Introduction

Brief Overview

The REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles are designed to offer hikers and outdoor enthusiasts a reliable and sturdy companion for their trekking adventures. Whether you’re navigating rocky terrains, steep inclines, or uneven paths, these trekking poles promise to enhance stability and reduce strain on your joints. Specifically crafted for all-season use, the Trailmade Trekking Poles aim to support a variety of hiking styles and conditions, making them a versatile choice for both beginners and seasoned hikers.

Initial Impressions and Context of Testing

Upon unboxing the REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles, the first thing that stands out is their sleek and ergonomic design. The poles feel lightweight yet robust, indicating a thoughtful balance between durability and ease of use. The comfortable grip and adjustable length feature suggest that these poles can cater to various heights and preferences, adding to their user-friendly appeal.

To put these trekking poles to the test, I took them on a weekend hiking trip to the rugged trails of the White Mountains. The weather conditions varied from sunny and dry to wet and slippery, providing an excellent opportunity to assess the poles’ performance in different scenarios. During the testing, I paid close attention to how well the poles supported my weight, their ease of adjustment, and how they handled the various terrains and weather conditions.

Technical Specifications

Key Features and Technology

The REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles are packed with features that aim to enhance your trekking experience. Here’s a closer look at what these poles offer:

• Adjustable Length: The poles feature a simple twist-lock mechanism that allows for easy adjustment between 34 and 55 inches. This flexibility ensures that the poles can accommodate hikers of different heights and preferences.
• Shock Absorption: Built-in shock absorbers help to reduce impact on your wrists and arms, providing a smoother and more comfortable trekking experience, especially on rough terrains.
• Interchangeable Tips: The poles come with interchangeable carbide tips for rugged trails and rubber tips for smoother surfaces, offering versatility across different hiking conditions.

Design and Materials

• Material: The poles are constructed from 6061 aluminum, known for its lightweight and durable properties. This material choice ensures that the poles are sturdy enough to withstand heavy use while being light enough for long hikes.
• Grips: The handles are made of EVA foam, which provides a comfortable and non-slip grip. The foam also helps in absorbing moisture from sweaty hands, ensuring a secure hold even during intense hikes.
• Straps: The adjustable wrist straps are padded for comfort and help to distribute the load more evenly across your hands and wrists, reducing fatigue over long distances.

Additional Features

• Collapsible Design: The three-section collapsible design makes the poles easy to pack and store, fitting conveniently into your backpack when not in use.
• Weight: Each pole weighs approximately 10 ounces, making them lightweight yet sturdy enough for rigorous use.
• Color and Aesthetics: Available in multiple color options, the REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles are not only functional but also stylish, allowing hikers to choose a design that suits their personal taste.

These technical specifications highlight the thoughtful design and engineering that go into making the REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles a reliable choice for any outdoor adventure. Whether you’re tackling a steep mountain trail or a leisurely forest path, these poles are equipped to handle the challenge, providing support, comfort, and durability.

Performance Evaluation

Fabric Performance

• Durability: The REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles are constructed from 6061 aluminum, renowned for its resilience and lightweight properties. During my testing in the White Mountains, the poles endured the rigors of rocky trails and dense underbrush without any signs of bending or wear. This durability ensures that they can withstand heavy use over time, making them a reliable choice for frequent hikers.

Weather Resistance

• All-Weather Use: These trekking poles are designed to perform in various weather conditions. The aluminum construction is corrosion-resistant, which is particularly beneficial in wet and humid environments. I tested the poles in both sunny and rainy conditions, and they maintained their structural integrity and performance without any issues. The EVA foam grips provided a secure hold even when wet, preventing slippage and ensuring safety.

Practical Features

• Adjustable Length: The twist-lock mechanism for adjusting the length of the poles is intuitive and reliable. It allowed me to quickly and easily change the length to suit different terrains and inclines, enhancing stability and comfort. Whether I needed shorter poles for uphill climbs or longer poles for descending, the adjustment process was seamless.
• Shock Absorption: The built-in shock absorbers significantly reduced the impact on my wrists and arms, especially on rocky and uneven terrain. This feature made a noticeable difference in comfort, particularly during extended hikes, reducing fatigue and strain.
• Interchangeable Tips: The poles come with interchangeable carbide and rubber tips, providing versatility for different surfaces. The carbide tips offered excellent grip on rocky trails, while the rubber tips were ideal for smoother paths and road walking. Switching between the tips was straightforward, enhancing the poles’ adaptability.
• Collapsible Design: The three-section collapsible design was particularly useful for packing and storage. The poles collapsed down small enough to fit easily into my backpack, making them convenient to carry when not in use.

The REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles excel in performance across a variety of hiking conditions. Their durability, weather resistance, and practical features such as adjustable length, shock absorption, and interchangeable tips contribute to a versatile and reliable trekking companion. These poles are designed to enhance the hiking experience by providing stability, reducing strain, and adapting to diverse terrains and weather conditions.

Fit and Comfort

Sizing and Fit

• Adjustability: One of the standout features of the REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles is their adjustable length. With a range extending from 34 to 55 inches, these poles can be tailored to fit hikers of various heights. During my testing, I found the twist-lock mechanism simple to use, allowing for quick adjustments on the go. This feature is particularly beneficial for different terrains, enabling a shorter length for ascents and a longer reach for descents.
• Ergonomic Design: The ergonomic design of the poles ensures that they fit comfortably in the hands. The grips are contoured to match the natural shape of the hand, providing a secure and comfortable hold. This design helps to prevent hand fatigue and discomfort during long hikes, making them suitable for extended use.

Comfort During Various Activities

• Grip Comfort: The EVA foam grips are not only durable but also highly comfortable. They offer a soft yet firm grip that reduces the strain on the hands. The foam material is also effective at wicking away moisture, which is crucial during hot and sweaty hikes. I noticed that even after several hours of use, the grips remained comfortable and non-slippery.
• Wrist Straps: The adjustable wrist straps add another layer of comfort. Padded and easily adjustable, these straps help distribute the load evenly across the wrists, reducing strain. They also ensure that the poles remain securely attached to your hands, even if you momentarily let go to adjust your gear or take a photo.
• Shock Absorption: The built-in shock absorbers significantly enhance comfort by reducing the impact on the wrists and arms. This feature is particularly noticeable on rocky or uneven terrain, where each step can jolt your arms. The shock absorption system smooths out these impacts, allowing for a more comfortable and less tiring hike.
• Long-Haul Comfort: Over the course of a full-day hike, the comfort features of the REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles became increasingly evident. The combination of ergonomic grips, adjustable length, padded wrist straps, and shock absorption contributed to a hike that felt less strenuous and more enjoyable. These poles are designed with the long-haul hiker in mind, providing consistent comfort and support throughout the journey.

The REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles excel in both fit and comfort. Their adjustable length and ergonomic design cater to a wide range of hikers, while the comfort features such as EVA foam grips, padded wrist straps, and shock absorbers ensure a pleasant hiking experience. Whether tackling short trails or embarking on extended treks, these poles provide the necessary support and comfort to keep you going strong.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

• Durability: The REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles are made from 6061 aluminum, which provides a sturdy and resilient structure. They withstand rough terrains and heavy use, ensuring longevity.
• Adjustability: The twist-lock mechanism allows for easy length adjustments between 34 and 55 inches. This flexibility accommodates various hiking situations and user heights, making the poles versatile.
• Comfort: The EVA foam grips and padded wrist straps offer excellent comfort. The grips are ergonomic and moisture-wicking, while the padded straps help distribute load evenly, reducing wrist strain.
• Shock Absorption: The built-in shock absorbers significantly enhance comfort by reducing impact on the wrists and arms, making long hikes less strenuous.
• Interchangeable Tips: The poles come with both carbide and rubber tips, providing versatility for different hiking surfaces. Switching tips is easy, enhancing the poles’ adaptability to various terrains.
• Collapsible Design: The three-section design allows the poles to collapse down small enough for easy storage and transportation, fitting conveniently into a backpack.

Drawbacks

• Weight: At approximately 10 ounces per pole, some ultralight hikers may find them a bit heavier compared to other trekking poles made from materials like carbon fiber.
• Twist-Lock Mechanism: While reliable, the twist-lock mechanism can sometimes be less convenient than flip-lock systems, especially in cold or wet conditions where twisting can be more challenging.
• Price: Although competitively priced for their quality, they might be considered a bit expensive for budget-conscious hikers.
• Bulkiness: When collapsed, the poles might still be slightly bulky for ultralight backpackers who prioritize minimal gear.

In summary, the REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles offer excellent durability, comfort, and adjustability, making them a reliable choice for most hikers. However, their weight and twist-lock mechanism might be drawbacks for some users. Despite these minor cons, their overall performance and versatility make them a valuable addition to any hiking gear collection.

Comparative Analysis

When comparing the REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles to the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork and the Leki Cressida FX Carbon, several key differences and similarities emerge, helping to determine the best option for various hiking preferences.

REI Co-op Trailmade vs. Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork

The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork poles are crafted from carbon fiber, making them significantly lighter than the REI Co-op Trailmade poles, which are made from 6061 aluminum. This weight difference, with the Alpine Carbon Cork being around 1-2 ounces lighter per pole, can be crucial for ultralight hikers prioritizing minimal pack weight. Additionally, the Alpine Carbon Cork features cork grips, which some hikers prefer over EVA foam for their natural feel and sweat-wicking properties. However, the REI Trailmade poles excel in durability and robustness, especially in rugged conditions where aluminum’s strength is an advantage. The Trailmade’s shock absorption and adjustability features provide excellent comfort and versatility, potentially making them a better choice for long, strenuous hikes.

REI Co-op Trailmade vs. Leki Cressida FX Carbon

The Leki Cressida FX Carbon poles also utilize carbon fiber, offering a lighter option compared to the REI Co-op Trailmade. The Cressida FX Carbon features a unique folding design, making them exceptionally compact when stored, which is ideal for hikers looking to minimize space. The Leki poles come with the SpeedLock 2 locking mechanism, known for its reliability and ease of use, even in adverse weather conditions. In contrast, the Trailmade’s twist-lock mechanism, while effective, may not be as user-friendly in cold or wet conditions. However, the Trailmade poles provide superior durability due to their aluminum construction and include shock absorbers, enhancing comfort on long treks. The EVA foam grips of the Trailmade also offer excellent comfort and moisture management, making them a strong contender for those who prioritize comfort and durability over minimal weight and compactness.

In summary, while the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork and Leki Cressida FX Carbon offer advantages in weight and compactness due to their carbon fiber construction and innovative designs, the REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles stand out for their durability, comfort, and shock absorption, making them a reliable and versatile choice for various hiking conditions.

Verdict

The REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles stand out as a reliable and versatile option for hikers of all levels. With their durable 6061 aluminum construction, adjustable length, and practical features like shock absorption and interchangeable tips, these poles are designed to enhance your trekking experience across various terrains and weather conditions. While they may be slightly heavier compared to carbon fiber alternatives, their robust build and comfort-focused design, including EVA foam grips and padded wrist straps, make them an excellent choice for long hikes. The twist-lock mechanism, though less convenient than some other systems, is effective and easy to use. Overall, the REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles offer great value for money, providing the durability, comfort, and versatility that outdoor enthusiasts need for a wide range of activities. These poles are particularly well-suited for hikers seeking a balance between durability and comfort on their adventures.