Bamboo Hiking Poles

**HamMike** · 08-28-2011, 17:50

I threw together some bamboo hiking poles this weekend. I found the bamboo at Ace Hardware. I cut some bamboo stock that slid onto the tops of the poles that accepted the grips. I used allen bolts that I gorrilla glued into the ends. I cut grooves into the bolt heads to provide some traction. I don't have the bamboo in the grips glued to the poles because they seem to fit snugly enough. They cost me about 20 bucks to put together.

**trinni** · 08-28-2011, 18:00

Nice! Now, the most important thing: what's the weight???

**HamMike** · 08-28-2011, 18:42

Originally Posted by trinni

Nice! Now, the most important thing: what's the weight???

I knew it was comin, lol! I don't have a scale but they are light.

**olddog** · 08-28-2011, 19:11

All that money you saved on the hiking sticks will just about buy a set of digital scales at WM

**kayak karl** · 08-28-2011, 19:13

what thickness?? i have access to bamboo and was going to cut some for the MAHHA hang.

**HamMike** · 08-28-2011, 19:51

Originally Posted by kayak karl

what thickness?? i have access to bamboo and was going to cut some for the MAHHA hang.

They are around 5/8 at the top and taper down to about 3/8.

**DaleW** · 08-28-2011, 20:11

I made a bamboo pole and used a tip from a damaged telescoping pole, with 4" of the aluminum bottom section inside the bamboo. I used silicone glue to seat it. That gave me the carbide tip and a snow basket mount. The weight was just a bit more than good aluminum poles.

I'm lovin' those grips--- do I read the Schwinn logo on them?

Another way to get quick and dirty hiking poles is to use old ski poles. I've found super high tech stuff at thrift stores and garage sales for $5 or less. The tips aren't quite as sticky as the smaller carbide tips on trekking poles, but not bad. It is a great way to try the poles without dropping $100. You can cut down cross country poles and get lighter yet.

**HamMike** · 08-28-2011, 20:23

Originally Posted by DaleW

I made a bamboo pole and used a tip from a damaged telescoping pole, with 4" of the aluminum bottom section inside the bamboo. I used silicone glue to seat it. That gave me the carbide tip and a snow basket mount. The weight was just a bit more than good aluminum poles.

I'm lovin' those grips--- do I read the Schwinn logo on them?

Another way to get quick and dirty hiking poles is to use old ski poles. I've found super high tech stuff at thrift stores and garage sales for $5 or less. The tips aren't quite as sticky as the smaller carbide tips on trekking poles, but not bad. It is a great way to try the poles without dropping $100. You can cut down cross country poles and get lighter yet.

yeah they are Schwinn grips, I have a set of Scott ski poles I'm I grabbed from the thrift store for a few bucks. I'm eyeballin the grips from those, or maybe a cork set.

**MuseJr** · 08-28-2011, 20:25

I like the bamboo poles. I have been looking at building some trekking poles and the boo is a good option. I might have to make a trip to the hardware store tomorrow. I think I have some cork laying around for the grips.
How long was the bamboo stalk when you started?

**jima59** · 08-28-2011, 20:29

I'm liking the bamboo idea more and more. Got some nice stands of it by the highway here. I did buy two used gol clubs, woods, but haven't cut them down to try out yet. Most of out thrift type stores here don't really have things like ski poles.