I’ve been using trekking poles in the mountains for roughly 13 years. They are like having a four-wheel-drive system for your legs while hiking and are a gamechanger when you’re hauling meat... plus they are key when you need to catch yourself if you slip. Also, it’s safe to say that they help protect your entire body too. According to PEAX, there is a 30 to 40% reduction in the impact of the joints going downhill and when you’re going uphill you're engaging roughly 80 to 90% of all your muscle groups, so lower body fatigue is about 50% reduced by using trekking poles. That impact reduction is huge when you have a ton of weight on your back!

I picked up a pair of the PEAX Sissy Stix Backcountry Pro Trekking Poles in June and I've taken them on countless scouting trips and hikes. I’ve even tried to beat them up and they are still performing phenomenally! Based on several design features… they are going to be my go-to trekking poles from here on out and I can't wait to hunt with them during some late season hunts.

On top of the normal use for hiking, trekking poles have so many other uses. I've even used them to help pitch my Stone Glacier SkyAir ULT shelter system.

Below are the specs of several different models of PEAX Sissy Stix that we carry in the GOHUNT Gear Shop.

Sissy Stix Backcountry Pro Trekking Poles

The Backcountry Pro Trekking Poles are their original design and again, this is the version I’ve been using all summer and fall. One feature that instantly caught my attention… they only weigh 7.5 oz per pole! This means less weight I have to swing around in my hand when using them, and also less weight on my backpack if I’m hiking through an area where I don’t want to use the poles.

These trekking poles are made of a hybrid construction that consists of a 3K carbon fiber upper and middle section and the last leg section is made from aerospace 7075-grade aluminum. This design is very focused on an ultralight system for the weight-conscious backcountry hunter but I can attest that there is no durability sacrificed for hard mountain abuse. Plus, the PRO and ELITE model collapses down to 2 feet which means you can easily store them on the side of your pack if you somehow don’t need them.

Also, all their poles include both the standard trekker basket and the snow basket. I've used them with and without the standard trekker basket, but I believe I'll keep the basket on my trekking poles. I've always used small baskets on previous trekking poles to prevent the pole from going further into the mud.

Specs:

Shop the Backcountry Pro trekking poles here

Sissy Stix Backcountry Elite Trekking Poles

The Backcountry ELITE's are feature-rich trekking poles! There are several differences between the ELITE and the PRO that are highlighted below.

Specs:

The trekking pole at the top of the photo is the Backcountry ELITE which features the added choke-up grip design. All other photo credits: Cody Boor

There are a few notable differences between the Backcountry ELITE and the Backcountry Pro trekking poles. You’ll see that the Backcountry ELITE poles have an added choke-up grip at the top, adding more material for you to grab on to as you navigate up steep terrain climbs. This is great because as the terrain gets steeper, you can just move your hand down the grip and keep on climbing!

The top trekking pole is the Backcountry ELITE.

The flip locks are also redesigned on the Backcountry ELITE. There’s no more shiny housing like on the Backcountry Pro. The ELITE's have a matte black finish on the flip locks and they are made out of high-density polyethylene (plastic) material that is extremely durable and very high quality. PEAX redesigned the locks on the ELITE’s and Z’s to use this material to save a little weight, provide a better fit around the lock collar, and avoid the shiny metal aluminum finish of the locks on the PRO model.

Also, the Backcountry ELITE’s last leg section has a little beefier aluminum pole section.

Just like the other trekking poles from PEAX, included with the poles are a Trekker 2 basket and a Powder Pro basket (for snow).

One more very small difference is the carbide tips. The tips of the Backcountry ELITE and the Backcountry Pro are also shaped slightly differently but still function exactly the same.

Shop the Backcountry ELITE trekking poles here

Sissy Stix Backcountry Z Trekking Poles

What's great about the Backcountry Z pole is the packability. These poles take up very little space on the side of your backpack at a collapsed length of 14". This design is perfect for someone looking for the ultimate packable trekking pole. This trekking pole design is very different than the Pro and ELITE due to them being tethered together by an aluminum cord and they use a snap button design at the top.

Specs:

Shop the Backcountry Z trekking poles here

Rubber Boots

If you want to add some stealth to your approach on an animal... you might want to use the rubber feet that are included in all of these trekking pole models. What is really great about the PEAX Sissy Stix trekking poles is their use of micro threads on the lower leg of the pole for the rubber feet. Why is this great? This means that you will no longer lose the rubber feet! Traditionally most rubber feet on other trekking poles just push on, but if you are hiking in some muddy terrain or even in rocky areas, the rubber feet could catch and pull off. Losing the rubber feet is a thing of the past! Now when you’re stalking your trekking poles will stay quiet.

In Summary

If you’ve been on the fence about the use of trekking poles when hunting, scouting, or just venturing out and enjoying the mountains… I highly suggest picking up a pair. Your body will thank you!

Also, be sure to check out the video below to hear from Trail Kreitzer and PEAX's Brice Bishop.