I Went on My First High Alpine Hike, and These Trekking Poles Were the Best Piece of Gear I Packed

"As quickly as I thought of quitting, though, I was soon pinching myself, mesmerized by the wild alpine ibex, the merging glaciers, and the heavenly snowcapped peaks. Through lush storybook valleys to steep falling rockslopes, I pushed ahead, cursing and panting and tearing up over the natural beauty during my multi-day hut hike through Switzerland's Valais region. Alas, these are the intense highs and lows of hut-to-hut hiking in the Alps."

"Over rocks and steep gravel and through the edelweiss, these trekking poles were there for me. When I was ready to tip over from the weight of my pack, when I wanted to quit, they carried me forward. I couldn't have done it without the support of these poles, and after holding onto that comfy cork grip for dear life all week, leaning on these sturdy carbon fiber poles like they were my bestie,"

An experienced hiker faced severe breathlessness and underestimated the physical and mental toll of a week-long, high-alpine trek at around 10,000 feet, encountering bloating, air-pressure changes, and cramped bunkbeds. Near moments of quitting were replaced by awe at alpine ibex, merging glaciers, and snowcapped peaks while traversing lush valleys and steep rockslopes. The route delivered intense highs and lows across Switzerland's Valais. Packing Black Diamond Pursuit Carbon Z trekking poles proved essential for balance and endurance over rocks and scree, with a comfortable cork grip easing fatigue. Earlier pole attempts were either too bulky or had grips that felt too skinny.

Read at Travel + Leisure