Poles, staffs offer power, stability — and they're lightweight, too

Two things every hiker should want is added power getting up a hill, and better support and stability going down. Those are the very reasons trekking poles (used in pairs) and hiking staffs (used singly) have become de rigueur for most hikers.

To be effective, trekking poles should be light (less weight to carry forward means more strength is saved for the work at hand) but they also must be stout, durable and effectively adjustable.

In the trekking-pole category, it's hard to beat the Leki Ultralite Ti Air Ergo poles. These three-section poles feature an adjustment system that allows you to quickly adjust the length and then securely lock the pole sections exactly where you want them. The ELS (easy lock system) proved to be one of the securest, yet easy to use, adjustment systems we've encountered — it held secure even when I used the poles to lever my 215 pounds through a steep boulder field.

Other features of note include the positive-angle of the grip, which allows the pole to swing forward into perfect placement position without having to cock your wrist, making use easier with less strain on your arms.

On the downside, at $149.95 per pair, the Leki poles are 20 percent to 40 percent more expensive than similar poles. Also, the rubberized grips can get a bit slippery if you have sweaty hands. But at 9 ounces per pole, they are among the lightest three-section poles you'll find, and the most comfortable. The added comfort and strength seems well worth a few extra dollars. For more information, see www.leki.com/html/trek_ultralite_2148.asp.

Hikers who prefer a single staff want the same features and functionality as their two-pole counterparts, but they also want one hand free. While these folks could buy a pair of trekkers and just use one, there's no need for that thanks to REI's Four Winds Travel Staff. Weighing just 8 ounces, the Four Winds extends from an ultra compact 21 inches to 51 inches — plenty long for even the tallest hiker. An extra-long foam grip allows you to change hand positions when moving through rough terrain without worry about slipping, and for photo buffs, the grip can be removed to reveal a standard camera-mount screw. That means the Four Winds doubles as a monopod.

Hikers accustomed to the symmetry of trekking poles may find the single pole awkward. But if you prefer a free hand when hiking, a single staff is the way to go, and the Four Winds is hard to beat. The $68 retail price is about half that of trekking poles (as it should be). For more information: www.rei.com.

— Dan A. Nelson, special to The Seattle Times

For the purpose of review, gear manufacturers lend products to the Times' freelance reviewer, who returns products after a typical use of four to six weeks. There is no payment from manufacturers and they have no control over the content of reviews. Dan A. Nelson, of Puyallup, is a regular contributor to Backpacker magazine, and an author of outdoor guides with The Mountaineers Books. Contact him with gear-related questions at gearguy@adventuresnw.net