(Part 3) Best trekking poles according to redditors

I used this method, laid out by Andrew Skurka:

https://andrewskurka.com/trekking-pole-replacement-tips-buyers-guide-instructions/

I used these tips on my Locus CP3S:

Black Diamond Flex Tips, Long https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UYTFCA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_louxDb4QMGNGG

Not Birmingham related at all, but because you mentioned walking:

http://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Walking-Poles-Twist-Locking-Collapsible/dp/B0016688JM/ref=lp_8982112011_1_1?srs=8982112011&ie=UTF8&qid=1462308702&sr=8-1

I think these are kind of weird, but my mother SWEARS by them and she is just a few years younger than your mom. She has been doing it as long as I can remember and it allows her to work her upper body as she walks. Also helps in case a dog comes after her...which happens pretty frequently for some reason. She walks 4+ miles a day, so this may not be the right gift for someone who walks casually, but was just a thought. I apologize if this is just way too weird. :)

I prefer this version or this one, which seem a bit more elegant in design to my sensibilities.

You're not a fraud. You're helping yourself function better, and that is very important. With CFS its advisable not to push yourself too hard. After I accepted that I should no longer push, push, push through my exhaustion, I discovered my limits. I work within them and now have a happy and fulfilling life. I can actually plan things and attend 90% of the time now.

As for a cane, you can get something functional but cool. Something that illustrates your personality! I hated when I had to get one and kept putting it off. But I searched around and found something interesting and fun.

I now have several and they have become signals for my energy level. If I'm just a little tired but still welcome some conversation, I take an eye-catching one. People will comment on them and I can get some positive 'vibes' from others. If I'm exhausted and hoarding energy, I take a common darker colored one.

For men, they have some gorgeous shillelaghs and [walking sticks.] (https://www.amazon.com/SE-WS628-55HW-Walking-Hand-Carved-Howling/dp/B004UAP8G2/ref=wl_mb_wl_huc_mrai_1_dp) They even have hiking poles that are great if you like to go for a walk. I use two like ski poles when I venture into the woods.

You'll be amazed how much energy a cane can save you when you can barely hold yourself up.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B008V1HRDI/ref=sr_1_2_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1468198704&sr=8-2&keywords=black+diamond+carbon+cork&condition=used

Amazon will have 20% off warehouse deal items on July 12th (tuesday) for those of you who have prime.

Can any Australians recommend some reasonably priced aluminium trekking poles?

They don't have to be ultralight but prefer Al over C as they're for my mum and I'd rather they bend than shatter.

Introductory pair to see if she likes it.. probably used 6hrs a week.

Cork handle would be a benefit.

Not an "International Product from outside Australia" as I need to get them to her in the next 3-4 days

Found these Coleman poles but they're twist lock https://www.amazon.com.au/Coleman-2000016536-Trekking-Poles-Pair/dp/B002YXNEDQ/ref=sr_1_15

Doesn't have to be from Amazon.. not asking much eh?

I bought a $20 colapsable treking/hiking pole then sanded the top of the handle flat and glued a GoPro clip in mount to it. (similar to this pole, but a different brand http://www.amazon.com/Anti-shock-Telescopic-Walking-Hiking-trekking/dp/B002ZB1XE4/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1410303134&sr=8-6&keywords=hiking+pole) It works well, is light weight and collapses to a third of its max length.

Tons of options out there....

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Diamond-Classic-Trekking-Protectors/dp/B0032IPKRU

I'm still considering the Black Diamond Z-Pole Ultra Distance Trekking Poles, they aren't adjustable. I kind of prefer that, but I don't know which length pole I should get though, I'm 180 cm/5.9 f ?

Also, good to know on the flicklock vs. twistlock. Here I would also prefer the twistlock (cleaner look and nothing sticking out on the pole). But I was a little concerned about strength, but it sounds like according to you that they're just fine.

We also have two trips for sure scheduled (one 3-4 day and one 9 day trip). We are also looking to add about 2 more long weekends if possible. My work schedule with being on call every 3rd weekend and limited PTO/vacation time is difficult to manage and coordinate with my husband's vacation/pto time, but we are making due.

We also redid some parts of our kits. Namely a cook pot, socks, & trekking poles. We are also still on the hunt for husbands footwear. Nothing is more fun to me than gear testing and shopping. :)

I have always just used my iphone for pictures. My husband does own a small point and shoot so we may take that along and give it a try this year. I always regret not taking enough photos on our trips. Especially photos of the people on the trip! I love the scenery shots too but those are less meaningful to me when I look back on the trip months later. I will try to be better about it this year. What sort of camera do you use?

Good luck bringing in new hiker friends. A tip to remember is to start at their level the first time they go out. If they are miserable the first time out you will loose your hiking buddy as fast as you got him/her. Help them be very prepared and it will go smooth.

I also have been reading up. I don't actually have a library that is close or convenient enough for me to use. But online information has been reliable and helpful thus far. Heck I find myself on reddit checking all the hiking/backpacking/camping subreddits more often then not.

I am so jealous of your hopeful 2 thru hikes. The AT has been a lifelong dream, but I just can't swing it with my current career. I resign myself to reading others blogs and various books on the trail. I have been hooked ever since I did a small section in Tennessee and clingman's dome.

As for your debate with trekking poles - go for it. That is one of our new pieces of equipment this year. So far I give both thumbs up. We have been using them on our nightly walks and now with our little practice hikes with full packs. LOVE them so far. these are the ones we are currently using. I did not pay full price. Ended up finding them on campsavor over president's day and got a huge sale price. Been using them ever since they were delivered.

I have also read a lot on the debate between quilt vs sleeping bag. So far I have decided to just stick with the bags we have. I have no need to upgrade at this point. The idea of a lighter quilt seems fantastic but the money required to save those ounces is out of my range for an "unneeded" product at the moment. I will wait until someone convinces me otherwise.

Kayaks are a ton of FUN! I am guessing that adding camping to that equation only doubles the fun!! I do not personally own one, but I have rented them and they are super cool. Don't forget your dry bags if you do bring camping gear along. ;)

Thank you for the great response. I am so excited for this summer it is fun to share that with other MI folks. Good luck with all your planning!

edit: fixed typo

I can't find the exact same poles but there are very similar ones:

https://www.amazon.com/Komperdell-Carbon-Expedition-Tour-Trekking/dp/B015HOESBK/

...and a few others:

https://www.amazon.com/Komperdell-Approach-Compact-Trekking-39-125cm/dp/B00EJVM6BW/

https://www.amazon.com/Komperdell-Carbon-Approach-Vario-Trekking/dp/B0088M1L5A/

I've heard really good things about the Pacemaker Stix Expedition poles which are avaialable for $50 and backed by a solid warranty too.

http://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Blanket-Freddie-Sebbie-Waterproof/dp/B00CLAZLN8/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1417751822&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=Picnic+blanket+w%2F+waterproof+bottom+and+tote%2Fshoulder+strap

I like these ones for about $50.