LIMB-itless Outdoors is taking this gear review to the poles. Do trekking poles work? Are they worth the added weight to a days hike or backcountry adventure? Is the money spent well invested and at what price point do you need to focus? Truth be told, I historically viewed trekking poles or hiking sticks as a crutch. As a young, healthy outdoor enthusiast, I relied on two good legs and a strong back to move required loads across Mother Nature’s landscape. In the past two years, I have discovered the errors in my thought process.

For those who spent years hitting the trailhead without trekking poles, what was the first thought through your head when you tried ambulating with the addition of poles? For me, especially as an amputee, it was mind blowing. I was preparing for a backcountry elk hunt in Washington State. I had viewed multiple YouTube celebrities (Corey Jacobsen, Donnie Drake, and the boys with Born and Raised Outdoors) toting and utilizing poles. I figured I should give them a try. I ordered a pair of Camofire Crest Carbon trekking poles. The day they arrived, I donned a 50lb pack and hit the neighborhood. I was astonished how much energy I conserved, merely on flat ground, with the added stability. From that moment, my mind was forever changed and I am a huge advocate of trekking poles.

How does one determine what brand and price point to invest in a set of poles? In my mind, the answer is quite simple. First, determine what you are willing to budget for trekking poles. Second, select a weight range. Third, conduct some market research on different brands, exploring their options which fit your requirements and read some reviews or maybe watch some YouTube videos regarding your poles of interest. I selected the Camofire Carbon poles due to price. I was on a budget and found them on a daily deal for $59.99. They filled the requirement for the time. Two years later, they are selling for $110, daily price, and often on sale for $79.99. Still a great pole without exhausting your budget.

Earlier this year I researched PEAX Equipment Company. PEAX is an American owned company based out of Bozeman, MT. Just the location alone screams, “We know a bit about backcountry gear”! The company’s mentality speaks my language as they are rooted in knowledge and experience with high-quality gear and involved in wildlife and public land conservation. They offer three Sissy Stix options: Backcountry Pro, Elite and Z, ranging from $129.95 to 169.95. I opted for the middle ground of the Backcountry Elite at $149.95.

In comparison between the Backcountry Elite and the Camofire Carbon, one might think you are merely shelling out an additional $30 for the PEAX, as the poles look very similar and are in the same weight category. However, looks can be deceiving, especially when you look at several other contributing factors. The first and main contributing factor for me was previously stated above. PEAX is an American-owned small business in the lower 48, supporting foundations of our national outdoor resources. Personally, that is worth every penny of the extra $30 spent. The other two more tangible factors are replacement parts and warranty.

How many times have you received a new piece of kit only to find it damaged, of poor construction or breaks within the first few days of use. The Camofire poles were shipped in a plastic bag. In the bag, I simply received the set of poles. No more, no less. The rubber end caps were glued in place, requiring a pair of vice-grips to remove them. Once removed, I had to scrape off the residual adhesive and re-glue them if I wanted them back on. This in itself is not field friendly nor does it lend to the longevity of the poles.

PEAX Equipment Sissy Stix arrived in a durable box with a storage/carry bag and two different sets of baskets. The poles have threaded rubber tips which are very simple to remove and lend to easy re-installment when the situation dictates. In reference to replacement parts, PEAX openly advertises replacement parts for the entire lower section of their poles. Not a readily available option with the Camofire Crest Carbons.

If you are like me, putting time and miles on your gear, a well made product with a solid warranty to back it is high on the list of priorities. PEAX Equipment stands behind their products with a limited three-year warranty. Yes, I said limited, however it does cover the major points of failure without taking into account user error or negligence. Most other trekking pole companies offer a one-year warranty at best.

For those looking for product specifics, the Sissy Stix Elite offer an adjustable 24.5” - 54” of height adjustment on a carbon/aluminum pole. The two upper sections are constructed of 3K carbon and the lower section is aerospace grade aluminum. The extended grips are made of foam and are very comfortable (PEAX does not offer cork grips as the owners prefer and believe in the advantages of foam). The adjustable quick locks are made of durable plastic and hold the sections in place. The last and most sought after detail is weight. The Elite set of poles weigh a total of 17oz.

Not to lose my footing with all of the positives, I can only slip one negative item into the review of PEAX Equipment, which has nothing to do with the Sissy Stix trekking poles themselves. That one item is communication. If you are consumer who prefers an interactive company, PEAX is not for you. They tend to not respond to email or social media messages.

At the end of the trail, I will stand by two facts regarding trekking poles and PEAX’s Sissy Stix. First and foremost, if you have not or are not currently using trekking poles, I highly recommend you conduct some research and add them to your outdoor toolbox. Secondly, PEAX Equipment Sissy Stix are a stable investment for the price point and I highly recommend leaning in their direction.

Happy Trails…

Be LIMBITLESS. Get OUTDOORS