HP-5 Anti-Shock Hiking Pole, 2-Pack, Anti Shock Hiking/Walking/Trekking Trail Poles - 1 Pair with Compass & Thermometer

I bought these poles based on price and that they had the anti-shock option. On my 1st hike with them them were comfortable and did a great job for hiking, but then an emergency happened that would test these poles. We went hiking in a remote preserve and my friend brought his dogs. It was very steep and grueling hike especially after one of the dogs collapsed from heat exhaustion. It was evident that if we did not get this dog to the creek and cool him down he would die. We happened to have a sleeping bag in his pack and we used the Hiking poles to create a litter, we carried the 100 lb dog on this litter to the creek and cooled him off. We then had to carry him up and out of the canyon to the truck, there were 4 of us holding the ends of the poles with the dog in the center the poles and they were starting to bend and I thought for sure they would break, an hour later we were able to get the dog into the truck and then drive like madmen to the vet, where he made a full recovery. The next day I looked at the poles expecting to just throw them away. They were bent but I was able to telescope them back into themselves without much effort and then I gently unbent them at the points they were bent. So great product in this day of throw away gear.

I did the AT with 4 of these poles (i bought 2 back ups) and they did pretty well. I did break one pole (The trail gave way due to rain and it saved me from sliding off the drop off) and destroy the rubber boots on them but considering the terrain they held up fairly well. My only real complaint is that they would come unlocked and shorten. Again, considering the price and the fact that I weigh about 190lbs and had 80lbs of gear they did well bearing 270 lbs on rocky terrain and climbing bolders where all the weight would be on one pole. Furthermore the compass and thermometer was surprisingly useful as they were readily accesible. The hand grip was great and never came undone dispite the abuse. I would buy again if they were to offer a warrenty (they may I havent looked into it)

I bought this for my dad, who had never hiked before (at 5' 3" & 185lbs, climbing 5 flights was tough for him). Arrived quickly and in good condition. As we were going to backpack through Sri Lanka, we decided to lighten our load and travel with only one pole rather than the pair. While climbing Sigiriya mountain and a few other hilly and rocky terrains nearby, this amazing singular pole did wonders to prop my dad's knees and thighs. Lengthening or shortening pole was easy and quick, and the grip was sturdy. Even in humid weather and sweaty palms, my father's hand did not slip nor did he complain of strap discomfort. The compass and temp reader worked rather well for us, though we did not have use for it. The pole was strapped to the outside of my backpack throughout the 8 days jaunt through Sri Lanka, bumping about buses trains and crazy tuk tuks. Other than an occasional scratch off the paint, the pole stood up well (even the bottom "plug/almost-rubber thingy" at end of the pole). I'll say this is a good buy for someone looking for a simple set that can hold up well. And the pair looks like it could last another 4-5 heady climbs! We're giving it 5 stars as we've had no comparison whatsoever.... but the fact that one pole can hold up my 185lbs dad, it's a fantastic pole!

Measured Specs: Weight-11.8oz with baskets and rubber tips Weight-11.0oz without baskets and rubber tips Height-54.75 inches extended with rubber tips Height-54.50 inches extended without rubber tips Height-26.25 inches fully collapsed with rubber tips Heiight-26.00 inches fully collaped without rubber tips These are a great value for the money. I find the cork grips very comfortable. The wrist straps easily adjust. The poles also adjust easily and lock firmly in place. The length did not shift even with my full weight on the poles once the internal turn to lock mechanism was engaged. The compass and Thermometer included on the wrist strap are not overly usefull. The compass is slightly better than nothing and the thermometers disagreed on the temperature by 20 degrees. These are easily removed from the wrist strap however. I prefer this pair over the Pacemaker trekking poles I also purchased.

These cheap hiking sticks work great for its purpose. They are lightweight and strong; I used this on a hike which required me to put a log of weight on them. There are some flaws however... the compass and thermometer do not work properly. The twist locks work well, but hard difficult to use at times; it tightens fine and holds the pole in its extended position, but it can be difficult to losen and retighten again. It will eventually grab and tighten strong, but this can be frustrating. This pole is a great pole for the price... higher quality poles go for 60+ from REI. You may want to invest in something with a little better quality if you are going to be using it heavily.

The poles arrived within a couple of days of placing the order. I often hike off the beaten path and one of my ankles tends to turn inward and trip me on a regular basis. I feel so much safer with this pole (I only feel the need to use one). Muddy, wet, leafy surfaces are not an issue. I especially like using it on hikes where there are steps, it's just like having a portable banister. (I'm training to hike the 3250 steps of Mt. Sinai in May). The poles are great, easy to adjust the height. Lightweight, yet durable enough to support my weight. Another reviewer mentioned a corky odor. I don't think I would have noticed any odor if not for the review, and it is only if I hold the handle up to my nose and sniff that I smell cork. I cannot comment on the thermometer or the compass, as my eyesight is too poor...but neither is of any importance to me. The only negative is there were no instructions on how to adjust them. My nephew, while playing with them, managed to take one apart. I had to figure out how to reattach on my own...I worried I might break a spring, but was able to put it back together with any damage. I would highly recommend this product. I can't imagine what a hundred dollar set could do that these don't. I used it while touring Petra and a old Bedouin came up to me an asked to trade a necklace he made for it. I didn't want to give it up, but who can refuse a bartering Bedouin?

Got these for Christmas last year in anticipation of hiking the Virgin River Narrows in Zion National Park. The hike was UNFORGETTABLE--what a place! The poles came in very handy, as the entire hike is through riverbed over large, slippery rocks. Poles performed wonderfully! The rubber feet came off after a few miles (hence only four-stars), but that's okay as the poles' carbide tips were then exposed, and they also worked great! The hand straps with the compass/thermometer are junk (also why the poles got four stars rather than five), and I would rather the poles didn't have a hole in the handle where the safety strap goes--I would just rather have an uninterrupted handle. Other than those two (very minor) quips, these are excellent poles. I'm 6'2", and the better of 250 pounds, and even though these poles are collapsable, they support me without issue.

I broke one of my old Leki Malaku's while doing a day hike on the AT (accidentally stepped on it), so I needed a replacement. These Hikker poles were significantly less expensive, so I decided to give them a try. They have a couple of features I like over the Leki's: (1) cork grip was contoured and felt better than the Leki's (2) foam padding under the cork grip is useful when you need to hold the poles closer the ground I didn't like the following: (1) The compass and thermometer that came attached to the poles didn't work (the manufacturer probably ought never to have included them). (2) The shock absorption was a bit too springy, although if you tightened it it would be less so. The Leki's spring action was less noticeable. However, my view became negative after doing a hike up Breakneck Ridge (Dutchess/Putnam County NY). This hike requires rock scrambling and as such I had to collapse the poles and stick them in my back pack. After reaching the summit, I attempted to expand them, but was only able to expand one of the poles. I could not tighten the other; one of the plastic nuts would not tighten. Since the quality is suspect, I suggest looking elsewhere for poles.