Greetings, I always appreciate the recommendations here, especially for minimalist packers. Suggestions or questions for shoes and hiking poles (and other gear for hiking) are often posed, since they are essential but typically heavy and/or big. (I am in my 70s but still hate wearing big clunky shoes on travel days!)
Thanks to a recent thread here, I confirmed the change in TSA requirements for poles but of course, there's also international travel to consider. I decided to take a chance for this trip that would include 3 hiking days on easy- medium rated trails ahead of a bigger trip in the fall.
On sale for $20 on Amazon, I liked you could order just one pole: A Alafen is the brand. The reviews were generally favorable but negativity seemed mostly about figuring out how to extend them. I decided to give it a try and and can now offer the recommendation.
Huge plus is the size and nice carrying sleeve. It did easily fit in my 20" rolling case and on the hikes in a lightweight fold-up backback I always use. I had 6 flights including 2 on very small regional Canadian planes and it was never questioned.
Initially finding the tiny magic silver "button" was indeed a bit of a chore, the company provides a video! Once that's located, super easy. And it collapses back into three segments quickly.
I was a little worried if it would be tricky to open in actual use but either it loosens after the first time or I just knew where it was but it was no problem. Super sturdy and really, really helpful in loose gravel in some fairly steep descents. I love it! And just ordered a second so it'll be a pair.
Shoes- although the paths were packed dirt for the most part I hadn't counted on some sections with ankle- high wet grass and mud. I use waterproof spray on my (all leather) Chelsea- style slip on semi- hikers, but the front top parts still got wet eventually and then I felt it in my socks. It was fine since it was summer and it wasn't cold but this would've been a real issue otherwise.
I didn't carry a change of socks on the hike as I typically do, lesson learned. As far as if I should have worn my waterproof actual hiking boots on the plane for only 3 days out of 12? That turns into the perennial packing conundrum :)
Happy trails!
Posted by
Hollis, NH, USA
124 posts
The Amazon listing says "Tungsten Steel Tip is extremely hard and excellent for use on the roughest hiking trails. Included also are a Rubber Point Cover for use on pavement and a Snow Saucer for use in snow."
So the rubber cap is removable and the pole was considered to be a blunt tip pole by your TSA agent? I've often wondered if just putting caps on my usual poles would pass muster.
Posted by
OP
West Coast
490 posts
Hi, Jone!
It came with the snow cup option (left that at home) and I just used the blunt tip it arrived with? The other blunt one was similar but I left that home, too. It felt very strong.
It was noticeably lighter than my regular very old pair from REI. I don't know about being adequate for serious hiking but like me, most previous queries seem to be more for easy-moderate hikes overseas when you don't want to check a bag.
It went through 4 TSA screenings and the 2 in Canada and it wasn't even questioned to inspect after going through the tunnel thing.
Posted by
Bay Area SF & Uppsala Sweden 🇸🇪
1938 posts
Thanks Bon Voyage! What a great alternative at $20. I have some quite nice hiking poles from REI that I just don't want to risk. I'm going to try them and will let you know if they make it on 2 flights to Europe.
I'm going to stop searching for the unicorn of light weight cute hiking boots. We were so glad we wore our hiking boots home from Naples, it should have taken 6 hours but it took FOURTEEN hours (thanks KLM for flying us into an ice storm in AMS) to get to ARN, much of it standing in lines.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
9486 posts
I have, not that brand, a similar set, and I have traveled with them through US and Europe security multiple times with no issue. I like the fact that this style folds, mine break down to about 16", and I find them easy to assemble and break down, the telescoping poles I have had issues with collapsing after a time of use.
The Amazon listing says "Tungsten Steel Tip is extremely hard and excellent for use on the roughest hiking trails. Included also are a Rubber Point Cover for use on pavement and a Snow Saucer for use in snow."
So the rubber cap is removable and the pole was considered to be a blunt tip pole by your TSA agent? I've often wondered if just putting caps on my usual poles would pass muster.
Just the rubber cap is not enough, the tip must be blunt, not pointed. These have a carbide "Nub" at the tip, to look at them, it looks flat, but it has a hollow point, so there is an edge to dig into surfaces. If your pole tips have a point, then no good. I use the rubber tips when I use it as a walking aid in towns, or where I do not need added "grip".