Review: Ozark Trails Trekking Poles

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I picked up a set of Ozark Trails Trekking Poles as a cheap backup set of hiking/trekking poles for me and an option for my wife when wants to use a set during more difficult trail hikes. November 7th 2021 was my first opportunity to use them. For a $20 set of aluminum sticks I’m impressed with quality and build.

Features:

– Copied directly from the Walmart Sales Page

• Shaft Material: Aircraft grade aluminum for durability and lightweight
• Grip Material: Ergonomic Cork grip for added comfort and moisture wicking capability
• Locking Mechanism: Quick Lock mechanism for quick adjustability
• Single Pole Weight (no rubber tips): 10.4oz
• Light weight for ease of use and to ensure you are not slowed down Pole
• Extension Lengths: 26″-54″
• Adjustable for users 3’6″ and taller
• Disassembled measurements: Upper; 20.75″ Middle; 20″ Lower; 21.25″
• Material: Tungsten carbide” 2 Sets of Additional
• Tip Covers Include: Sand/Mud Baskets for softer terrain, and rubber
• Tips for mall walking or smooth surface Purchase includes a full pair of poles

Ozark Trails Trekking Poles – The Review

On first impressions they look no different than any other set of hiking poles on the market. By the price and brand, they are considered budget friendly and beginner level hiking poles. The section locks are nice and tight. If the poles start to slip use the thumb screw or a flat head screw driver (a coin also works) to tight down.

The handles are the perfect size and they are comfortable to hold in my hands. The hand straps are the perfect size and work as they are designed to.

As to tip covers, I was only able to try out the rubber tips and they work as designed. After 4 miles of use there is no wear and tear visible. They should last for miles.

Usage During a Hike

I have about 4 miles of hikes on them before the poles failed. Before the failure they were great. I used them at Beavers Been State Park on the Tree Trail, Cedar Bluff Trail, and the Beaver Lodge Trail. They came in hand on the Tree Trail in the rocky sections and catching myself on the exposed roots that caused me to trip or roll my ankle.

On Cedar Bluff there were sections of the trail that have steep inclines and declines. Up near the bluff, there are sections of slick rock and steep step downs that can be difficult if you have week ankles/knees or poor balance. The poles give you extra balance and support you when needed.

Sadly, on our last trail of the day, I walked a section of the trail and had to hope over a section crumbling trail. When I came down, I lost my balance and as I was falling, I drove one of the poles into the grown and regained my balanced. My knee hit the pole and bent it near the tip of the pole when it got wedged between several rocks and put a crease in it. I tried to bend the pole back and was able to get most of it straight again but the crease weakened the aluminum and once I find another set of poles, these will be set aside for parts.

They did what they were designed to do. They saved me from a bad fall and took the damage my body would have taken if I had fallen off the edge of the path into the 4-foot-deep ditch next to the trail. At some point, I will get another pair as a “backup” or for my wife to use.