Indydi from , Public Profile

WOW! Since about 1993, I've been using the L-shaped Leki cane-type deal, just one pole, which is now called Wanderfreund. I wondered why no one seems to use those anymore, and expected that going to two poles wouldn't make a huge difference. I was wrong. It's not at all an exaggeration to say that these Carbonlites have completely reformed my hiking. I can now get out of the car and walk after a long hike without looking like I'm 90. My hips don't hurt, and knee, ankle, wrist, and elbow pain is pretty much gone. Just simply can't believe the difference. We do day hikes, typically 10 to 14 miles. I'm planning to increase that now and do some 16+ mile treks, thanks solely to these poles. But I definitely work them. You won't see me tapping along. I push them behind me going uphill, and keep them in front with a good amount of weight on them going downhill. My arms get a workout, which is also a good thing. Hiking is no longer an all leg activity, and my whole body benefits. BTW, you use more calories this way, so take more food.

They are very lightweight! Foam handles and straps are comfortable (the strap is the newer, thinner version), and the extended grip is great when going up a steep embankment. There are at least four hand positions I use: palm the top (downhill), hold up high with thumbs on top (gentler downhill slope), hold normally (flat or uphill), and choke down on the extended grip (steep uphill). If you use the wrist straps correctly, you can do the first three wi