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REI Four Winds Travel Staff

*Est. $80

Reviewed by ConsumerSearch

Travel hiking stick with camera mount

Pros

Small size
Light weight
Versatility

Cons

Poor shock absorption

Our Analysis
Specs

Comparative reviews for hiking staffs are fairly limited. The REI Four Winds hiking staff, though, emerges as a standout because of its unique flexibility. Two experts single it out as a top choice.

The REI Four Winds travel staff has some advantages over a pair of trekking poles. First, it collapses into four sections totaling 22.75 inches long, and so is small enough to fit in a standard 24-inch suitcase. The wooden knob on top of the Four Winds' grip unscrews to reveal a standard camera mount, and the aluminum alloy composition contributes to the staff's light weight of 8.5 ounces. For those on a budget or with more packing space, the Swiss Gear Hiking Pole (*est. $25), is highly recommended by users and is also more widely available.

Our Sources

1. Seattle Times

Hiking expert Dan Nelson tests a few types of trekking poles and shares recommendations. He likes the REI Four Winds Travel Staff because of its adjustable length, foam grips and ability to serve as a camera mount.

Review: Poles, Staffs Offer Power, Stability -- and They're Lightweight, Too, Dan A. Nelson, Mar. 9, 2006

2. REI.com

Just one user review is available, but it praises the Four Winds staff as a light, easy-to-pack hiking stick that's surprisingly steady on the trail. The REI site is a good place to compare different types of this brand's poles.

Review: REI Four Winds Travel Staff Reviews, Contributor to REI.com

3. Trailspace.com

While included on the list, the REI Four Winds Travel Staff hasn't collected any reviews on this site. Other similar hiking staffs have, however, making this a good place to comparison shop.

Review: Hiking Staffs, Contributors to Trailspace.com

Swiss Gear Hiking Pole *Est. $25

2 picks by top review sites.

Life-Link Guide Ultra-Light *Est. $100

2 picks by top review sites.