Hi Mr. Dryer.

I like my hiking poles. I used to cross country ski and so I do own some ski poles but never used them for hiking.

The features I like about my trekking poles are:

(1) If I need to be hand (or hands) free I can collapse the pole (s) and strap it to my backpack out of the way.
(2) I can adjust the pole if it is used to hold up my tarp shelter.
(3) I like the rubber tip as opposed to the point (which is also available on mine).

My poles are very sturdy. They are Tracks Sherlock made in the USA. They have undergone some very rough usage but have never collapsed under load and the rubber tips stay on very securely. They may be slightly heavier than other brands but for me it doesn’t seem to be an issue.

Howie