Chinook Venture 3 Adjustable Hiking Poles by: Jason

There are those that venture a hike without poles.  There are hikers that hike with one pole.  To no surprise, there are hikers that trek with two poles.  I, however, have been in each situation.  The severity of the hike or the load on my back usually determines which mode of poles I use.  Recently, I have really been into the two trek pole system.  My latest of such pole has been the Chinook Venture 3.  I was able to put these poles through many of my rigorous hiking trips.  Here are my thoughts...

B+ Rating

Venture 3 Specs.

• Extended EVA foam handle
• Strong and lightweight anodized aluminum pole.
• Three-section adjustable pole.
• Comfortable hand grip with web strap.
• Carbide tip for use on rocky or icy surfaces.
• One set of hiking baskets and one set of snow baskets.
• Chinook Antishock Spring system that can help reduce stress and strain on lower back and knees during long and short trek  

These poles held up to our challenge fairly well.  The extended EVA foam handles are designed for climbing up steep grades.  The idea was to not stop and adjust your poles but to just grab lower on the pole and still have a good grip.  They did very well but we didn't end up using this feature all that often.  The grip itself is extremely comfortable and stayed in tact through all types of weather.  The straps are also comfortable but did loosen slightly after a while.  I think this is true with any strap though.

Extended EVA Foam Handle with Web Strap

The locking mechanism is a twist lock and never came lose or collapsed.  The mid portion comes with a measuring gauge which is helpful in resetting the pole to the correct height.  We were a little disappointed the bottom portion did not have the measured gauge and had to make marks with a permanent marker.  This wasn't a huge issue but just a little surprised they wouldn't put it on the lower adjustment.  We only tested the one pair...maybe we got the fluke that didn't have it.

Mid Portion with Measureing Gauge

 These poles come with plastic tips and carbide tips for rocky and icy surfaces.  The plastic tips work awesome on flat well tamped surfaces, but we did lose them in thick mud.  Two types of baskets are also provided.  The hiking baskets are great in that your pole doesn't get too far in any mud.  The snow baskets were also wonderful in the snow but be careful as they might work lose on you.

Carbide tip with Snow Basket

 One of the features I was most interested in was the Antishock Spring.  This feature helps to alleviate constant impact on the ground by dispersing the shock rising up the pole.  To use it, the twist lock is just tightened a little more.  If you don't want to use it, just loosen the twist lock a little.  You'll be able to feel it click into place.  After a while of hiking, the antishock would turn off and I would have to re-tighten it.  Turning on and off the Antishock does not affect the locking mechanism.

The anodized aluminum poles are very light and super strong.  I was able to put all my weight plus a 50lb pack onto them without and problems.  The locking mechanism held in tact perfectly.  We used the poles to hold up tarps and tent flies as well.  These poles are able to take a good beating and still be ready for the next task.

After a years worth of constant abuse backpacking, I am very pleased at the results the poles gave us considering the affordable cost.  One pole broke as I over tightened it for some reason.  I guess I just don't know my own strength anymore.  Other than that, we feel these poles are extremely worth the purchase at a very affordable price.  We have given the Chinook Venture 3 the rating of B+ for having great stability, affordability, comfortability and good looks.  Some minor detractions are the antishock working loose, no measure gauge on the lower portion and baskets and straps coming loose.

Chinook Venture 3 Trekking Poles

If you would like to purchase these great poles, visit Chinook Venture 3 and check them out.  We'd love to here what you think of the Chinook Venture 3 and invite you to leave your own review.  Comments are welcome and encourage everyone to participate.  To shop for other camping gear, please visit Bubnugget.com.

Enjoy your Day!
-Jason