Dear all, as the title says I am looking for some advice on durable hiking poles and microspikes/crampons.
I frequently hike in the alps and people have told me that there really are no durable microspikes and that the best you can do are repairable metal links. I was wondering if any of you have advice and or experience with these items.
I agree with genie’s comment; at the end of the day they’re breakable.
I never would have expected to recommend these before purchasing but the Cascade Mountain Tech flick lock carbon poles with cork handles have lasted me for years. I’ve put 3000km+ on them between a thru hike, ultramarathons, etc, and have yet to break them. They’re also light and work well for pole-supported shelters due to adjustable height. Non-amazon link:
https://cascademountaintech.com/collections/carbon-fiber-trekking-poles/products/3k-carbon-fiber-hiking-trekking-poles-cork-grip
That being said, I have a friend who has snapped one by accidentally levering it between two boulders. Keep the baskets on to avoid this. So it really depends on how reckless you are with them. They do sell replacement parts including pole sections for a fair price.
If you have the cash, Leki poles are very high quality and I would highly recommend them.