My favorite trekking pole snapped on day 3 of the JMT last month

I was near Thousand Island Lake when my left pole just gave out. It was an older pair I'd had for maybe 4 years, but I never thought they'd break mid stride. I ended up using a thick branch the rest of the way to Reds Meadow where I could buy a replacement. Has anyone else had a piece of gear fail like that on a long trip? What brand held up for you after that kind of load?

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kellygrant2mo ago

Ugh that is the WORST. So glad you made it to Reds Meadow okay.

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the_viola2mo ago

Had a carbon fiber pole buckle on me near Donner Pass once. Total pain since I was solo and had to jury-rig the thing with duct tape and a stick for about 8 miles. Ended up picking up a pair of Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cores at a gear shop in Truckee. Those things have been solid for the last three seasons, no issues at all. For a cheaper fix, maybe look into Leki poles - they make some with replaceable sections so you can swap just the broken part. Always pack a spare tip and some good tape now.

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