Cooped Up? Get Uncooped.

Black Diamond Flicklocks if you don't want to be worrying about twisting and TWISTING the poles together (see Leki and REI brands) and struggling to keep them from sliding down. BD poles with their patented Flicklock system will stay in place, no matter what.

i found this cool hikeing staff on duluth trading .com it is a gastrock staff and is made of naturally aged chestnut wood is about 50'' long a removable rubber foot an inlaid top compass and a leather hand strap it's nice and light and strong  $39.50

I'm looking for a new one myself and understand the confusion. For years I had a wooden staff, carved for me by a friend. After it sadly broke it was replaced by a Leki found used. I don't know what model it was but was 3-section and spring loaded with a ski pole style grip. It served me well, though after some time the locks on the sections would stick or work loose. It was retired by accidentally being left at a trailhead.

In looking for a new one some things I have considered:

• 1 or 2 poles? I'm leaning towards two as you can always leave one at home.
• Collapsible - for travel or attaching to pack when needing two hands.
• Mount on top for camera. I always am taking photos, but will It be easy to use and attach/remove camera? I have drooled over the Trek-Pod , but worried if it is too heavy or durable enough.
• Aesthetics - A nice single staff, wood or a cork handle might be nice for those country gentleman walks.
  

Well, those are some of my considerations. You might also want to take a look the Hiking Poles Techniques and Tips DVD. I've not seen it but the clip on their site looks good.

Happy Trails,
David