REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles Review
The REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles are a budget-friendly option. They offer good stability on uneven trails and are easy to adjust. The aluminum shafts are strong but lightweight, making them great for long hikes. The EVA foam grips are comfortable and fit different hand sizes. Oversized lever locks make adjustments quick and secure. Large trekking baskets help prevent the tips from getting stuck between rocks. These poles collapse down for easy packing and extend to fit hikers from 5’1” to over 6’ tall. They work well on dirt, gravel, and rocky paths. However, snow baskets and rubber tips are sold separately. Despite that, they provide solid performance for the price. If you need reliable trekking poles without spending too much, these are a great choice. Let’s take a closer look at their features and performance.
Highlights
Weight (pair): 1 lb. 1 oz.
Shaft material: 7065 Aluminum
Grip: Foam
Locking mechanism: External Lever Lock
Adjustable: Yes
Basket Type: Trekking
Best Use: Hiking
Key Features
Adjustable Length & Fit
The REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles are designed to fit a wide range of users. They can extend from 105 cm (41 inches) to 140 cm (55 inches), making them suitable for hikers from 5’1” to over 6’ tall. When not in use, they collapse down to 63.7 cm (25 inches), making them compact enough to store in a backpack. This adjustability allows hikers to customize the pole length for different terrains, such as shortening them for uphill climbs and extending them for downhill descents.
Strong and Durable Construction
These poles are made from 7075 T6 aluminum, which is both lightweight and highly durable. Aluminum is known for its strength, making these poles more resistant to bending or breaking compared to cheaper models. Despite their sturdy build, they weigh only 17 oz per pair, offering a good balance between strength and weight. This makes them a reliable choice for both casual and frequent hikers.
Comfortable EVA Foam Grips
The poles feature ergonomic EVA foam grips that provide a comfortable and secure hold. EVA foam is lightweight, breathable, and absorbs sweat, making it ideal for long hikes. The grips are designed to fit different hand sizes and have a slightly contoured shape for better control. Additionally, the handles have a trigger finger rest, allowing hikers to apply downward pressure for extra support when climbing steep trails. The grips also flare out at the bottom, preventing hands from slipping off during use.
Secure and Easy-to-Use Lever Locks
One of the standout features of these poles is their oversized lever locks. These locks make adjusting the pole length quick and effortless. Unlike twist locks, which can loosen over time, lever locks provide a more secure hold. If the locks become loose, they can be easily tightened by hand without the need for tools. This ensures that the poles stay at the desired length even on long hikes.
Large Trekking Baskets for Extra Stability
These REI Poles come with oversized trekking baskets. These baskets help prevent the carbide tips from getting stuck in cracks or between rocks, reducing the risk of tip breakage. While REI suggests they can be used in snow, they may not provide enough flotation for deep snow conditions. However, they work well on soft soil, sand, and muddy trails. If you plan to hike in winter, you can purchase larger snow baskets separately.
Adjustable Wrist Straps for Extra Support
The wrist straps on these poles are made from soft nylon webbing. While they are not padded, they are still comfortable and easy to adjust. Wrist straps help reduce hand fatigue by allowing hikers to transfer some of the weight from their hands to their wrists. This feature is especially useful during long hikes or when navigating steep terrain.
Performance on the Trail
Stability and Support on Uneven Terrain
The REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles provide excellent stability, especially on rocky or uneven trails. Their sturdy aluminum shafts and carbide tips help hikers maintain balance, reducing the risk of slipping. Whether crossing loose gravel, climbing steep inclines, or navigating muddy paths, these poles offer extra support. The large trekking baskets prevent the tips from sinking too deeply into soft soil, which is especially useful when hiking in wet or sandy conditions.
Easy Adjustments on the Go
One of the most convenient features of these trekking poles is their oversized lever locks. Adjusting the length is quick and hassle-free, even while wearing gloves. Unlike twist-lock poles that can loosen unexpectedly, these lever locks provide a secure hold. If they do loosen over time, they can be easily tightened without tools. This makes them ideal for hikers who need to adjust their poles frequently when moving between steep and flat terrain.
Comfort for Long Hikes
Comfort is essential for long-distance hiking, and these poles perform well in that area. The EVA foam grips are soft, breathable, and shaped to fit different hand sizes. They also have a slight contour to support a natural grip and prevent hand fatigue. The wrist straps, while unpadded, are lightweight and adjustable, providing additional support without causing discomfort. Together, these features make the poles comfortable for extended use on long hikes.
Performance in Different Trail Conditions
These poles perform well on a variety of surfaces, including dirt trails, rocky paths, and gravel roads. The carbide tips offer a good grip on hard terrain, preventing slipping on steep sections. The trekking baskets also help reduce the chance of the tips getting caught between rocks. However, while REI claims that the included baskets work in snow, they are too small for deep snow conditions. If you plan to hike in winter, purchasing separate snow baskets is recommended.
Durability Over Time
With their 7075 T6 aluminum shafts, these poles are built to last. They can handle rough terrain and repeated use without bending or breaking. The lever locks are also designed to be durable, withstanding frequent adjustments without wearing out. However, like all trekking poles, they require proper maintenance. Ensuring the locks are fully tightened before each hike will help maintain their long-term performance.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Sturdy and durable aluminum construction
- Easy-to-adjust lever locks
- Comfortable EVA foam grips
- Large trekking baskets reduce tip breakage
- Affordable for the quality ($79.95)
Cons
- Rubber tips and snow baskets not included
- Wrist straps are basic (unpadded webbing)
- Baskets may not provide enough flotation in deep snow
Final Verdict
The REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles are a solid choice for hikers who want reliable, well-built poles at an affordable price. They offer excellent stability on uneven terrain, thanks to their sturdy aluminum shafts and secure lever locks. The EVA foam grips provide comfort for long hikes, and the adjustable length makes them suitable for a wide range of users. The large trekking baskets help prevent tip entrapment, reducing the risk of breakage.
While the lack of included rubber tips and snow baskets is a downside, these poles still provide great value for their price. They are ideal for beginner and occasional hikers who need dependable trekking poles without spending too much. If you’re looking for a durable and comfortable set of poles that performs well on various terrains, these poles are a great investment.
