Side by Side Comparison of: Himal vs Sterling Endurance vs EarthTrekGear

I don't understand why people give bad reviews on the bungee snap together walking sticks.

I am 270lb and after Tightening locking clasp for the height adjustment. I was able to leaning all my weight on it.

I think this was a excellent buy for the price.

I paid full price for this item. I'm not trading this review for anything. Didn't even think I needed one of these, but I mostly got it because when I'm traveling in 3rd world countries, I'm sometimes getting attacked by street dogs or dogs out in the wild.

My last trip in Bolivia, I was getting attacked by dogs out in the boonies and found a good stick just in case they got too close. Don't get me wrong, I like dogs... just not the ones that are trying to remove the flesh from my leg. ;)

Anyway, the stick I was carrying was decent so I hung onto it for the day. Had to climb up this very poorly maintained trail to the top of a mountain to get the best view and found the stick to be much more useful in my climb than I thought it'd be. So, I decided to try out a budget trekking pole that would fit in a daypack and be lightweight so that it'd be easy to have along when I don't need it.

Figured I didn't want to spend too much until I verified it would be something I'd use.

Tried this one out in the wild, doing a 4 day hike. Just got back and I can't tell you how useful this was. The quality of this pole is very good. I also had the same trouble with each section working it's way loose and having to retighten every now and then. Until I figured out that if you twist each section, then grab each end of the pole and give the whole thing a good twist at once, they all stayed tight for even my longest hikes.

This pole is light, easy to assemble. Very adjustable. Seems to be good quality. Didn't ever "bow" on me and I'm a bit stocky. This pole helped me with river crossings, it helped me cross wet logs, saved me from falls in mud about 4 times, and because I was tapping it in front with each stride, it prevented me from getting struck by a snake on the trail.

This is the best $ I've spent on hiking gear in a good while. Excellent value and I may buy a second one for my wife. Highly recommended.

Again, I paid full price and am not trading this review for anything. It's just one of those rare good value deals you find every now and then. Just wanted to share the love. :)

For years I have hiked with a Leki Sierra Antishock Trekking Pole (Single) that doubles as a unipod when video recording my daughter's gymnastic meets. The main thing I didn't like was how bulky it was when collapsed -- too long (27") to fit into a suitcase.I recently purchased this trekking pole in order to cannibalize it to fabricate a prop stand for a new bicycle. However, after receiving it I was so impressed with the quality that I'll adapt it somehow to use with the bike, while still preserving it for its intended purpose. It weighs half as much as the center-stand on my old bike, and it's so compact that it easily fits into the rear basket without taking up too much space. * Quality is excellent -- as good as my Leki; however, it may not be quite as strong since it's optimized for portability. (Pole diameter 14 mm vs 18,15,12 mm for the telescoping Leki. Both products use 7075 aluminum alloy tubing.) * Extended length adjustable from 44" to 53" (Leki extends to 57"). * Collapses to fit easily into its nylon draw-string bag: 13.4" x 2" diameter. * Weighs 10.7 oz. (Leki is 10.9 oz.) * Contoured EVA foam handle with soft adjustable strap. * Comes with tungsten-steel ice tip and two each removable rubber tips and snow baskets. * (Cannot be used as a unipod; does not have anti-shock feature.)The only negative that I can think of is that the following steps are required in order to extend it: (40 seconds to assemble for use, 42 seconds to collapse and restore to bag.)1. Remove from bag and unfold the four shock-corded sections.2. Insert each of three snug-fitting lower sections into the corresponding upper section.3. Tighten each joint by screwing the lower section into the upper. (Those who have complained about the lack of strength may not be doing this.)4. Adjust the upper Quick Lock to the proper length. (Once you know the length you want, it's easily replicated.)OTOH, with the Leki, every time I used it, it seemed necessary to fiddle around with the three telescoping sections in order to get the length right.

When they arrived I realized thaey are a bit long for my 5'1" frame. I emailed the seller and they sent me the instructions to remove a section to customize the fit for a shorter person. Thought I'd share the instructions for all the other short people who would like a collapsible pole.

How to adjust pole length by dissembling pole parts

Notes:
Counting from the bottom, only the second and third part can be dissembled;
As the dissembling is irreversible, please make sure this accommodate to your need before you get started;
Please proceed with a helping hand to avoid the screw to be pull back by the cord.

Steps
(Assuming to dissemble the second part from the bottom)
1. Please start with the trekking pole unassembled. Twist off the silver screw that connecting the cord and the inner lock of the second part and while unscrewing please hold on to it, otherwise it may be pulled back by the cord of the third part.
2. By repeating the same step above, unscrew the silver screw that connecting the cord and the inner lock of the first part.
3. Connect securely the silver screw pulled by the third part in step one and the slot from step two.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us for help.

Haven't had a chance to use them yet...but can't wait to try them out!

This is a great pole for walking and hiking. I bought two of them and I entirely put all my weigh for miles while walking downhill and on big steps. I hiked a week of the John Muir Trail and I loved them. They are very strong--not the lightest in the market but a great product and cheap. Highly recommended.

These $20 sticks will fold up in 4 sections to about 14" in length. Put a velcro strap around the folded sections and you have something you can manage in a restaurant, theater, automobile, etc., where a 4.5 foot stick can be a problem. (I received one with a better strap than I have, but you can't count on it.) They are essentially collapsible cross-country ski poles. You attach the rubber foot and use it like a ski pole, relying on the strap rather than the handle. Used that way, you can walk relatively fast. (I said relatively; if you need this for walking, you are slowed down.) They continue to improve the stick, so the next one is not identical to the previous one. If you really need to put some weight on something, you need a cane. They are fragile, however. I have broken 2 so far. This happened upon unfolding the stick where a section refused to slide into the section above it. Usually a smart tap fixes the problem, but on 2 occasions, the stick broke. Despite this, I wouldn't be without it. Five stars but for the breakage.

I am not an experienced hiker, just started. The pole folds up nice and fits in the bag with no problem. When you use it you have to twist lock each section, and it's not a 1/4 twist, but eventually each section tightens up. The handle is large and appears to have two holding positions. I use the upper with the strap for going downhill and the lower (to shorten the pole) for uphill. The one thing I don't like is you have to occasionally retighten the twist lock for one or two sections as they get a little loose, not really a big deal, but the pole has a rattling feeling to it when they get a little loose, but they retighten very easy. All said, I like it, and it helps when I am hiking.

I purchased two of these poles for my 600 mile trek on the Appalachian trail. One of the reasons I purchased these particular poles is because of how compact they folded up and I figured it would be easier to check my backpack for the airplane with the poles folded up inside the backpack. The poles folded up nicely inside and met my expectations in this regard. Unfortunately on the morning of the seventh day of my hike the handle of one of the poles came off along with the strap. I could not get the handle back on. On the afternoon of the seventh day the handle and strap of the second pole also came off. I was able to get the handle back on during my eighth day hiking. I have just finished 10 hiking days and have 41 to go. I had hoped the poles would have stayed completely intact longer than this. To be fair the northern section of Pennsylvania, most of New Jersey and New York (where I am currently) are quite rocky and go through a lot of abuse. The pole that I could not get the handle back on is not completely useless but I cannot put weight on the top of the pole as there is no handle and there is no strap to make sure it doesn't go sliding off a cliff if I lose my grip.

Just wanted to update my original review. I posted my original review during my hike. Shortly after I posted the review I was contacted by Susanna at FS Tek's customer service department. She immediately offered to send me a new pole to anywhere on the trail so I could continue hiking. She also gave me some tips on how to mechanically correct the problem with the pole. I had already replaced the pole so I had her send the pole to my home so I would have it upon my return trip. She told me they would not need the damaged pole returned to them. This is true customer service!! The fact that they reached out to me and immediately offered to replace the pole made my decision to update my review from three to four stars. Unfortunately I came back from the trip with some severe knee issues and have not yet been able to test out the new pole but the one pole I was able to fix lasted for the rest of the trip!!

I had a pair of carbon fiber, black diamond poles that I absent-mindedly left at a restroom at the end of a long hike. Replacement price was prohibitive so I opted for a less expensive replacement. With that in mind, I switched to these poles. They seem a bit heavy out of the box, but to be fair, they are light enough.

Being male, I just put them together without reading the instructions. They clicked and tapped every time they hit the packed trail like steel tips on concrete. I picked them up and carried them for the next couple of miles and thought about the nasty review I was going to write when I sent them back to the company. I took a water break a few miles later and I looked down at the BIG RED ARROWS on the shaft of the poles at every connection point. Could it be that I needed to screw the poles together? Of course! I screwed the joints together and the pole became sturdy and silent. I know, what you are thinking because my wife already told me, "You are a fool. Always read the instructions!" That said I am very happy with the overall construction and quality of the poles. They do exactly what you need to accomplish. The price for the quality is impressive. I look forward to many long hikes with these.

I use a wood walking stick for mobility when shopping, walking around the neighborhood, easy terrain walks, craft fairs and other events. Wood walking sticks look cool, but I’ve lost quite a few because I put them down when I don’t need them or want both my hands free – then I walk off without them. I do use more expensive, sturdier, heavier, telescoping trekking poles for hikes and trails, but liked these poles because they are lightweight, can be easily assembled/disassembled to carry in my purse – and still look cool.
For my use, I liked almost everything about these poles except the minimum height. I am 5’5” and the minimum height is several inches too tall for safe use for me. Since they were too tall, they didn’t swing freely when walking held at a comfortable height and they actually kept catching on the ground throwing me off balance.
The pole comes in a bag with ripstop on one side, mesh on the other. The bag is too small to easily remove and insert the folded pole – it catches on the mesh both in and out. They either need to make the bag wider or entirely of ripstop – preferably entirely of waterproof ripstop. A carry handle on the bag would be nice too, but I can add that myself and would settle for a useable bag. A bag (and good pole hygiene) helps keep grit out of the connections so they last longer.
These are nice poles for my intended use, but had to return them. I would buy several for myself, family and friends if they make a version with shorter sections for us height-challenged trekkers. The grip and strap size are just right, though, so I hope Himal doesn’t think shorter adults have delicate small hands and wrists as other manufacturers do. I will keep checking for a shorter pole. Meanwhile, I’ll probably lose a few more of my wood walking sticks.

I took it on a hiking trip to Zion National Park for a 20 mile water hike. It works, but it tended to loosen up as I walked thru the hike and would make clicking sounds and the vibration later irritated my hand. It also has little rubber attachments at the bottom. The first one came off within the first hour, but luckily came with a spare. Here's to hoping that I don't lose the second.

I purchased one for my son and one for myself. Unfortunately, I had to return one because the height adjustment quick lock toggle popped up despite trying many positions for the tension screw. The only way it would stay down is if the tension was extremely loose but then it was so loose that the height could not be maintained. I do like the working one quite a bit, though. I will see how it holds up before repurchasing another.

Also, I really like that it came with multiple tips but not sure what each is for. I know what the basket is for but one tip protector has a circular pattern and the other a checkerboard pattern. Are they just for tip protection when not in use? Or do they provide stability on specific surfaces?

This hiking stick is perfect. I needed to take it on a trip to Disney World as my knee had been giving me problems. It folds up beautifully for traveling purposes and adjusts to meet height needs. However, the grommet that holds the wrist strap came lose and pulled out of the strap material. Then, the entire strap pulled out of the handle. I need the strap as explained in the directions that came with the hiking stick. Not sure if we can fix it. I am checking to see if it is under warrantee. If it is, I'm sending it back.
I was planning to buy another for hiking at home. (It was primarily used as a walking stick at Disney.) However, I'm reluctant to do so as the strap was broken by the 7th day of use.
Update 11/6/15- Company has already responded to my letter addressing these concerns. They are sending me a new stick! Will let you know how this works out.

not a bad pole, taking 2 stars as it feels a little flimsy. I got it because this packs up small to fit in a pack easily. Provides enough support to help balance yourself through uneven terrain but i wouldn't trust it to support too much weight as it starts to bend pretty easy. It doesn't lock well unless fully extended which is ok for my purposes as I'm 6'2". If you want something more sturdy and trustworthy I wouldn't recommend a folding collapsible pole. My dad used to have a pole similar to this one that he was going to use to hike up Mount Whitney but after training on a smaller mountain he hated how flimsy it was and threw it away and got a sturdy twist type pole and he absolutely loved it.

POST TRIP UPDATE: I dropped my review to 3 stars. The poles are a little cumbersome to setup and break down which has more to do with the style (twist to lock) and not the quality of the pole. I had a hard time keeping the strap adjusted. It would not keep it's position. After hiking awhile, I had to tighten up the sections to make sure they were locked. None of these issues were major and for the price and type of hiking (really walking) we did, they were totally acceptable. If you plan on doing major hiking, I'd invest money as using the poles did help with the knees and leg fatigue. What was not acceptable was that the elastic cable in one of the pole snapped and made one of the poles unusable. I contacted Himal to see if they would replace it. I'll update once it is settled.

I just received my trekking poles. Upon first inspection, I am very impressed. For the price, the poles are very nice; well made. The grip and strap are nice. The grip has a bump at the bottom so your hand doesn't slip down. Easy to lock together. Light weight. Comes with an extra basket and rubber tip. While it is not difficult to lock together, it is not as fast as other locking systems I have seen. This is a trade-off for the price that I can live with. The pole does not fit in the bag with the basket on. I'm not sure I'd store it with the basket anyway as I'd fear it would break. I'm 5' 2" and the lowest setting works for me. Any one shorter might find them too tall. I have not used them yet, or trekking poles ever. I'll try to remember to update after my trip. Visit Himal's website for a coupon. I didn't see this until after I received the poles.

I ordered two of these poles. One was perfect and works great. The other has a defective pressure clamp. It looks like the pin you adjust to loosen or tighten is different from the pole that works fine. I cannot lock in the pressure clamp and therefore I can't set the height of the pole to the correct placement.

Meh... I ordered four poles for my husband and me. They were able to deliver next-day and had good instructions which was great, BUT three out of the four poles had sections that wouldn't lock into place no matter how much I twisted them. Were it not for that issue, they would be nice lightweight affordable poles with a comfortable handle and strap. You may decide to take your chances and see what you get. In general, I decided I prefer the type that click into place rather than require twisting because they are a lot quicker to assemble/disassemble.

I use these poles because my physical therapist recommended them instead of using a cane. I bought these because I was traveling and wanted them to collapse. During the first month the elastic pulled out of the lower rungs of both poles and the bolt on the top fell out and was lost. I called Amazon and they allowed me to get my money back. Steer clear of this product!!!

I bought this pole based on the good reviews for my father to bring on a two week trip in Europe. My father is in his 70s and has intermittent problems with his legs and depends on a walking aid. This pole seriously tinted what supposed to be a dream vacation with my father's constant frustration with it. Here are the problems we encountered:

1. The connections keep unscrewing itself and got loose and needed to be refastened.
2. The adjustable part of the pole on the top doesn't click into place. So the top handle part bobbled up and down when he walks.
3. Even at the lowest setting, the pole is still too long for him. He has to hold it like holding a skiing pole instead of pushing it down from the top. The latter would give more support.

I have missed the return window of this product and now am stuck with a souvenir to as a reminder to not always believe in the product ratings. Like breaking in new shoes, you really should try this out at home for an extended time if you plan to use it on a trip.

I hiked north presidential trail in white mountains, NH for 11 miles, this trekking pole is light and has a good look to it but the joints come off everytime the pole stuck in a rock or mud, I needed to put it back in place. Its just annoying, may be its just the design.

I bought this stick because it's packable and light. It was totally the wrong thing to take, I should have bought a locally made one there and left it behind. I couldn't get it to lock (and the seller couldn't help me via email with effective advice), and when the tip got stuck in mud or caught between two stones the tip came off and the whole thing came undone. Worse than useless.

I purchased this trekking stick in February. Nice looking stick and easy to assemble; however, after about six uses, it broke. The problem was one of the points where the parts connected together snapped clean off. I was surprised that this happened since I was walking on a gravel road and on flat terraine. Oh well.... Look for a heavier duty stick if you are looking for a reliable walking stick.

This one didn't work out for me. I found the assembly of it confusing, but the disassembly was quite tough. I ending up taking it down to the hotel front desk for assistance unscrewing it so I could pack it in my suitcase for my flight home. It took two people in addition to myself to get it unscrewed. I have a wrench at home to unscrew the sections, but really don't fancy flying with a wrench just so I can unscrew the sections.

After 5 walks, one of the elastic connectors loosen and snapped back into the tube, and I couldn't retrieve it. Several emails to the seller and the manufacturer went unanswered However, when they did finally receive my review,l they immediately responded and offered me a new stick or a refund. I took the new stick, and it arrived in a couple of days. Tonight they called me to be sure it arrived. They were very attentive, and I appreciate it.

I bought these for my Mom, who is injured & needs them for stability. The sticks are good & break down to a reasonable size, but the sections are hand tightened & work loose during the day. When they start loosening, they begin to wobble (not good for someone using them for balance).

If you purchase, be prepared to tighten them regularly. Don't consider them for anyone with arthritis (as the re-tightening will be painful).

Update: the elastic holding the pole together broke in less than a year. I bought my Mom another, as she liked it otherwise. The replacement broke in less than 3 months. Don't buy unless you're planning VERY short term use!