Customer Reviews

Swiss Gear Hiking Pole

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

This is a reasonably priced trekking pole that's lightweight and fairly sturdy. However, the first time I used it, the carbide tip fell out. I saw some of these at Wal-Mart and examined the tips. Quite a few of them had already fallen out prior to even being purchased. I even tried gluing mine into the staff, but it fell out again during the first use. I threw away the tip and made my own with a nail. So even though this is a well-made pole (except for the crappy tip), I don't recommend it (due to the crappy tip!). Instead, get a Kaito pole. I got one for Christmas and it's awesome. Light-weight, well built, sturdy, the tip hasn't fallen out yet(!), and it has extra features (camera screw-mount, compass, thermometer). The Kaito's are only a little more in price than this Swiss Gear. They are worth the extra cost.

We bought a pair of these at WalMart on a whim since they were so darn cheap! We used them on the Appalachian Trail and on a hiking trip through the Swiss Alps. They work great and have held up fine under rather stressful conditions. While they're a bit heavier than the fancy name-brand poles, they're no less rugged and only a fraction the cost. What's not to like?

THIS TREK POLE IS JUST WHAT YOU NEED. IT COMES WITH TWO TIPS AND A COMPASS IN THE GRIP. VERY STRONG POLE FOR THE PRICE. THANKS SWISS GEAR FOR GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY.

My primary use for this was to give me something to help me stay upright during geocaching, and to have something for bushwhacking. If you are into Geocaching you will understand! [...]

After falling down the side of a hill and getting a bit scratched up, getting this Hiking Pole has worked very well to keep me balanced in weird places. Also, it's handy for moving branches out of the way (i.e. bushwhacking) when necessary!

Although the tip/round piece fell off when I first used the hiking pole, it has otherwise served me well. Lightweight, telescopes down to tuck in my pack easily, and is sturdy enough to survive a few pretty strenuous hikes in Shenandoah. Unbeatable price.

I bought this for the rubber tip! However, it seems difficult to change the length and keep it screwed firmly-it moves when you lean on it. Maybe it's a defect?Swiss Gear Hiking Pole

I bought two of these for $10 each a year ago just to give them a try. I did not have high expectations since they were so cheap, but they are still on the trail with me. Quite frankly, I assumed they would break or collapse or give out somehow, but such is not the case. I have used them in mud, rocks, and sand from the AT trails in N. Georgia to the sand in Central Florida and they just keep working. I have not had any problems with the tips coming out. I take two of them with me when I backpack and use them for tent poles at night. They do the job and if you leave one somewhere you're only out $10. Works for me.

Yes, they may not be as durable as the expensive models, and are slightly heavier, but you get 90% of the functionality of the expensive brands at 20% of the price. After I got my first set, I immediately went online and ordered a half dozen more, just to have on hand when the first set breaks. Well, I'm still on the first set, and they've been on top of Half Dome, 10 days inside the Tahoe Wilderness, and hundreds of miles of local trails. I'm very impressed by the durability of a supposed "cheap" hiking pole.

Excellent product. I'm a heavy person and was able to put alot of weight on this walking stick.

I began backpacking about 3 years ago and was given and bought a lot of beginner quality gear. Since then I've been able to be out about 30days/nights, mostly in the Sierra, and have upgraded every piece of gear I started with. Except for these poles. These guys have been everywhere with me and won't quit! I've worn through the plastic caps and worn the metal beneath down to nothing. I've gotten them caught in rocks and put quite a bit of pressure on them but they haven't bent or broken, I'm pretty sure I would have snapped a lighter weight or carbon pole.
They're not light but they get the job done, and for me, they've worked as well as a $200 carbon fiber pole could have. The only issue I've ever had with them is in the locking mechanism- my girlfriend bought a pair and the lock on one broke right away. If you buy them test them out in the store to make sure you've got a good pair because it seems based on the other reviews that there is a quality issue from the factory.
Listen, they're $20 for a pair and I've had mine so long that I now show them off and scoff at people who blew $150 for some plastic Leki's.