 At last the strongest, most stable, reliable solution to convert your walking poles into a support for the Hex 3, Shangri-La 3, Shangri-La 4, Megalight, Megamid, tarp and any shelter requiring a solid tall adjustable pole.
This came to me in a 'light-bulb' moment when I was struggling to use a strap linking system to tie two walking poles together to create a single strong supporting pole. Although it worked I wouldn't want to rely on it in a storm and looking at the inherent strength of the top two sections of a traditional walking pole, it occurred to me that a short lower extension which linked them with another two identical sections would be ideal.
Once I did my research as to the diameter of most walking poles I could get my hands on, I realized that most of them use a 14mm diameter pole as the lowest section (before it tapers) and thus the 300mm x 14mm extension unit was born.
(This extender suits poles which are made from 18mm, 16mm and 14mm sections. Slim lightweight poles made from 16mm, 14mm and 12mm sections require our other extension tube)
Currently this extension unit is known to fit Alpkit, Craig Hoppers, Leki (Classic Only), Pacer, Mountain King (Alloy Only) and Trekmates walking poles. This list will be added to, as the knowledge base expands.
Two versions are available (a) the anodized Magenta unit made from aluminium alloy and (b) the Black unit made from Carbon Fibre.
Walking Pole Extender Link
The alloy version weighs 46g and the carbon 36g.
Simply unscrew the lower section of each walking pole and slide the extension unit into place, twist and lock it into place and sorted.
Please ensure there is a good 'overlap' of each section over the joining section to provide maximum stability and strength. To remove simply reverse the process and replace the lower section back into place.
A word of warning: Do take care removing/replacing the lower pole section and slotting in the extension unit, to ensure the plastic expanders slide into place without damaging the fins. No responsibility will be taken for any damaged expanders which have been forced or damaged in any way.
Will fit all walking poles with a 14mm lower section, currently;
Alpkit
Craig Hopper
Leki Classic (NOT the ligthweight series - however solution coming soon!)
Pacer Alloy only (For the carbon Pacers - you need the 16mm version)
Mountain King
Trekmates
Measuring your pole diameter: If you don't have the manufacturers information or a digital caliper, you need to try this simple method. Mathematically with a radius of 7mm the (internal) circumference should be 2 x pi x r = 43.96mm. However, if you use a bit of string and wrap it around the pole, then lay it against a ruler, we are getting a measurement of 48-50mm. That's close enough!
Features: Total length including expanders 380mm x 14mm
Extension allows a maximum limit of 250mm
Alloy version - Magenta - weight 46g
Carbon version - Black - weight 36g
NB: If you use the slimmer ultralight poles with a 16mm handle, please see out other product which will link the four lower sections together.
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