​TOLKA Collapsible Hiking and Trekking Pole Review

​TOLKA poles are some of the most popular collapsible poles on the market. Known for their affordable price, these entry-level sticks are often chosen as an alternative to luxury poles like Leki.

They're not as light and durable as carbon fiber, but they still give hikers, hunters, fishers, and photographers the advantages of top-of-the-line poles.

Aluminum TOLKA collapsible poles extend from 26" to 54.5" and weigh 9.5 oz. And while they only come in black, you won't notice the color once you get on the trails. We heard so many things about these walking sticks that we decided to review them.

​Who Is This Product For?

​Beginner hikers, photographers, and outdoor fanatics will like the price and quality of TOLKA collapsible trekking poles. They'll be able to get outdoors without the steep costs of other poles. Older adults will be able to walk confidently with a set of these hiking sticks, too.

Individuals with their eye on some rugged treks may benefit from a set of TOLKA poles, too. They can use the sticks to prevent falls and injuries, investigate surfaces, and for added stability on steep inclines. They're also ideal for turning a basic walk into a full-body workout.

​What's Included?

​TOLKA collapsible hiking poles come in a pair with a nylon travel bag and a set of clips to keep the poles together when carrying or traveling.

There are also:

•  snow baskets
•  mud baskets
• non-slip, rubber feet for the carbon tips. 

And, of course these poles come with a quick set of instructions.

​Overview of the Features

​At the top of the TOLKA trekking poles are shaped cork grips. Durable and non-chaffing, you'll find the cork comfortable right from the start, but they also gradually adjust to your grip over time.

The grips shed sweat, prevent slipping, and are connected to adjustable straps to ease the strain on your wrists.

Below the handle are foam extensions. While not as durable as the cork, you only use them on steep inclines, switchbacks, or terrain changes, so they get limited use and should stand up.

The shafts of the hiking poles are made from durable aluminum, and have enough flexibility to absorb vibration, but are sturdy enough to take your weight.

To collapse and adjust, these hiking sticks use a tightening screw and quick lock tab system to lock the pole in place.

The locking system, along with the measurement marks along the shaft, make it easy and quick to set the poles to the same length. And they stay at the proper height even with intense use.

At the bottom of the trekking poles are tungsten-carbide tips. This is where the quality, long-lasting feet attach to the poles. With three different sets, it's possible to use the poles in all weather and on all surfaces with confidence.

​How to Use

​To use the poles, open the quick locks, adjust the length, tighten the screws, and snap the quick locks shut again.

Then, put your hands through the straps, lightly hold the grips, and begin to walk. As your right leg comes forward, your left pole moves forward and vice versa.

It takes some practice, but there are instructions and YouTube videos if you need more information.

​Alternative

​If these aren't quite what you're looking for, check out Premium Outdoor Gear Ultra Lightweight Trekking Poles. 

They also come with a cork grip, mud baskets, snow baskets, and non-slip feet. They're foldable and made from super light carbon fiber.

The Premium Outdoor Gear hiking poles are 8.8 oz and cost a little less than the TOLKA-brand poles.

However, they fold to 14.5" and have an extended length ranging from 45" to 53", which is shorter overall than the TOLKA walking and hiking sticks.

​Conclusion

​TOLKA collapsible hiking and trekking poles are fantastic poles for the price. They get the job done, and you won't have to worry that they'll break or give out at any moment. Mount Everest will feel like more of a molehill with TOLKA trekking poles in your hands.

​High Stream Gear TX Foldable Trekking Pole Review

​These collapsible hiking and trekking poles produced by High Stream are the entry-level product manufactured by the mid-range brand High Stream Gear.

The comfortable strap and handle paired with the lightweight, foldable pole was explicitly designed for longer backpacking trips and navigating rugged terrain.

These poles fold down to just 14.5". And while many competitors only sell one size that adjusts to a full range of sizes, High Stream Gear's poles come in two different heights -- 43" to 47.2" poles for people 5'5" or shorter, and 45.3" to 53" poles for hikers taller than 5'5".

By offering two separate heights, the company can keep the weight down and reduce the amount of necessary hardware while allowing the poles to fold smaller.

​Who Is This Product For?

​These foldable hiking poles were designed with regular hikers in mind.

Rather than being an expensive luxury system or low-end, cheap option, these poles are good quality for a reasonable price. They're reliable, comfortable, and durable enough to stand up to regular use, but they won't cost you more than your vacation.

Individuals with mobility or balance issues may also like these trekking poles from High Stream Gear. They're quick and easy to fold or extend and fold up small enough to fit into your car, take on a bus, or add to your carry-on bag.

​What's Included?

​The High Stream Gear TX Foldable Trekking Poles include instructions and two foldable aluminum 7075 poles in either the shorter or longer length.

You'll also find non-slip rubber feet for hard surfaces as well as mud baskets that fit quickly onto the tungsten tips.

Each pole also has a strap and, something we have NOT seen before in Heroic Adventure's exhaustive testing of dozens of trekking poles: a belt holster.

The belt holster is reminiscent of the days when geeks would latch their phones to their belts but it actually comes in handy when you want to pick up something or don't need the use of the poles and you don't want to take off your backpack or otherwise stow the trekking poles away.

​Overview of the Features

​Created from the same aluminum as the M16 rifle, the hiking and trekking poles from High Stream Gear will take a beating on the trail.

They're light enough to keep you from getting fatigued and fold up to just over a foot in length, so you'll find them highly portable.

To extend the poles to full length, you'll find a center cable and a locking button at each joint that clicks quickly into place.

This system makes the High Stream poles quick and fast to extend and fold. And the button system gives the poles a secure lock and additional safety while avoiding handles and plastic that tends to hit into your legs or break off.

The handles are the best part of these trekking and hiking poles. Ergonomic and well-shaped, you'll find the handles are comfortable to hold without causing your hands to ache or get tired. The natural cork helps prevent sweating and slipping.

 Like the poles, the straps are fully adjustable. The synthetic material is strong enough that you won't worry about them snapping, but they will let your skin breathe - to keep you dry and reduce sweating.

​How to Use

​To extend the poles, pull the lengths of aluminum apart and feed the smaller end into the larger end until the button snaps into place.

To collapse the poles, press the button and pull the two pole lengths apart. Then, fold them against each other starting from the bottom and store them away.

​Alternative

​If these aren't quite what you're looking for, High Stream Gear also manufactures a carbon fiber set of hiking and trekking poles. 

They're stronger and lighter than aluminum poles. However, they use the same extension and folding mechanism and have the same high-quality strap and handle.

They do cost 50% more than the aluminum poles, but they're still worth considering, especially when optimizing your packing weight is an issue.

The carbon fiber version of these hiking poles come with rubber tips, boot tips, mud baskets, and snow baskets.

They also comes with a carrying case that has a separate pocket to hold extra feet or accessories.

​Conclusion

​For hikers who tackle rough terrain regularly, the High Stream Gear Foldable Hiking and Trekking Poles are a great option.

While not the lightest poles on the market, they're still easy to use and store. And they don't cost hundreds of dollars each but will last several seasons, so you should find them to be a good value for the price as we did.

​SWIX of Norway Nordic Walking Pole Review

​Who Is This Product For?

​While hikers might like the Nordic poles by SWIX, the company designed these walking aids for individuals who have difficulty getting around or those who need some extra stability.

People with Arthritis, stroke patients, and seniors will find these walking poles particularly helpful.

They're also beneficial for individuals with weak ankles, leg or foot injuries, hip problems, or back issues.

​What's Included?

​Each order of Nordic Walking Poles by SWIX of Norway includes:

• a set of poles
• a pair of indoor tips
• outdoor tips
• a glove and strap system

You'll also find instructions and DVD in the box.

​Overview of the Features

​Manufactured in Lillehammer, Norway, SWIX Nordic Walking Poles are longer than other poles; they encourage you to walk straighter and with a proper gait.

When ordering, you'll need to supply the company with your height and arm length. The company's experts then use this information to get you the proper pole length so that you can use them right out of the box.

The synthetic neoprene gloves are explicitly designed to fit your right and left hands for comfort and to encourage proper technique.

To attach the glove to the pole, you'll find a sturdy, adjustable strap. These take a bit of time to adjust, but once you set them, you're good to go.

In the box, you'll also receive two sets of feet for the Nordic Walking Poles:

1. For rough outdoor terrains such as ice, snow, sand, and outdoor surfaces, you'll want to use the carbide metal tips.
2. The natural rubber tips work best on indoor and hard surfaces like pavement.

SWIX-made Nordic poles come with a set of instructions and a DVD to help you learn to use the poles.

These provide enough information for some individuals, but YouTube and the SkiWalking website have additional resources should you need them.

​How to Use

​With your hands in the gloves lightly holding the pole grips, keep your arms straight along your sides and drag the poles behind you.

Next, swing your arms as you usually would pulling the poles along with you. Watch that your right arm comes ahead as your left foot moves forward and vice versa.

With the right technique now in place, keep your back straight and head up as you push back slightly on the poles.

If you do it right, you'll feel yourself push off from the poles. If you find that your arms and legs get out of sync, stop, reset, and start again. Check out the video below for more.

​Alternative

​A suitable alternative to SWIX of Norway Nordic Walking Poles would be the LEKI Journey Trekking Poles.

While not a solid one-piece design, the collapsible pole has two locking mechanisms to adjust the poles to the right length.

For the same price as the SWIX poles, you'll have a lighter set of poles that are easier to take traveling.

Instead of the glove-and-strap system of the Nordic poles by SWIX of Norway, the LEKI poles have a soft-touch grip and adjustable strap. Each has a safety release to make them quick to get on and off.

On the bottom, LEKI trekking poles have a metal tip and trekking basket for navigating slippery, uneven trails.

​Conclusion

​Being one of the only one-piece model walking poles on the market, SWIX of Norway Nordic Walking Poles are the best option at its price point.

They are heavier than many of the collapsible or foldable poles on the market and can be challenging to take with you.

However, most individuals who choose the SWIX poles do so for the security and comfort of not having to worry about the poles failing when put under pressure.

​​Equipeak Collapsible Folding Trekking Pole Review

​This is a well-designed set of trekking, hiking, and walking poles from Equipeak. They are strong, lightweight, adjustable, and collapsible.

​Who Is This Product For?

​Whether you are super active, have dexterity issues, or are simply impatient, Equipeak's poles delivers an excellent choice in a hiking pole.

You'll discover these poles collapse easily, adjust simply, and transform into a sturdy walking stick in just seconds. You even get instructions clearly explaining how to do all of this.

You have the option to select one of two different sizes, making this a suitable set of poles for men, women, and children. These poles fit anyone between 5.0 feet and 6.5 feet tall.

This is a nice set for frequent fliers because they fit easily into your carry-on bag.

​What's Included?

​This set of poles delivers exactly what hikers need for most types of journeys - from the adjustable wrist straps to interchangeable tips. The only additional item you may need to buy is a second pair to give as a gift.

What you get:​

• Rubber tips for paved, flat, and rocky surface
• Carbide tungsten tips for gravel, ice, and dirt
• Nordic tips
• Baskets for mud, snow, or sand
• Quick-dry microfiber towel
• Carrying bag
• Instructions

​Overview of the Features

​Let's get down to business. Here are the features that are going to convince you to either purchase this set or keep looking.

• Ultimate Adjustability

Pole length is a critical component of any set of walking sticks. Having the correct height in your poles delivers ease of movement and alleviates the pressure on your knees.

With this particular set from Equipeak, you have the option to choose the smaller size if you are 5'9" or shorter, or you can select the larger size if you are taller than 5'9". As an added bonus, adjusting the length of each pole is easy. Just twist, lock, and go.

Adjustability doesn't stop just with your pole length, either. The wrist straps adjust, allowing you to maintain comfort no matter what type of incline or terrain you are traveling.

• Quick Flick Lock

When you need a quick adjustment due to a switch in ascent or descent, it's nice to be able to make it fast. The quick flick lock, which is set right at the top of your poles, is easy to use.

• Versatile Tips

It isn't often that you find a set of poles accompanied by every type of tip you can imagine. This set has it all - rubber, carbide tungsten, Nordic, and baskets.

• Grip Comfort

Serious trekkers and regular walkers can appreciate the dual benefit of a cork grip coupled with foam extensions. You avoid sweat and minimize shock. It's a win-win scenario.

• Lightweight Design

Equipeak uses 7075 aviation-grade aluminum because it is strong and lightweight. You get less arm fatigue when trekking and barely notice the added weight when you put them in your backpack.

​How to Use

​Learning to assemble and disassemble your poles isn't all that difficult.

First of all, a set of instructions are included. If this is your first set of poles, read through them completely before you start. You can also watch the video below for assembly instructions.

Once you set the pole length, you simply use the locking mechanism to secure the setting. It is easier to use the tightening knob if you have the clamp open while turning it.

If you don't intend to collapse your poles, you can set the pole length, lock it in, and forget about it. Your poles will be ready for you next time you walk out of your door.

​Click below to watch video about poles

​Barsetto Tripresso Portable Espresso Maker Review

​Portable espresso machines come in several styles and brands, but they all tend to be compact, durable, and easy to take with you.

The Barsetto Tripresso Portable Espresso Maker is an excellent example of products in this category. It takes up very little space, but it's quick to use and easy to clean.

The most valuable benefit of the Tripresso is convenience. It works with K-Cups or reusable K-cup coffee filters and hot or cold water. And it only takes eight to fifteen presses to make a cup.

​Who Is This Product For?

​Dedicated coffee drinkers will enjoy the Barsetto Tripresso maker. Since it doesn't require electricity, it's an excellent option for those who spend a lot of time in hotels. And avid hikers and campers will like it for its light weight and small size.

Because it's compact and self-contained, people with small kitchens or minimal office space will also like the Tripresso Espresso Maker.

You can make a cup of espresso, Americano, or iced coffee in minutes. It's also small enough to tuck away in your bag, larger desk drawer, or cupboard when not in use.

​What's Included?

​Coming in at just under 9" tall and 1.5 lbs, the Tripresso comes with:

• ​a snap lid
• filter
• powder cup for measuring grounds
• a set of instructions
• an extra seal ring

​Overview of Features

​Barsetto's Tripresso has several notable features.

Its super-light body holds just under three ounces of water, but the cup holds up to four ounces. The larger cup size means there is enough space to add water for an Americano, cream, and sugar.

Contaminants from the coffee beans and water tend to give espresso an oily feel. Sometimes, the coffee may even get an odd taste or odor. The Tripresso espresso machine has a built-in micropore filter to get rid of all that, so the coffee comes out clean and pure.

The cup included with the Barsetto machine is BPA-free and insulated, so you won't have to bring extra travel mugs with you. The lid snaps onto the cup to prevent spills. And when you don't need it, you can clip the cover onto the bottom of the machine, so it doesn't get lost.

Perhaps the Tripresso's best feature is its pump mechanism. Some manual machines require a lot of strength and effort to make a small amount of espresso. This portable machine takes less than two minutes and under fifteen pumps of the plunger to get a nice, warm drink.

​How to Use

​To use the Barsetto portable espresso maker, remove the bottom, pop in a K-Cup or a reusable K-Cup filter, and fill the water tank to the fill line.

Then, close everything up and press the top plunger to make the espresso.

Add cream, sugar, or whatever you like in your espresso to the cup, rinse off the machine, and enjoy your drink.

​Alternative

​The Staresso portable espresso maker works in much the same way as the Barsetto portable machine.

​The Staresso sports a slightly different look and is somewhat lighter, but it makes the same amount of coffee. Instead of K-Cups the Staresso uses Nespresso coffee capsules and should only be used with Nespresso brand drinks.

To make espresso or other coffee drinks, you'll need to give the Staresso machine a few extra pumps to make a coffee drink, but it does require the same amount of pressure. And while the Barsetto machine works with cold water, the Staresso espresso maker does not. It does froth milk, however.

​Conclusion

​Anyone who travels or camps a lot or those who enjoy the occasional espresso at the office will appreciate the Barsetto Tripresso Portable Espresso Maker.

​The Barsetto is easy to pack up and use because it is light, easy to clean and compact.​ And when you're not using it, it won't take up a ton of cupboard space.

The Barsetto is one of the more expensive models on the market currently.

However, the maker's solid construction and Barsetto's extensive history in the coffee maker industry ​justifies the extra few dollars relative to the cheaper entrants in the market with little history in the industry. The ability to make an espresso when and how you want is worth it, too.