Do OEX trekking poles offer good value for wild camping trips?
Yes—OEX trekking poles offer excellent value for wild camping trips. They are the house brand of Go Outdoors, designed to provide a balance of affordability and reliable performance for budget-conscious backpackers. Priced at £30-50 per pair, they undercut premium brands (Leki, Black Diamond) while offering many of the same features: flick-locks, aluminium shafts, and comfortable grips. For a weekend or week-long camp in typical UK conditions, they are a solid, cost-effective choice.
The OEX range: key models and features
OEX primarily offers two models, plus a few variants:
1. OEX Trek (or "OEX Pro Trek")
- Price: ~£35-40 per pair (with a Go Outdoors membership card).
- Lock: Flick-lock (lever-lock) – reliable and easy to adjust.
- Material: 7075 aluminium (high-grade alloy, strong and lightweight).
- Grip: Cork/foam hybrid – comfortable for most hands.
- Weight: ~240-260g per pole.
- Best for: All-round wild camping, mixed terrain.
2. OEX Enduro (or "OEX Air")
- Price: ~£30-35 per pair.
- Lock: Flick-lock (on some models) or twist-lock (on others). The flick-lock version is recommended.
- Material: 7075 aluminium.
- Grip: Foam grip (lighter, but less durable than cork).
- Weight: ~230-250g per pole.
- Best for: Budget-conscious campers who want a lightweight pole but are willing to accept a slightly less comfortable grip.
Why OEX poles are good value for wild camping
1. Price vs. features
At £30-50 per pair, OEX poles are significantly cheaper than premium poles (which can cost £80-150+ per pair). For that price, you get:
- Flick-locks: The most reliable locking mechanism for wet, muddy conditions. Twist-locks (common on cheaper poles) are a false economy—they jam with mud and slip under load.
- 7075 aluminium: A high-grade alloy that is lightweight and strong. It resists bending and is the same material used in premium poles.
- Cork/foam grips: Cork is the grip of choice for long-distance walkers—it is comfortable and wicks moisture. The OEX cork/foam hybrid is a good compromise between cost and comfort.
2. Weight
At 230-260g per pole, OEX poles are light enough for multi-day trips without adding excessive pack weight. They are not ultralight (premium carbon poles can be under 200g), but they are light enough for most wild camping scenarios.
3. Durability
The 7075 aluminium construction is durable enough for typical wild camping terrain—rocky paths, muddy tracks, and some off-trail travel. They will not last as long as premium poles under extreme, relentless use, but for weekend trips, they will perform reliably.
4. Availability and try-before-you-buy
OEX poles are sold exclusively at Go Outdoors, which has a physical presence across the UK. This allows you to try the poles in-store—a key advantage for a first-time buyer. You can check the weight, feel the grip, and see how the lock operates.
The Go Outdoors membership factor
OEX poles are often discounted for Go Outdoors Membership Card holders (£5/year). The member price is typically £5-10 lower than the standard retail price. For a £35 pair of poles, this is a significant saving. If you are buying multiple items, the membership card pays for itself quickly.
When OEX poles are a great choice
- For weekend wild camping trips: They will handle the typical demands of a 2-3 day camp without issue.
- For beginners: An affordable way to try poles without a major investment.
- For those on a budget: The price-to-performance ratio is excellent.
- For use on typical UK terrain: Mud, roots, and gentle slopes are well within their capability.
When to consider premium brands instead
1. For extreme use
If you are doing multi-week expeditions with heavy packs, or if you walk on constant rocky descents, a premium brand (Leki, Black Diamond) will offer greater durability and reliability. The extra cost is justified for high-intensity use.
2. For ultralight weight
If you are a long-distance thru-hiker where every gram counts, premium carbon poles (e.g., Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z at 155g) are the better choice. OEX poles are heavier.
3. For specific technical requirements
If you need a pole with a specific feature (e.g., a trigger strap for Nordic walking, a shock absorber, or a 4-section folding design), OEX may not offer it. Premium brands have a wider range of specialised models.
Comparison with competitors
| Brand | Price (per pair) | Lock | Material | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OEX Trek | ~£40 | Flick-lock | 7075 aluminium | 240-260g | Budget wild camping |
| Decathlon Forclaz MT900 | ~£45 | Flick-lock | 7075 aluminium | 250g | Budget all-round |
| Black Diamond Trail Pro | ~£90 | FlickLock Pro | 7075 aluminium | 280g | Rugged terrain |
| Leki Makalu | ~£85 | SpeedLock 2 | 7075 aluminium | 270g | All-round premium |
The verdict
OEX trekking poles offer excellent value for wild camping trips. For £30-50 per pair, you get a flick-lock, 7075 aluminium, and a comfortable grip—features that would cost significantly more from a premium brand. They are light enough for multi-day trips, durable enough for typical UK terrain, and available to try in-store at Go Outdoors. For most wild campers, they provide a solid balance of performance and cost, making them an ideal entry-level or mid-range choice. If you are a serious long-distance walker or need ultralight weight, consider a premium brand, but for the vast majority of campers, OEX poles are an excellent investment.
