Field Report

FIELD REPORT
LEKI PATHFINDER JR. TREKKING POLES

April 9, 2004

Product: LEKI Pathfinder Jr. Trekking Poles
Company: LEKI
URL: http://www.leki.com
Year of manufacture: 2004

Personal Data:
Mike Joiner
Southwestern Maine
11 years old
Male
5 ft. (1.5 M)
82 lb (37 kg)

Leesa Joiner
Southwestern Maine
42 years old
Female
5'7" (1.7 M)
150 lb (68 kg)

ljo@midmaine.com

Background:
(Mom's)
       My camping, hiking and backpacking experience has included trips varying in length from one-day hikes to two-week trips. My experience hiking began with my father when I was about six years old. We hiked along the river pathways in northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. During cold weather, I backpack, hike, snow shoe, cross-country ski, go ice fishing and winter camp with friends and family. Although I am not a lightweight backpacker, I am trying to `lighten up' and even have converted to using a hammock while camping.   I find that I spend almost as much time outside during the long Maine winters as I do during the summers.

(Mike's)
       I am always outside- either playing in the woods, riding my bike, target shooting, hiking or working on one of our old trucks. I just crossed over to Boy Scouts. I will get to go camping at least once a month with my troop. I hike and camp with my family. We like to climb mountains and look for geocaches. I carry a lot of things in my backpack, but since I have to carry it myself, I make sure it doesn't get too heavy. I usually take a water bottle, binoculars, compass, camera, rope, knife, field guide, snacks, first aid kit and matches. Sometimes I also have my ice fishing gear or snow shoes. When we are camping I also carry my sleeping bag. Sometimes I help carry extra food if we are planning to eat a meal while we are out.

Initial Impressions:
       The poles arrived in good condition- the UPS man gave them to my mom when he saw her at my school. I was really excited to open the box when I got in the car. The poles really looked small! I figured out how to extend them, but couldn't get them to lock. I thought at first they were broken. They didn't come with directions, and we couldn't find any information on the web site. I was getting really worried, but someone my mom knows sent her directions. Once we knew the trick of turning one direction to tighten and the other to loosen, they worked great!
       The poles are a dark blue color with a silver print of animal tracks. The wrist straps are easy to adjust and are comfortable to wear. There are markings on the side of the poles that show where to set the adjustment for different sizes. I was surprised that the poles didn't come with directions, but they did come with a small activity pamphlet. They look just like the picture on the website. The poles came with a carbiner so they can be attached to a backpack. There is also a plastic clip that looks almost like a figure eight with an opening
on each end. This is used to clip the poles together- that way they don't swing around and hit my legs when I hike.

Field Testing:
       I have tested my hiking poles on the trails behind my house a couple of days a week when I get home from school. We are lucky to have a 5000 acre wildlife management area right behind our property. They really keep my legs from getting tired out too quickly.   It took a while for me to get coordinated with the poles. Once I got a rhythm, the poles felt like they were part of my arms. I used them a few weekends ago when I went to the Boy Scout Klondike Derby. It was my first scout event. The poles got a great a workout! I wore them while I snowshoed, and while walking up a slight incline that was very icy. They helped me keep up with the older boys. Some of the older boys thought they were cool and wanted to try them out. I took them to Vermont during February break. There were some neat places to go climbing and the poles kept me from losing my footing too much. Last time I kept sliding backwards and falling down.
        When I first got the poles, I would grip the handle too tightly. My hands would get tired. Now I just hold on lightly and my hands don't feel tight. The handles are easy to grip with or without gloves. The wrist straps keep the polse from sliding away if I fall, or if I need to use my hands for something like getting a drink or adjusting my snowshoes. The longest I have hiked with the poles in one day is 5 miles. I would have kept going, but we had to stop and set up camp.
        I have gotten the poles wet from the snow and muddy. After I use them I wipe them with a cloth. They look almost new. My Scout Master suggested that I lengthen them a little. I was able to do it myself and while I had them stretched out, I made sure there wasn't any dirt inside. They are easy to adjust, and hopefully they will adjust enough that I can use them for a long time.
       During the rest of the test period, we will be participating in lots of backpacking trips. The trips will range from single day to four day trips. All will be in western Maine, and northern New Hampshire and Vermont.   Temperatures will average a high of 70 F (21 C) by the end of May. Most of our outings are done at elevations below 3000 ft. (914 M) on rocky terrain.   I REALLY like these poles and will keep using them.

Note from Mom:
       The poles are holding up well. Mike has always been a good hiker and doesn't usually tire too easily. I have found with the poles, he seems to stay focused on moving forward- without stopping to pick up sticks, etc. Maybe he was looking for the 'perfect' hiking pole? We tend to stop a lot to look at animal tracks, plants, etc. but sometimes, we need to get going. Now it seems he just wants to keep going and going. Because Mike is pretty adventurous, it's nice that the poles provide a little more stability. We have a few more hikes planned as a family and Mike will be going on a backpacking trip with his Scout troop next weekend. I'm sure that the poles will continue to get a thorough workout!

Pros:
Increased endurance
Better balance
Too Cool!!

Cons:
Lack of instructions

Read more reviews of LEKI gear
Read more gear reviews by Leesa Joiner

Reviews > Trekking Poles > Poles > LEKI Trek Pathfinder Jr. Poles > Leesa Joiner > Field Report

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