Kelty Range 2.0 Trekking Poles (pair)

Fantastic value (price to quality ratio). I'm sure there are nicer, lighter poles out there, but these puppies are sturdy, relatively lightweight, and do what they say they will do. As with other Kelty products I own (all purchased outright, no endorsements) the price belies the true quality. I'm a believer in getting what I pay for, so I rarely opt for the cheapest option simply to save a few bucks up front while risking longer-term disappointment. As such, I research even the simplest products quite thoroughly so as to avoid the much dreaded (though admittedly overhyped) 'buyers remorse' while at the same time maintaining my savvy-shopper credibility.I've never owned a different set of poles, so this is my first set. I relied on product reviews and a variety of research out there before making a decision. Despite buying into the "idea" of trekking poles, I was still looking for something inexpensive to test out before deciding if poles would be a permanent part of my gear list. In short, yes, you should have a set, and this is a great entry-level option.I've taken out on 3 multi-day excursions with no issues. Big fan of the suspension system that gives when pressure is applied. I didn't think it would make as big an impact, but this is a nice feature. Locking mechanism is simple and structurally sound thus far. I'll update this review should anything change there. The straps are sturdy and hold well even when I put significant weight on them. Adjusting is super simple too.While I'm still a trekking pole novice I just don't see why you'd need a higher priced trekking pole than this for general backpacking. When I did my research I found very little difference spec-wise between the Kelty and top-of-the-line poles, though the real high-end ones seem to opt for an interlocking "tent-pole" system vs. slide/lock mechanism...partly for durability and partly for decreased packing size/weight. I can see these malfunctioning with more use or if they get real muddy, whereas the interlocking pole will never malfunction. So if that matters to you then feel free to drop an EXTRA $100 or more for a Black Diamond or Leki set.NOTE: this product comes with end-caps and baskets (the flared circular plastic piece near the bottom). I don't recall seeing this mentioned on the original product description or in reviews I read, so I had purchased another set with it which I quickly returned (was only a few bucks extra, but still a waste). I don't even bring the end caps with me since the metal tips are preferred and seem least likely to slide when I need traction. I also don't leave the baskets on there since it becomes a pain to attach/remove from my pack. Unless you're trekking through muddy or snowy terrain I don't see much of a use...perhaps there's utility when wading through a river or stream to ensure the pole doesn't slip through rocks or dirt causing a tumble.Happy trekking!

I received a pair for my birthday in mid-may last year (per my request). By the end of the season (early Sept), I suddenly noticed that one of my tungsten carbide tips was COMPLETELY gone, as well as part of the remaining metal tip structure. I had read that the tips don't "last forever", but this tip apparently broke off. The tips on my last poles lasted 10 years.I like everything else - the cork grips, the wrist straps, the shock-absorbers, the locks, even the green color. But it's a shame to put such a feeble tip on such a good pole with no way to replace them. At the rate of wear, I don't see getting more than another season out of them.Upgrading to 4 stars: Customer service said they will send out a replacement, but since they are "out of stock" on the Range 2.0 (two-pole set), they are sending me a Range 1.0 - a singe pole. Note that the single pole option only comes in ORANGE while the two-pole is only GREEN. Thus I will have mismatched colors on my poles. Not a real problem, but you can bet everyone will ask why the mismatch and they will learn of the failure.Aug 2018 - Downgrading to 1 stars: After the winter break, I just barely started using the poles again (Perhaps 20 miles hiking). I just happened to look at the tips again and, lo and behold, the OTHER tip is now missing. Either poor design, poor assembly, or both. Kelty's response this time? "Out of warranty". But they did offer me a consolation coupon for 25% off any FULL PRICE Kelty product on their web site. Note that I bought these poles originally from Amazon with free shipping for about 25% off Kelty MSRP anyway so their coupon is worthless. As are their poles. "Kelty" used to mean quality back country gear to me - no longer.

I was finally able to take these poles out on a proper backpacking trip to see how they held up. I took these trekking poles on a 50 mile trek through Zion National Park and I was extremely satisfied with how they performed. When used properly they helped me get up and down hills with minimal effort and less strain on my legs, they also were great to help me balance while trying to cross steams with a 45lbs pack on my back. The cork handles molded great to my hands after some time and I had no issues with grip. The integrated spring was great at dispersing the shock on my wrists and arms while climbing up and down hills. The only down side to these poles might be the weight but at this price point you cant beat them. Another great product from Kelty!!

These things are nice and ergnomic, easy to use, but...really noisy. Like you wouldn't believe. Every step is "KERRANG!"(very not metal) I think it's because of the shock absorbing mechanism on the inside that makes it so noisy. It really ruims all the serenity of a walk in the woods. Otherwise these things were pretty good, but for that I have to give it low marks.

I'm a young hiker of the Appalachian mountains. The poles truly do help me get up and down steep mountains. They also help me be easy on my knees so they'll hopefully be in top shape when I'm in my 90s. These are probably heavier than you'd want for ultralight backpacking, but perfect for day hikes and short backpacking trips. My favorite part about these is the cork grip- I have small hands and this is perfect for me. :)

I have hiked several miles using these now. The only reason I don't give five stars is that they are a tiny bit heavy and clunky--I have owned the expensive brands and these are just marginally heavier. The grips are excellent. They are sturdy and adjustments easy to do. As a matter of fact the twist locks have held since day one whereas my expensive ones with the flip lock or whatever it is now had to be adjusted constantly. Great value, great features, and great reliability.

...gute Stöcke. Sehr stabil, und äusserst angenehm im Griff, Dank Kork. Gutes Handling beim Auf-, bzw. Abstieg. Das Packmas könnte ein wenig kleiner sein (darum ein Stern Abzug), aber ansonsten sind sie super verarbeitet. Hatte sie auf einer Tagestour im Gebirge dabei und bin zufrieden.Bin gespannt wie lange sie halten :)

Buon rapporto qualità-prezzo. Vibrano un pò, i manici in sughero sono per mani grandi e le scritte con le misure di regolazione dopo tre mesi d'uso cominciano a sbiadirsi.