Exped Explorer Trekking Poles ($85):
There's little explaining that needs to be done on the merits of trekking poles—the benefits are a no-brainer, right? We all know how they lessen cumulative tons of impact force on wobbly joints, provide stability on sketchy terrain, let the upper body do work to relieve stress on the legs, and so forth. Anyone doubting the attributes of modern adjustable trekking poles should try the Exped Explorer. The extruded, aircraft-quality aluminum poles are super stiff with just enough lateral rebound snap to take the edge off of hard rock plants. No, they aren't designed with shock absorbers or twist-to-adjust mechanisms that can sometimes slip. Instead, the Explorers use a push-button locking system that collapses the telescoping four-pole sections from fully extended to a mere 22 inches. The payoff? You get a solid-feeling shaft that can handle pole vaulting over streams and other acrobatic maneuvers occasionally employed by crazed geocachers (hey, our research doesn't lie). Contoured hand grips and a padded buckleless loop cap the poles, which post a paltry nine ounces each—a featherweight to which the most weight-obsessed ounce counters cannot object. Contact 888-609-7187, www.exped.com.
