Introduction

Brief Overview

The REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles are designed to enhance your hiking and trekking experience by providing stability and support on various terrains. These poles are a product of REI Co-op, a trusted name in the outdoor gear industry, known for their commitment to quality and innovation. The Traverse trekking poles are suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities, including day hikes, long-distance trekking, and even mountaineering.

Initial Impressions

Upon unboxing the REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles, their robust construction and thoughtful design immediately stand out. Made from high-quality aluminum, these poles strike a balance between durability and weight, making them easy to carry without sacrificing strength. The sleek, ergonomic handles feel comfortable to grip, and the adjustable length feature ensures a custom fit for hikers of all heights.

Context of Testing

To provide a thorough evaluation, I tested the REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles over several hikes in diverse conditions, including rocky trails, muddy paths, and steep inclines. This variety allowed me to assess their performance in different scenarios, ensuring a comprehensive review. My testing grounds included a weekend trek through the Appalachian Trail and a day hike in the Pacific Northwest’s rainy forests. These settings offered a mix of challenges that put the poles to the test, from slick, wet surfaces to uneven, rocky terrain.

In summary, the REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles promise to be a reliable companion for outdoor enthusiasts looking for enhanced stability and comfort on the trail. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into their technical specifications, performance, and overall value.

Technical Specifications

Key Features and Technology

The REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles are packed with features and technologies designed to optimize performance and user experience. Here are the key highlights:

• Adjustable Length: The poles feature a robust, easy-to-use locking mechanism that allows for quick adjustments in length, accommodating users of different heights and various terrain types. The length can be adjusted from 105 to 140 centimeters.
• Comfortable Grips: Equipped with ergonomic, dual-density foam grips, these poles ensure a comfortable hold, reducing hand fatigue during long hikes. The extended grip area is particularly useful for quick adjustments on uneven terrain.
• Anti-Shock Technology: To reduce impact on joints, the poles come with built-in shock absorbers that provide a smoother trekking experience, especially on descents.

Design and Materials

The design and materials of the REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles reflect their high-quality construction and user-friendly features:

• Material: Made from 7075-T6 aluminum, these poles offer an excellent balance of strength and lightweight performance. This material is known for its durability and resistance to bending or breaking.
• Locking Mechanism: The adjustable length is secured by a reliable, lever-locking mechanism known as the Powerlock 3.0. This system ensures the poles remain stable and secure once adjusted, even under heavy use.
• Tips and Baskets:
  • Carbide Tips: Durable carbide tips provide a firm grip on a variety of surfaces, from rocky trails to icy paths.
  • Interchangeable Baskets: The poles come with both trekking and snow baskets, making them versatile for use in different seasons and conditions.

Additional Features

• Weight: Each pole weighs approximately 9.5 ounces, striking a balance between durability and ease of use.
• Collapsible Design: When collapsed, the poles measure just 68 centimeters, making them easy to pack and transport.
• Wrist Straps: Adjustable and padded wrist straps ensure a secure and comfortable fit, helping to distribute weight and reduce strain on your wrists.

In conclusion, the REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles are designed with the avid hiker in mind, offering a combination of durability, comfort, and advanced features. Whether you’re navigating rocky trails or snowy paths, these poles are equipped to enhance your trekking experience.

Performance Evaluation

Fabric Performance

While trekking poles do not have fabric components, their performance in terms of material durability and design quality is paramount. The 7075-T6 aluminum used in the REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles is both lightweight and exceptionally durable. This material choice ensures the poles withstand the rigors of various terrains without bending or breaking, providing reliable support throughout your hike.

Weather Resistance

The REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles are designed to perform well in a variety of weather conditions. Their aluminum construction resists corrosion, ensuring longevity even when exposed to rain and snow. The carbide tips maintain a secure grip on slippery surfaces such as wet rocks or icy paths, enhancing stability and safety in adverse weather. Additionally, the interchangeable baskets (trekking and snow) allow for seamless adaptation to different environments, from muddy trails to deep snow.

Practical Features

• Locking Mechanism: The Powerlock 3.0 lever-locking mechanism stands out for its reliability and ease of use. Adjusting the length of the poles is quick and secure, even while wearing gloves, which is crucial in cold or wet conditions.
• Ergonomic Grips: The dual-density foam grips are comfortable and absorbent, providing a non-slip hold even when your hands are sweaty or damp. The extended grip area allows for quick hand position adjustments without the need to change the pole length, especially useful on varying terrain.
• Shock Absorption: The integrated anti-shock technology reduces impact on the joints, particularly beneficial during long descents. This feature enhances overall comfort and reduces fatigue, making long hikes more enjoyable.
• Interchangeable Baskets: The ability to switch between trekking and snow baskets adds versatility, ensuring the poles remain effective in both summer and winter conditions.

Durability and Reliability

During testing, the REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles demonstrated impressive durability. They held up well under heavy use on rocky trails and steep inclines. The locking mechanism did not slip, and the poles maintained their structural integrity despite the varied and challenging conditions. The carbide tips showed minimal wear even after extended use on abrasive surfaces, confirming their longevity.

Additional Features

• Wrist Straps: The adjustable wrist straps are padded and provide additional support, distributing the weight and reducing strain on the wrists. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining control on steep ascents and descents.
• Compactness: When collapsed, the poles are compact enough to fit into most backpacks, making them easy to transport when not in use.

In conclusion, the REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles excel in various performance aspects, from material durability and weather resistance to practical features and reliability. They are a versatile and dependable choice for outdoor enthusiasts facing diverse hiking conditions.

Fit and Comfort

Sizing and Fit

The REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles are designed with adjustability in mind, ensuring they can accommodate a wide range of users. The adjustable length feature, ranging from 105 to 140 centimeters, allows for a personalized fit tailored to your height and the terrain you are tackling. This versatility means that whether you are short or tall, you can easily set the poles to a length that provides optimal support and comfort. The Powerlock 3.0 lever-locking mechanism ensures that once adjusted, the poles stay firmly in place without slipping, giving you confidence and stability on the trail.

Ergonomic Grips

One of the standout features of the REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles is their ergonomic grip design. The dual-density foam grips are shaped to fit comfortably in your hands, reducing fatigue during long hikes. The foam material is not only soft and comfortable but also highly absorbent, which helps to wick away sweat and keep your hands dry. Additionally, the extended grip area allows for quick hand position adjustments without having to change the pole length, which is particularly useful when navigating varying terrain or steep ascents.

Shock Absorption and Vibration Reduction

The integrated anti-shock technology in these poles significantly enhances comfort by reducing the impact on your joints. This feature is especially beneficial on long descents, where continuous pounding can lead to fatigue and discomfort. By absorbing some of the shocks from the ground, these poles help to protect your wrists, elbows, and shoulders, making for a more comfortable hiking experience.

Wrist Straps

The adjustable wrist straps on the REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles are another feature designed with comfort in mind. These straps are padded to prevent chafing and distribute weight more evenly across your wrists. Properly adjusted, they help to reduce hand fatigue by allowing you to push down on the poles without gripping them too tightly. This can be particularly beneficial during long hikes or when carrying a heavy pack.

User Experience

In my testing, I found the REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles to be exceptionally comfortable across various conditions. During a multi-day trek on the Appalachian Trail, the ergonomic grips and anti-shock technology greatly reduced hand and joint fatigue. On a steep, rocky trail in the Pacific Northwest, the adjustable length and secure locking mechanism provided the stability needed to navigate challenging terrain confidently.

In conclusion, the REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles excel in providing a customizable fit and exceptional comfort. Their adjustable sizing, ergonomic grips, effective shock absorption, and well-designed wrist straps make them a reliable and comfortable choice for hikers of all levels. Whether you are on a short day hike or an extended trek, these poles are designed to enhance your overall hiking experience.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

Durable Construction: The REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles are made from 7075-T6 aluminum, known for its strength and lightweight properties. This ensures the poles can withstand the rigors of various hiking conditions without bending or breaking.

Adjustable Length: The poles’ adjustable length (105 to 140 cm) accommodates different heights and terrains, providing versatility and a personalized fit for every user.

Comfortable Grips: The dual-density foam grips are ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your hands, reducing fatigue during long hikes. The extended grip area is particularly useful for quick adjustments on uneven terrain.

Effective Shock Absorption: The built-in anti-shock technology helps reduce impact on the joints, making long hikes and descents more comfortable and less tiring.

Reliable Locking Mechanism: The Powerlock 3.0 lever-locking mechanism ensures the poles remain securely adjusted, even under heavy use, providing stability and confidence on the trail.

Interchangeable Baskets: The inclusion of both trekking and snow baskets adds versatility, allowing the poles to be used effectively in various conditions and seasons.

Compact and Lightweight: Weighing approximately 9.5 ounces each and collapsing to 68 cm, the poles are easy to carry and transport when not in use.

Drawbacks

Locking Mechanism Operation: While the Powerlock 3.0 is reliable, some users might find it slightly stiff to operate, especially in cold weather with gloves on.

Price Point: The REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles are priced higher than some other options on the market. While they offer excellent features and durability, budget-conscious hikers might find them a bit expensive.

Grip Absorbency: The foam grips, while comfortable, can absorb water when hiking in heavy rain, potentially making them less comfortable in prolonged wet conditions.

Weight: Although the poles are lightweight for aluminum construction, they are slightly heavier than some carbon fiber options, which might be a consideration for ultralight hikers.

In summary, the REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles offer a robust, comfortable, and versatile option for hikers, with a few minor drawbacks that may affect specific users’ preferences. Their durability and features make them a valuable investment for serious outdoor enthusiasts.

Comparative Analysis

When comparing the REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles to the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork and the Leki Cressida FX Carbon poles, several key differences and similarities emerge that can guide prospective buyers.

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

The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork poles are a popular choice among serious hikers due to their high-end materials and design. Made from carbon fiber, these poles are significantly lighter than the aluminum REI Co-op Traverse poles, which is a notable advantage for those prioritizing ultralight gear. The cork grips on the Black Diamond poles offer a natural, moisture-wicking feel that can be more comfortable over long periods, compared to the foam grips on the REI Co-op Traverse. However, the Traverse poles offer a more robust construction that can handle rougher terrain and heavier use without the risk of snapping, which can be a concern with carbon fiber poles.

REI Co-op Traverse vs. Leki Cressida FX Carbon

The Leki Cressida FX Carbon poles also feature a carbon fiber build, making them lighter than the REI Co-op Traverse poles. Like the Black Diamond poles, the Cressida FX Carbon is designed for those who need lightweight gear. These poles come with a SpeedLock 2 system for quick adjustments, which is similar in reliability to the Powerlock 3.0 on the REI Traverse poles. The ergonomic grip on the Leki Cressida, however, includes an extended handle for versatile hand positioning, which some hikers might find more comfortable. The REI Traverse’s dual-density foam grips provide excellent comfort, but might not offer the same extended grip versatility.

In conclusion, while the REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles offer robust durability and reliable performance, the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork and Leki Cressida FX Carbon poles cater to those seeking lightweight options with high comfort levels. Each of these poles has its strengths, making the choice dependent on whether the priority is weight savings or durability and rugged performance.

Verdict

The REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles are a dependable and versatile choice for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Their durable aluminum construction, combined with features like ergonomic foam grips, adjustable length, and effective anti-shock technology, makes them suitable for a wide range of terrains and conditions. While slightly heavier than some carbon fiber options, their robust build ensures reliability and longevity, particularly on rugged trails.

These poles excel in providing stability, comfort, and ease of use, making them a valuable addition to any hiker’s gear. Although they come at a higher price point, their performance and durability justify the investment for serious hikers. The REI Co-op Traverse trekking poles are best suited for those who prioritize strength and versatility over ultralight weight, making them ideal for extended treks and challenging hikes. Overall, they offer excellent value for money and enhance the hiking experience significantly.