Overview

This page describes an ongoing endurance test of the Trekker’s Friend, which is currently in progress.

This endurance test was begun with a new Trekker’s Friend on 27th August 2023. Most days I walk with it, and measure the distance walked with a Suunto watch. I add the distance walked to the total walked and record it in a spreadsheet. The spreadsheet is available – please get in contact if you would like it.

Current progress

As at the 11th of May 2026 I have walked 3404km with this Trekker’s Friend, with 18-25kg of weight on it. I have used a single pair of hiking poles for all of this time as well – they are the Masters Eiger hiking poles that are described here.

Maintenance performed

I have performed the following maintenance so far during this endurance test:

• On the 12th of October 2024, after 1520km, I replaced all 4 wheel bearings as described here
• On the 26th of February 2025, after 2012km, I changed the top piece ends to version 3.6. This was not done because the old ones were broken or worn out, but to use a new design and materials that, together, will be stronger and more versatile
• On the 12th of June 2025, after 2375 km, I replaced the belt buckle and the shock cords on the axle (that are used to tie the waist belt out of the way when wheeling the pack). Both of these were showing signs of wear so I wanted to replace them before they failed
• On the 1st of June 2025 I made the small changes in appearance to upgrade it to version 3.7
• On the 1st of January 2026, after 3068km, I replaced all 4 wheel bearings as described here. The first set of bearings worked for 1520km, and the second set of bearings worked for 1548km.

The endurance test continues…