Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Pole Review
Trekking poles are not just for older hikers. Everyone can benefit from using them. I picked up a pair of Foxelli Carbon fiber trekking poles, and here are my initial thoughts.
I used the Foxelli Carbon fiber trekking poles for the first time on my shake-down hike at Archers Fork. (LINK to the post) https://www.foxelli.com/products/carbon-fiber-trekking-poles-hog1
Specs:
Price (As of October 2021. - $71.97
Published weight is 7 oz per pole
Height Range: 25 inches to 55 inches
Overall, they are excellent trekking poles, and I highly recommend them.
This was my first time using trekking poles, and I found them invaluable as I navigated the ascents and descents on the trail with a 35+ pound pack. I didn’t have any footing issues, and they helped me on some trickly areas with wet leaves covering rocks.
They are carbon fiber, so they are light. The flip locks were easy to adjust, and with the demarcations on each section, it was easy to set the poles consistently. I added the small baskets on as it comes with snow baskets and pavement walkers along with rubber covers to protect the tips. All of this comes with a carrying case. They also included a fanny pack.
I found the poles to be extremely stiff and didn’t notice any vibrations or flexing. Nice and solid. The flip closure tension clips were easy to adjust and held tight. I had no instances where the pole sections collapsed or moved. None.
The cork handles were excellent, and my hands felt great all day for both days, and I didn’t feel the need to wear gloves. The grip straps are fully adjustable. Just an excellent trekking pole.
I really recommend these poles and couldn’t be happier with my purchase.
Do you have any experience with the Foxelli Carbon fiber trekking poles? Or the Foxelli brand? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Backpacking Shake Down Trip Lessons Learned
Here are the lessons learned from my first backpacking trip in over 15 years.
Location: Archers Fork Loop in Southeast Ohio for two days, one night. We were on the trail around 11:30 am and completed the loop counterclockwise.
Saturday
Duration 3:44:40
Distance 7.0
Hiking Calories 1,907
Total Daily Calories 3,729
Elevation gain: 896
Elevation loss 1,132
Average Pace: 17:19 min
Breaks: Lunch for about 41:47
Sunday
Duration 3:06:25
Distance 6.77
Hiking Calories 1,569
Total Daily Calories 3,216
Elevation gain: 1,309
Elevation loss 1,076
Average Pace: 17:58
Breaks: 16:38 Water / Snacks
Fitness:
The sustained back-to-back days were hard for me. Towards the end of Sunday, the tree cover was sparse, and it heated up, so I was a bit drained.
I need to work on my leg strength for hills both up and down.
Forget about dropping ounces out of my pack – I need to drop bodyweight. Get down into the 190s for my ideal weight.
Hydration / Nutrition:
I need to drink more water – first time with the water bladder and didn’t drink as much water as I thought. I see this as an issue with water bladders as you can’t see how much water you have consumed.
I was getting in the routine of taking regular drinks but needed to get used to taking more water.
I had enough food for the trail on Saturday – the sandwich was good, the payday bars were excellent, and the trail mix added the right calories for the day – I didn’t feel undernourished.
I took too many snacks for the time I was on trail as we finished by lunch on Sunday.
Two oatmeal containers for breakfast were a lot – needed more water with the oatmeal – 150 mg of water. The banana chips I added to didn’t hydrate.
The Ucan was an excellent addition to the morning nutrition.
My estimated daily calorie burn was pretty accurate for the entire day.
The nutrition plan seemed to work – I didn’t each as many snacks as I thought I would.
Gear:
I tried to use one of the dehydrated meal bags as a reusable bag for hydrating my meals in freezer bags.
It didn’t work. It wasn’t big enough.
I need to make a koozie for the food or keep the meals in the original packaging.
The tent needs to be replaced – too heavy, but I like the room. – a two-person will do the trick.
I need to bag and secure my food – I was anxious about not hanging my food and maybe a good dry bag – I have one I use for kayaking that may work, although it is a bit heavy.
I need a little bag to hook onto the rope to swing over the tree to hand up.
Next, I need to look at upgrading my sleeping bag.
I need to upgrade my cooking system – the MSR WhisperLite stove is heavy with fuel. In addition, I need to investigate a canister stove.
Bring my plate that would have made eating much better – dump the freezer bag into the dish to eat.
I need a dirty water bag with a bigger opening, not the screw opening of the Sawyer bags I currently have.
The Smart water bottle is hard to fill up from a top standpoint.
Didn’t use the Nalgene bottle at all.
I didn’t encounter any ticks, so the spray worked – or at least it didn’t not work.
Look into the pump filter for ease of getting water when there is no moving water.
Summary
Areas for improvement, but I enjoyed the experience. Nice to get to camp, enjoy the campfire and relax. Getting away from the city lights, cell coverage, and just enjoying the outdoors was awesome. I am looking forward to the next trip.
My Shake-Down Backpacking Trip Nutrition Plan
I’m getting ready for my shake-down overnighter this weekend.
I’m excited and ready to go. Along with new gear, I am interested in seeing how I can plan for my nutrition needs and how the planned nutrition works out.
For success, gear, nutrition, and fitness need to come together.
My backpacking Success Triangle. Only when all three work will the trip be successful. They don’t need to be completely dialed in just functioning.
Every successful backpacking trip relies on what I call the Success Triangle:
Gear
Fitness Nutrition
Getting enough nutrition and calories on the trail is key to a great hike. So here is how I planned my food for my shake-down hike; what nutrition I’m bringing on my first backpacking trip in over twenty years. Hey, this is mostly art vs. science, but it gets you close and gives you a base to continually dial in your nutrition needs.
Estimate how many calories I usually burn through the day
Get your BMR
Your daily calorie burn before any exercise is known as basal Metabolic rate (BMR). There are various calculators out there; I use the active.com calculator. https://www.active.com/fitness/calculators/bmr
Based on my age, gender, height, and weight, I get my BMR in calories. Mine is about 1,850. Okay, that’s my base.
How many calories am I going to burn on the trail?
I use the Garmin Forerunner 945 and log all my workouts on Trainingpeaks.com.
I went back and looked at my training hikes and saw what calories I burned. Using my training hikes with my loaded pack gave me a few data points. These are just data points to extrapolate but gave me a sense of how many calories I burn per mile. Elevation gains/ losses, length, etc., will impact the actual calories burned.
After adjusting for the assumed 8 – 10 miles a day on this 2-day one-night hike, I estimated I would burn about 1,400 calories hiking.
This gets me around 3,300 – 3,400 calories needed to maintain my current weight.
My goal is 3,000 to 3,20, given it is just a two-day – 1-night trip.
That is my goal – now on to the spreadsheet.
I am not too concerned about the total calorie or a deficit as it is only two days. However, this will be a good test to understand what I can eat on the trail and how I feel based on the length of the daily hike (probably 3 – 5 hours on trail).
First, I know I will have breakfast Saturday morning before I get on the trail and will finish before dinner on Sunday. So I’m looking at Saturday – Lunch, Dinner, and snacks and then Sunday – Breakfast, Lunch, and snacks.
I start with breakfast, lunch, and dinner and drop in each calorie and protein amount.
We will probably stop for a quick-service breakfast for breakfast, which should get me 500- 800 calories before I hit the trail. Also, I will have three coffees.
I am taking a Mountain House freeze-dried meal of 600 calories with 38 grams of protein for dinner. I am packing a sandwich with Peanut Butter and Jelly for lunch – about calories and 14 grams of protein. For Snacks, I’m taking homemade trail mix (mixed nuts, dried fruit, yogurt-covered raisins, and yogurt-covered pretzels 405 calories per serving. Payday bars – 1 will be a quick pick me up. Amanita bars - 200 calories and seven protein or 230 and 15g.
Breakfast is the backpacking standard – instant oatmeal – two servings with mixed nuts and dried fruit: 650 Calories and 20 grams of protein.
Snacks are the homemade trail mix and Payday bar.
For lunch, on Sunday, if we are still on the trail, I have some freeze-dried Granola that only requires cold water rehydration and gives me 560 calories and 13 grams of protein.
This gives me the plan. Like any plan, I will evaluate how I feel during the hike and adjust my calorie intake accordingly. Like I said the nutrition along with hydration is part of the Success Triangle.
Just as important as the plan are the actuals. After the hike each day, how did I feel? Did you feel hungry? Was I dehydrated and not hungry? Was it too much food? Did I have the energy to complete the hike feeling good? The elevation is more significant on the hike than my training hikes, so that will play a part. What were my actual calories burned? Feed that back into my next planned hike and iterate. Again, it is about progressing and improvement, not perfection.
The real benefit of this approach is to understand how my planning lined up with how I felt and performed. This will be much more important on next year’s multi-day hike.
Understanding my nutrition is one of the reasons I wanted to do a shake-down hike. Gear, nutrition, and endurance are the three keys that need to be dialed in.
Post Trip Note – I ended up burning 3,216 on Saturday and 2,918 on Sunday’s hike.
Getting enough nutrition and calories on the trail is key to a great hike.Here is how I decided on what nutrition to bring on my first backpacking trip on over twenty years
First Backpacking trip: One Week Out
I’m excited and one week out from my first backpacking trip in 20 years. An overnighter but great to get out on the trail. So, what am I doing, organizing to get ready? Here is what I have so far.
One week out from my trip, and what am I doing?
REMEMBER 2 Days 1 Night with 2 Others!
Finalizing my food so I can order or buy what is needed
Gather all my electronics, so I am ready for charging/hitting the trail with full juice
Start to monitor the weather for any changes or deviations for the clothing I have
Get my fuel topped off in the canister – review the number of boils I must refresh myself
Review checklist for any additions/deletion’s adjustments
Compile my first aid kit to get any last items needed
Checking Alltrails to make sure I have the map downloaded
Get the trailhead coordinates so I can get there!
Loading my pack for one final loaded hike this weekend (also an excellent chance to see how I want to load my pack).
Hey, I admit it, I’m a planner and checklist maker! It helps reduce my stress levels, and I enjoy it. Curious about what you did as a new backpacker on your first trip?
You experienced backpackers are sitting back and smiling. But, man, this guy is all about overkill!
As you know, I’m very passionate about sharing new ideas with people looking to better themselves, so please leave a comment below on your first backpacking trip.
Backpacking - Your First Trip Anxiety
First trip anxiety - Am I overpacking? Yes, I am. Will it reduce my stress? Absolutely. Backpacking is a hobby; it’s supposed to be fun, so anything I can do to reduce the stress; I’m going to do. So how am I going to manage the stress level? Think about….
What is the worst that could happen?
I’m going to determine the ultimate, worst thing that could happen and rationally evaluate the outcome. Not enough food, Get too cold from the weather. Stove malfunction. Not in shape. I get lost on the trail. So, if that is the worst, how can I plan or anticipate those items? First, not all are going to happen. Remember I have two other people going with me.
Weather – I can review the weather beforehand and have a sense of what is going to happen. For example, is it going to rain all the time, be cold? I will bring rain gear and or warmer clothing.
I can wear all my clothing at camp or in the tent if need be. It just adds a little bit more weight.
Not in shape. We can take more breaks and make sure I’m well fueled. I can plan out my meals with a focus on protein and calories.
I will run out of water. I will have to carry more water than I think I will need.
My stove malfunctions – I can borrow the stove and fuel from my hiking partners.
I get lost on the trail. I have the alltrails.com app. I will have a compass. The trail does cross paved roads. I can navigate back to my car as I am always going to be only a day away.
I will not have enough food. I am going to two days one night. I can take an extra freeze-dried meal. That won’t add much weight, and between the other food taken and snacks, I will have no fueling issues in an emergency.
The key is to make small improvements – everyone falls into the above traps, so I’ll drop a 3x5 card into my pack, keeping a note of what I bring, what I use, and don’t. This will help me refine my backpacking skills as I go. Improvement and enjoyment are what I am going for, not perfection.
I’m very passionate about sharing new ideas with people looking to better themselves, so please leave a comment below on your first backpacking trip.
Of Course, you need Hiking Boots, Or Do You?
Here are my original thoughts:
I’m returning to backpacking after 15 years and bought hiking boots—no trail runners or tennis shoes for me.
Backpacking decisions are all about what you are comfortable with. Cutting weight gets to a balancing act of what will cause you stress on the trail. There is no need to cut a few ounces on footwear if you are constantly worried about turning an ankle. Was it worth it??
Go with the boots, man.
For backpacking, make your decision on footwear early. Then, after that, you can go with what you have, shoes, even sandless to get out the door. But I would argue you need boots when you start.
You are adding at least 20 lbs. to your body weight when you put that pack on. Until you get used to carrying that weight up and down hills and uneven footing, you need the ankle stability that boots give you.
The ground can be uneven, changing your center of gravity. Twisting an ankle out on the trail is not ideal. – you must make your way back to the trailhead.
Boots can provide a better tread; hey, they make them specifically for the trail. And that will help improve your footing out on the trail.
Boots now are not just the leather variety we used to have; they are breathable, waterproof, lightweight. Compared to what I was used to, they are much lighter and improved.
You can go with trail runners, even tennis shoes, or trainers, sandals, or whatever you want, but I think starting with hiking boots are the way to go.
After you get your legs under you and feel confident, go for it and try something else for footwear.
Then I changed my views and beliefs on footwear.
Here is where I am now.
There is a place for trail runners (basically beefed-up running shoes specifically designed for off-road use), sandals hey even barefoot. You do not automatically need to move to the hiking boot rack when shopping for backpacking footwear.
The chart below from Beth Henkes at REI offers a few facts to consider when deciding between hiking boots and trail runners:
When you are evaluating what works for you, here are a few items to consider:
How comfortable are you on uneven surfaces? If you are trying to tackle a trail with many uneven surfaces, rocks, roots, then maybe you need the stability of a boot.
What is your body type? Do you need to lose a few pounds, then maybe boots are a safe bet.
How fast will you be being going? Are you trying to churn out the miles? Trail runners are the way to go then. They are designed for moving fast.
How steady are you with additional weight on your back? Steady, then go with trail runners or another light footwear.
What seasons/weather are you going to be hiking in? (Snow, below freezing temps) I would go for boots.
In conclusion – it was interesting how I had the opinion, that I thought was based on facts, that wasn’t entirely true. Not only will I be considering trail runners for my hiking footwear, I learned something about myself today. I’m not too old to learn something new and to change my mind. I need to celebrate that.
Fantastic Backpacking Resources
Looking for excellent backpacking content? These fantastic resources with over 178 million YouTube views. These resources will help improve your backpacking enjoyment and on-trail experience:
YouTube channels
Outdoor Vitals - Outdoor Vitals is a direct-to-consumer outdoor equipment company that provides excellent content on its channel.
The Hungry Hiker - She is an experienced thru-hiker that provides great on-trail food options and hiking opportunities in the US Northwest.
Justin Outdoors - Justin’s channel is a resource for gear and hiking locations, especially in Canada. Here is my post on Justin’s channel.
The Outdoor Gear Review - Unbiased outdoor gear reviews are their specialty. They do not accept free gear or paid advertising. Agenda-free reviews.
Backcountry Exposure - They describe their channel as a location for: “everything backpacking, hiking, camping, everyday carry items, and just pure adventure. You’ll see plenty of outdoor gear reviews on backpacking, camping, and hiking gear, as well as knives, flashlights, and other everyday carry gear.”
Dan Becker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UxIY0gtLRI - Both gear reviews from a self-described backpacking gear nerd and memorable backpacking adventures. Dan is based in the US-Midwest.
Schell Brothers Outdoors - Andy and Kevin, Ohio-based brothers share their experiences with gear, food, trip planning, and their weekend and epic adventures. 2,116,362. Check out their podcast (Backcountry BSsing) as well.
John Kelley - John shares his love of backpacking through gear and advice on enjoying life on the trail. John also has a recommended podcast (The Backpacking Podcast)
Homemade Wanderlust - Dixie has solo thru-hiked the AT, the PCT, CDT, and the Camino de Santiago. She will inspire you to get out on the trail.
Jeremiah Stringer Hikes. - Jeremiah focuses on improving your time on the trail. Through gear reviews and discussions, he offers excellent content. He also hosts the XXX podcast with John Kelley.
Lonewolf 902 - Content focuses on in-camp activities, including hot-tenting, gear, and enjoyment.
Podcasts
Backcountry BSsing Great complement to their Youtube channel. Interviews, gear, and adventure discussions.
The Backpacking Podcast with John Kelley, Jeremiah Stringer Similar to their respective YouTube channels’ John and Jeremiah discuss gear, hiking, and the current state of backpacking.
What blogs, YouTube channels, and podcasts do you enjoy that are missing from this list? Add them below.
Great Divide Trail - Justin Outdoors
I have been following Justin’s epic hike on the Canadian Great Divide Trail. Justin is open about his challenges, mood, and successes on this through hike on the daily videos. He doesn’t sugarcoat it but rather is honest about his trip. A great series to follow.
Justin also publishes excellent gear reviews from Calgary, Alberta, and offers a behind-the-scenes view of planning, training, and enjoying backpacking excursions.
Looking for a great backpacking YouTube channel to follow? Justin Outdoors is an awesome one.
If you want to get my monthly newsletter, subscribe over on the left; no spam, just what I’m thinking about, doing, and tackling for the month.
Backpacking Out with the Old in with the New
I’m excited about backpacking. YouTube rekindled my interest. Getting back into backpacking or any hobby brings you to a decision; This can apply to any hobby or pursuit where you revive your interest, that decision point of old vs. new.
That line for me is, do I use the gear I have and potentially not enjoy the experience because of the outdated equipment or technology, or do I upgrade now. Am I settling, or is this a prudent approach?
Up the ladder, I went into the heat of my garage attic in search of the ole backpacking gear bin. Tucked away under the old hockey bags, I found it. Ducking down, so I didn’t headbutt the bare lightbulbs, I lugged the bin back to the ladder. Step one - I got my gear out of the attic.
Step two - discard the stuff that was moldy and unusable. Now I’m down to the gear that can be evaluated. Backpack – the old external frame pack didn’t fit and wasn’t going to work at all. – Upgrade.
Sleeping bag – keeper – it is a 35-degree bag and right now will work. The closed foam sleeping pad – I can try this out to see if my 58-year-old self can sleep on it as well as my 31-year-old self did. (Or didn’t know any better)!
What is the balance between using the old stuff vs. upgrading and getting hew? Is the focus on functionality, weight, safety?
Interesting question. So far, I have upgraded my pack, my sleeping pad, added a camp chair. I have not upgraded my stove, nor my sleeping bag, nor my tent. I will need to get a water filter as the old one is not usable.
What was good when I was younger is now arcane. There is a balance between using what I must see if I like it and not enjoying it because what I have is not usable or making it not enjoyable. My tent is 7.4 lbs. Will upgrading my tent make the experience that much better? Or should I suck it up and go with the tent to see how I like it?
Interesting debate.
First, you need to prioritize, or at least define, what is success for you? Tackling the Teton’s is different from a night in the backyard or at Caesar’s Creek. What are your goals for the outing? I can suck up the weight and discomfort to see if I need to upgrade. Also, you need to clearly define what is critical to what you are doing? The backpacking big 3 Sleeping System, Shelter, and pack are key. Also, there are must have’s that you must invest in.
Water filter, stove, etc., that are a non-starter. The higher-priced items can be upgraded later. I slept a night in the backyard on the old, closed foam celled sleeping pad – that was upgraded!! I need a safe, effective water filtration system, so that is a must before I head outside of the backyard. The tent, wait, the pack was upgraded – picture of Packs. Be careful what is considered essential or must-haves that were not even around when you started the hobby. Maps vs. GPS??
What do you think?
Youtube is a Positive
YouTube is a positive influence. YouTube has motivated me to act. YouTube helped move me from should to action. As a result, I am once again backpacking.
I started getting backpacking videos in my feed and started watching them. As the algorithms work, the more you watch, the more they are served up in your feed. What was remarkable is that I got so motivated that I got off my ass and did something about it. I started hiking with my wife to get in shape. I talked with my older son about going on a trip. We started planning an epic trip to the Grand Tetons. I got my old gear out from the early 2000s to see what I have. Got my old MSR Whisper lite stove up and running. Yes, she still burns strong.
I acted. I was able to take the sedentary action of consuming online content and move to action. I now use YouTube for product reviews and information on location hiking.
It has transformed me from sitting on my ass to move. Yes, YouTube is a good thing. Countless channels provide content on people’s passions. It helps you get that little bit of dopamine, and you feel good to move you to action.
YouTube also helps exercise your judgment skills (good from the bad). You need to discern for yourself is something a good behavior vs. bad. Remember, YouTube only publishes the content. YOU make the decision to consume it, let it affect you, and ultimately act on it. We all make decisions, and where you are now is solely based on actions and decisions you made.
YouTube is a positive influence for me – but you make the decision.
Is YouTube a positive for you?
Backpacking
Backpacking is my new/old passion. First, my father introduced my brother and me to backpacking. Then, my father and I introduced my two older sons to backpacking. From Isle Royale to Pictured Rocks, we have done some incredible hikes. Finally, at 66, my father backpacked with my two older sons and me across Pictured Rocks.
Now through the positive influence of YouTube, I have the backpacking bug again. So my older sons and I are planning an epic 2022 trip – The Grand Tetons.
As I transition from the Kelty to the Gregory – I’ll share what I learn here, from fantastic channels and blogs to mistakes and successes. You’ll hear about it first here. So join me on the journey.
Have you rediscovered any new passions? Is backpacking or hiking a passion of yours?