​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.

​Vive Trekking Pole Review

​Are you ready to discover an pair of walking sticks from Vive that are designed to collapse easily and absorb shock significantly?

​Who Is This Product For?

​In all honesty, it is difficult to say who this product is designed for, or maybe it is more accurate to wonder if there is anyone who can't use them well.

Vive trekking poles meet the needs of the young and the old as well as the strong and the weak. It is easy to see how people of different heights can readily enjoy using this particular walking stick. The adjustable pole length is a prominent feature.

The versatility of these poles provides just the right amount of stability and support. People who have difficulty maintaining balance can capably use these poles for walking or hiking.

​What's Included?

​This is an affordable pair of walking sticks. The set includes a variety of essential accessories. You won't need to make a secondary purchase with this set like you do with other styles.

Your product comes with:

• A pair of trekking poles
• ​A pair of pole clips
• Four sets of tips
• Carrying bag with handle
• Instruction manual
  

​Overview of the Features

​Choosing a pair of trekking poles isn't always an easy task, especially if you have certain features that you want included.

Here is a look at the most important qualities offered by this pair of Vive trekking poles.

• Shock Absorption

If your joints feel sore even after a short hike, you may appreciate the specialized shock-absorb spring incorporated into this design. It definitely minimizes the impact of rough terrain on your body.

• Adjustability

You may be wondering why there is so much interest in adjustability of the poles. If this is true, you are probably new to trekking.

​Different types of terrain require changes in the length of your poles, and adjustable poles means that kids, women, and men can use the same set of poles.

• Weight​

One of the most important reasons to choose a lightweight set of poles such as this pair is because it minimizes fatigue.

When you have less weight to carry, you save energy and strength. You can use the energy you save to trek further or simply to feel less fatigued once you stop for the day.

Each pole weighs only 7 ounces plus another 2-3 ounces, give or take, when the tips, straps, handle and baskets are all put together.

• Grip

Experienced and novice hikers alike can appreciate the comfortable grips attached to these poles. As you might expect, the grips offer a comfortable, soft hold. This comfort is accentuated by wrist straps that adjust to your specifications.

• All-Terrain Accessories
  

Sure, you can buy your own carrying bag and different sets of tips, but why spend extra money if you don't need to do so? This set comes with four different types of tips, pole clips, and a bag to carry everything.

​How to Use

​Figuring out how to use your trekking poles is only going to take a few minutes. Just use your common sense, and everything should make sense. If you have trouble, watch an online video--the one below for example--for tips.

When you need to adjust your wrist straps, it's important to push hard to move them. If you don't, you may feel frustrated. This is a case where practice does make the job easier to do.

Adjusting your poles for length is easy to do, allowing you to switch up whenever you need to do so. When you are done for the day, just collapse your poles and tuck them into your carrying bag.

​Alternative

​When you intend to do a lot of trekking, you need a good, sturdy pair of poles. If you aren't sold on the poles described here, you will want to look at other options.

Black Diamond's Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles offer a good alternative, especially if you want a pair that holds up well on long treks and rugged terrain. This design adjusts easily and provides shock absorption technology.

Both sets come with accessories and high ratings. It's just a matter of your personal preference in how much you are willing to spend.

​Conclusion

​Whether you like to walk, hike, or need support for exercise, Vive trekking poles offer the features needed to do so safely.

They have a sturdy design and adjust easily. You won't find yourself fiddling around with these poles as you try and shorten or lengthen them.

If you are looking for trekking poles that hold up under pressure, don't weigh too much, and come with accessories, Vive may be the poles for you.

​Sterling Endurance Trekking Pole Review

​This is an affordable set of collapsible trekking poles from Sterling Endurance, a middle-of-the-road brand delivering competitively priced merchandise.

​Who Is This Product For?

​Planning on hiking among a wide expanse of boulders or traveling through a volcanic archipelago? These walking sticks are the ideal choice.

They are sturdy, strong, and easily adjusted to meet changing needs. With the included snow baskets, you are ready to tackle the Colorado Rockies or a location of your choice for some well-deserved snow shoeing.

A height restriction is in play with these poles. They aren't the ideal choice for someone who is shorter than 5'4" tall. 

​When you are taller than 5'4", you can use this set of poles to enjoy a day of trekking, hiking, walking, backpacking, or snow shoeing.

​What's Included?

​This set of poles is ready to go as soon as you receive them. All you need to do is pack up your stuff and travel to your intended hiking or trekking destination.

Here's what comes with your new set of Sterling Endurance hiking sticks:

• Tungsten carbide tips
• Rubber tip covers
• Snow baskets
• Carry bag designed to hold one or two poles depending on what you buy
• One year warranty

​Overview of the Features

​Even though many of the following features are commonly found in nearly all hiking and trekking poles, it's still nice to take a look at what you actually get with your set.

• ​Grips

​You'll probably like the extended soft foam handles, because they make it possible to change your hiking direction without always needing to adjust the pole length. You even have adjustable wrist straps to ease your journey.

• ​Lightweight Construction

​The weight of the poles is barely noticeable, even if you need to carry them in a backpack or travel bag.

• ​Adjustability

​Whether you need to change the height to accommodate a difference in your incline or you need to pack up your gear, adjustability is a critical feature.

​This set of poles collapses to a length of 13.5 inches, making it easy to pack them up in your carrying bag. They really don't take up much room.

​You should be able to adjust the length of the poles easily. Just remember to twist the poles and then tighten the tension knob.

• ​Quick Flip Lock Adjustment

​It's easy to see if you've forgotten to secure the quick flip lock, because it sticks out a bit when you do. Better yet - this setting is easy to use.

• ​Tips

​The tungsten carbide tips are durable and give you good performance on trails and boulders.

​Interestingly enough, the soft but durable rubber tip covers seem like a good idea for senior citizens. No one will hear you walking down the hallway!

​Don't worry. If you like to trek in the snow, this pair gives you a set of snow baskets.

​How to Use  

​You will need to adjust your poles to fit your height before taking them out on the road. Just unlock, collapse, and lock them up again to keep them secure.

It is important to twist each part of the pole after you adjust its height, making sure that they did lock up. Don't forget to do this or you may have issues with your poles staying securely in place.

When you need to collapse your poles, just follow the same steps as you did to adjust their length and tuck them into your carrying bag. They collapse to just under 14 inches.

​Alternative

​Unfortunately, this pair of poles isn't designed for individuals who are 5'3" or shorter. They simply won't deliver the kind of performance you need to hike safely, securely, and happily.

A good alternative would be to look into a set of trekking poles styled for individuals who are 5'3" or less.

One good option is Sterling Endurance's Short Person's trekking poles. You receive the same number of accessories, features, warranty, and affordability.

The only real difference is that this set of poles is designed specifically for individuals measuring 4'6" to 5'3" in height.

​Conclusion

​The shiny colors of these poles are enticing, which puts this pair on our radar. We couldn't resist. We discovered that most of the features are just as appealing, if not more so.

Perhaps you've never used a set of hiking poles offering a soft foam grip along with an extension before now. It's a good option to have. Try it.

This may not be the lightest set of walking sticks on the market today, but they are still easy to use, carry, and store.  

Sterling Endurance trekking poles can save your ankles, ease arm fatigue, and travel with you anywhere. This is a good middle-of-the-road set of poles for anyone over 5'3" tall.

​Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Pole Review

​This pair of trekking poles from Black Diamond delivers robust performance with a fully adjustable design styled for backpacking and long treks. Can they fit your personal hiking needs?

​Who Is This Product For?

​Hikers of any skill can use these trekking poles to enjoy a short climb up a local mountain or a long trek through a far-away country thanks to a rugged and comfortable design. Fully adjustable poles provide enough flexibility in length to suit individuals of all heights.

This pole set is accessorized for four seasons, making it a good pick for serious trekkers looking to enjoy many backpacking adventures throughout the year.

If price is a concern for you, it is possible that you might decide to opt for a different pair of poles with fewer accessories and features.

​What's Included?

​This set of trekking poles comes with everything you might expect in an expensive package. You can use them right out of the box without needing to purchase accessories in order to take your first trek with them.

You get:

• A pair of trekking poles
• Low profile trekking baskets
• Powder baskets
• Interchangeable carbide and rubber tips

​Overview of the Features

​Choosing a set of quality trekking poles takes more than simply liking how they look. You also need to be happy with how they work. Take a look!

• ​Adjustability

​If you like the idea of an easy-to-use locking device for your poles, this set has what you need. It's simple to use and secures your poles easily.

• ​Weight

​Each pair comes in at just over 17 ounces, giving you a lightweight design that barely adds any weight to your backpack.

• ​Grip

​These trekking poles deliver the ultimate in support and comfort. They offer a dual benefit of a cork grip coupled with a foam grip extension. 

​As you travel more difficult terrain, your foam grip extension adds to the support you already have. This eases your climb, even if the ground is uneven and rugged.

​The cork grip keeps your hands dry whether the sun is shining or the sky is pouring buckets of rain. Comfort doesn't stop there, because this particular grip is ergonomically angled and accompanied by padded wrist straps. 

• Four-Season Accessories

​Truly designed for all four seasons! You get two sets of tips and baskets to keep you moving.

​Just swap back and forth between your rubber tips and carbide ones. They are fully interchangeable.

​With the Black Diamond trekking baskets you can travel easily, even when the ground is soft. Of course, the powder baskets allow you to travel on snowy days no matter what type of incline you are climbing.

​How to Use

​Using your new trekking poles is a cinch no matter how many times you've gone out on a hike.

Each task is designed for simplicity - simply flip of the locking mechanism, a quick movement to create a necessary length change to prepare for new terrain, and an easily accomplished transfer of rubber tips for carbide ones. Almost nothing could be simpler.

Just one tip to keep in mind. The plastic locking mechanism does break or open up easily when something catches on it. Just make it a point to travel with your poles upside down to avoid losing any sections of it.

​Alternative

​If you are searching for trekking poles offering shock absorption, this simply isn't the set for you. While Black Diamond's Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles have a lot to offer, this feature hasn't been incorporated into their design.

You do have other options, but you may need to switch to an aluminum pole shaft construction. Black Diamond offers the Trail Pro Shock trekking poles, a set offering the same features but with the addition of shock absorption.

Control Shock Technology is used to deliver terrain-absorbing capabilities no matter how rugged your trek is. With this purchase, you'll get a set of aluminum poles, four-season accessories, comfortable grip, padded strap, and flick-lock security.

​Conclusion

C​hoosing a set of Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles provide you access to a reliable pair of hiking sticks. They have a sturdy design delivered by a carbon fiber core, making them suitable for rugged terrain and serious hikers.

Flexibility is a key component of this set, and it is created by readily adjustable poles. You won't have any difficulty performing a quick change in pole length either.

If you like to trek in all kinds of weather, this pair has you covered. You get 4-season accessories and a moisture-wicking pair of cork grips.