is typically flat and sandy. No hills really to speak of. I keep the walking stick because I've come across snakes before. I find it easier to persuade them off the path with a stick. Thankfully I have not come across anything more dangerous then a snake, and most of them want nothing to do with me anyhow. I have thought about growing some bamboo to try and make my own walking sticks and fishing poles. The problem I hear is it spreads quickly.
im working on an instructional video for making bamboo trekking poles. i have a bamboo forest and its easy to control/maintain.
Here's a neat video on wrapping decorative handles with para cord. Looks time consuming but really sets off the item. Using a peg board / former for complex paracord turks head knots; paracord handle hiking staff - YouTube
