Overview
It is very important that the trekking poles used with the Trekker’s Friend are strong and rigid – this becomes more important with a heavier load and/or rougher trail.
This page lists trekking poles I have used successfully with the Trekker’s Friend hiking trailer. There are likely to be many others that could be used, but there are also many trekking poles that will not be strong or rigid enough. During the 12 years or so I developed and tested the Trekker’s Friend I broke many poles until I discovered the ones listed below and learned to not be too rough on them!
In general:
- Look for Aluminium 7075 poles, that do not weigh less than those shown below
- All trekking poles shown are adjustable in length between at least 65 cm and 135 cm and have a similar construction at the bottom and top. The bottom of the trekking poles needs to be like this to work with the Trekker’s Friends
- Two pieces may be better than three because they might be stronger, and also as they allow you to adjust the length more quickly and easily. This is good for me because I set my poles to be 130 cm long when wheeling my pack and 115 cm long when carrying my pack. However, poles that come in two pieces are harder to find and do not fold up as small as those that come in three pieces
- If you are using the Trekker’s Friend to wheel your pack in rough terrain and finding it difficult to manage (eg. if it turns over), or are going over drops, rocks or steps that are higher than the top of your foot, particularly if they are uneven, then it is time to put your pack on your back instead of wheeling it, or you will risk breaking your trekking poles
- With some trekking poles the wrist strap tends to pull through the place where it connects to the trekking pole when you are wheeling your pack. This is easily fixed by tying a small knot in the end of the wrist strap.
Generic (alum 7075)
Statistics:
- Material: Aluminium 7075
- Weight (each pole): 210 g approx
- Pieces: 3
- Type of locks: clip locks
This is an example of the type of pole you can get from eBay or similar places for less than AU$100 per pair, that works well with the Trekker’s Friend. They may need more careful handling than more expensive poles, but nonetheless will last for many km with care.
Masters Eiger (alum 7075)
Statistics:
- Material: Aluminium 7075
- Weight (each pole): 215 g
- Pieces: 3
- Type of locks: clip locks
This is an example of the type of pole you can buy in retail shops in Australia for more than AU$100 per pair. It works well with the Trekker’s Friend.
Black Diamond ‘Pure Carbon’ (carbon fibre)
Statistics:
- Material: Carbon fibre
- Weight (each pole): 282 g
- Pieces: 2
- Type of locks: clip locks
This is an example of a type of pole you can get from retail shops for more than AU$100 per pair, that works reasonably well with the Trekker’s Friend.