TREKKING POLES

Photo: Gary Baum ski-touring on Anaoch Beag, Scotland.

For climbers, the best sort are three part poles which can be easily stored in your rucksack when not in use (top tip: if storing poles on the side of the sack with wand pockets and compression straps, store them both on the same side. This guarantees that you'll only get them caught under a roof 50% of the time, instead of 100% if you store one on each side!).

There are two main types of pole adjustment systems. The first are external as epitomised by the Black Diamond Flicklock system. The advantage of this method is that the poles can be adjusted without removing gloves and that once the tension is set, it shouldn't (in theory) need readjusting.

The second is the internal expansion system as used in Leki and many other makes. These are neater, but can be more awkward to adjust with gloves on, a problem if it is really cold.

All poles suffer from internal condensation leading to oxidised aluminium (a white powder) forming which can cause the pole to seize up completely. Top tip: dismantle your poles into three sections after every use and store them somewhere dry. If they seize up, try a little WD40 but make sure this is all wiped off prior to use or they could collapse on you, and in the case of Lekis, fail to tighten up at all. For lubricating the threads of Leki poles use graphite powder rather than oil.

Black Diamond's innovative "Flicklock" systems means telescopic walking and ski-ing poles that don't freeze up on you and are easily adjusted with gloves on.

These three section poles are available in two sizes:

Long: expand from 67 - 140cm, 322g each.
Short: expand from 57 - 125cm, 308g each

Whilst Short compact down to a length that will stow inside most rucksacks, we recommend Long for anyone of average height and above, as the extra 20cm length is very useful in deep snow, on steep hillsides, and for river crossings.

We'll even split a pair and sell you one if you must, though these things are better used in pairs.

Please note that the pole tips on these poles are all in one with the lower pole section and are metal. On the plus side this meanns that you are unlikely to break a tip if skiing in heavy crust, but on the conversely if you damage a tip you will need to replace the entire lower pole section. Please contact us if you need to do this. 

Quantity:  

Type Short 125cm pair £55.50 Long 145cm pair £55.00 Short 125cm single £27.50 Long 145cm single £27.50 Type Stock Short 125cm single £27.50 5+ Long 145cm single £27.50 5+

Spare flicklock section, 18mm diameter for the top joint, 16mm for the bottom. NB This does not include the alloy tube. 

Quantity:  

Type 18mm Top Joint 16mm Bottom Joint Type Stock 18mm Top Joint 2 16mm Bottom Joint 2

All BD Expedition Poles come with standard 3/4 ski-touring and snow baskets. However they also make an extra-large Powder basket (sold in pairs). Sometimes the latter are supplied in the new style (as per the photo), sometimes they are older style black ones - both do the job perfectly well, but if it is important to you which sort you get please write a note in the "Special Instructions" box as you complete your order. 

Quantity:  

Type 3/4 Powder Type Stock 3/4 2 Powder 2

If you bend a pole it's nearly always the bottom section that goes. However both sections can be replaced if need be. You need to know whether your pole is a Short (125cm) or a Long (145cm) version.

Replacements include the Flicklock but do not include a snow basket. 

Quantity:  

Type & Length Upper Short 125cm Upper Long 145cm Lower Short 125cm Lower Long 145cm Type & Length Stock Upper Short 125cm 2 Upper Long 145cm 3 Lower Short 125cm 1 Lower Long 145cm 0

A retro fit trekking pole handle, that fits the top section of most regular trekking poles (eg Leki) and functions as an ice axe for emergency arrest when the fold-away blade is extracted and locked into place.

Suitable for ice axe arrest and daggering easier alpine climbs.

The only thing that is not very good about it is the leash which fixes near the bottom of the handle rather than at the top - however it might be possible to botch something up with imagination and Duck Tape.

There are two versions available:
Handle only. 229g (this would be best for fitting to non-expansion unit poles but only ones where the handle can be easily removed - NB this does not include Black Diamond poles where the handle is very difficult to remove without damaging the pole).

Handle with alloy top pole section included. 290g. (this will only fit onto expansion unit type such as Leki)
The handle of a Leki pole can be removed quite easily with a sharp tap to encourage it so the handle only option is simply fitted if a permanent job is required. However the Handle plus alloy pole top section is much easier to fit (and unfit). 

Quantity:  

Type Handle Only £34.99 + Alloy Pole Section £39.99 Type Stock Handle Only £34.99 1 + Alloy Pole Section £39.99 2

Pair of trekking poles of 16mm, 14mm, 12mm diameter aluminum HTS 6.5 tubing with luxurious suedey feeling Thermolite handles. Comes with trekking baskets but will take snow baskets. Poles adjust with Leki's new "Super Lock System" which is much the same as their old system as far as the user is concerned. The antishock system is in the lower pole section and cannot be turned off.

The most compact and lightest pole that we sell. Length: 63cm - 135cm. 224g each.

Colours may vary.

We will also split a pair so that you can buy a single pole - we regret that we cannot offer a choice of left or right-hand poles with this service (however, these are just labels, the handles are otherwise just the same design). 

Quantity:  

Type Pair £75.00 Single £37.50 Type Stock Pair £75.00 0 Single £37.50 5

Pair of trekking poles of 18mm, 16mm, 14mm diameter aluminum HTS 6.5 tubing with luxurious suedey feeling Thermolite handles and antishock system (basically a posher version of the Jasper). Comes with trekking baskets but will take snow baskets. Poles adjust with Leki's new "Super Lock System" which is much the same as their old system as far as the user is concerned. The antishock system can be adjusted from on to off - to do this, set the pole to the length you want, then, with the tip on the floor, push the handle (and top section) downwards until the spring is contracted, then turn it slightly and (if you get it right) it will lock into place.

Length: 66cm - 145cm. 252g each.

Colours may vary.

We will also split a pair so that you can buy a single pole - we regret that we cannot offer a choice of left or right-hand poles with this service (however, these are just labels, the handles are otherwise just the same design). 

Quantity:  

Type Pair £75.00 Single £37.50 Type Stock Pair £75.00 0 Single £37.50 2

Pair of trekking poles of 16mm, 14mm, 12mm diameter aluminum HTS 6.5 tubing with "Soft" shaped rubber handles. Comes with trekking baskets but will take snow baskets. Poles adjust with Leki's new "Super Lock System" which is much the same as their old system as far as the user is concerned. The antishock system can be adjusted from on to off - to do this, set the pole to the length you want, then, with the tip on the floor, push the handle (and top section) downwards until the spring is contracted, then turn it slightly and (if you get it right) it will lock into place.

Length: 66cm - 135cm. 266g each.

Colours may vary.

We will also split a pair so that you can buy a single pole - we regret that we cannot offer a choice of left or right-hand poles with this service (however, these are just labels, the handles are otherwise just the same design). 

Quantity:  

Type Pair £59.50 Single £29.75 Type Stock Pair £59.50 0 Single £29.75 5+

Pair of trekking poles of 18mm, 16mm, 14mm diameter aluminum HTS 6.5 tubing with "Soft" shaped rubber handles. Comes with trekking baskets but will take snow baskets. Poles adjust with Leki's new "Super Lock System" which is much the same as their old system as far as the user is concerned.

Length: 66cm - 145cm. 292g each.

Colours may vary.

We will also split a pair so that you can buy a single pole - we regret that we cannot offer a choice of left or right-hand poles with this service (however, these are just labels, the handles are otherwise just the same design). 

Quantity:  

Type Pair £53.00 Single £26.50 Type Stock Pair £53.00 0 Single £26.50 5+

Pair of trekking poles of 18mm, 16mm, 14mm diameter aluminum HTS 6.5 tubing with "Soft" shaped rubber handles and antishock system (basically an anti-shock version of the Khumbu). Comes with trekking baskets but will take snow baskets. Poles adjust with Leki's new "Super Lock System" which is much the same as their old system as far as the user is concerned. The antishock system can be adjusted from on to off - to do this, set the pole to the length you want, then, with the tip on the floor, push the handle (and top section) downwards until the spring is contracted, then turn it slightly and (if you get it right) it will lock into place.

Length: 69cm - 140cm. 310g each.

Colours may vary.

We will also split a pair so that you can buy a single pole - we regret that we cannot offer a choice of left or right-hand poles with this service (however, these are just labels, the handles are otherwise just the same design). 

Quantity:  

Type Pair £59.50 Single £29.75 Type Stock Pair £59.50 0 Single £29.75 5+

A walking stick type pole for the casual walker.

Length: 61cm - 121cm. 262g. 

Quantity:  

Stock

4

A small pastic clip to fasten a leki pole to your belt with. 

Quantity:  

Stock

4

A rubber tip that sits firmly on the spike and converts a Leki pole for pavement use. 

Quantity:  

Stock

5+

The expander is the plastic gizmo that lives on the screw thread inside each pole section.

There are two sizes for standard poles:
Large (18mm) for the upper joint, and
Small (16mm) for the lower.

There are also two types -
Old "Classic" and
New "Super Lock System".

Old style were fitted to all poles made up to mid-2003 (ish) and are still fitted to some of the cheaper poles. In recent years they have always been red in colour. They are most easily distinguished from the New Type by the fact that they have four short (2mm) plastic prongs on one end.

The New Type are currently black (Large 18mm) and blue (Small 16mm). In addition, Ultralite poles use only the new "Super Lock System". They are made from smaller diameter tube so the upper joint uses blue (Small 16mm) expanders and the lower joint green (XS 14mm). There is also an old type 14mm expander for older Ultralite poles.

The two types are not compatible, so it is important that you check the type in your poles before ordering spares.
 

Quantity:  

Type OldNew Size Large 18mmSmall 16mmXS 14mm Type Size Stock Old Large 18mm 3 Old Small 16mm 3 Old XS 14mm 5+ New Large 18mm 5 New Small 16mm 4 New XS 14mm 2

The sleeve is the external plastic end to each pole section. There are three sizes, Large (18mm) for the upper joint, and Small (16mm) for the lower joint in Standard poles and the upper joint in Ultralite poles, and 14mm for the lower joint in Ultralite poles. 

Quantity:  

Size Large 18mm Small 16mm XS 14mm Size Stock Large 18mm 5+ Small 16mm 5+ XS 14mm 5+

Spare tungsten tipped plastic tip for all Leki trekking poles. Top tip (Boom Boom!): To remove old tip, slide a hammer along the shaft to hit the rim of the tip and knock it off. Fit the new tip by placing it on the pole end and then giving it a sharp rap down onto a firm surface. 

Quantity:  

Stock

4

A spare trekking basket. 

Quantity:  

Stock

5+

Leki poles come fitted with a small trekking basket as standard. For activities such as ski-touring you can remove the trekking baskets and fit ski baskets. It is a friction fit and quite hard to do - obviously you don't want them to come off unexpectedly. 

Quantity:  

Stock

5+