[pct-l] Lightening Rods....

[Daniel Bailey]

> Question:  Does anyone know if Titanium is any safer than any other metal
during a lightening storm??

Titanium is more conductive than aluminum, which is what many trekking poles
are made of.  With regards to lightning, I wouldn't classify any metal
trekking pole as being safer than any other type.

Think of it this way, would you stick any type of trekking pole into an
electric socket without expecting a shock?

As it passes through the air, lightning is looking for the path of least
resistance to the ground.  This path may be your trekking pole, your entire
body, or even a wooden hiking stick that was picked up at the trail head.
Most solid objects provide less resistance to air and this is why lightning
will typically strike the tallest object in a given area.

Be well,

Senator

Message: 9
Date: Sun, 30 Dec 2007 05:28:49 -0800 (PST)
From: g l <gailpl2003 at yahoo.com>
Subject: [pct-l] Was:Re:  trekking poles and water caches------> Now,
       Lightening Rods....
To: Mann <bmann1 at san.rr.com>, PCT <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <869422.20292.qm at web33214.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Frodo-

Thanks for your response.  I "ditto" everything you said.  I may feel
differently once I get out on the PCT, but on the AT I found hiking with a
pole to be very cumbersome, unnatural and energy-draining.  I also found it
to be a great lightening rod.......and yes, I was struck by lightening as a
result of hiking (BRIEFLY) with a ski pole........in the Shenandoahs.  The
lightening went right past the (VERY) tall trees and found me, down off the
ridge with my little lightening rod innocently in hand.......blew me about 6
feet back, off my feet.

I know of 5 hikers that have been struck by lightening.  Not sure how many
were carrying a pole, but lightening is a REAL danger...............If
you're caught in a storm, especially on a ridge, get away from anything
metal....including your pack if it has any, and your poles, etc.  Sit it out
under your tarp or whatever until the lightening threat passes.

Question:  Does anyone know if Titanium is any safer than any other metal
during a lightening storm??


Yeah, I know what you're all thinking............"That explains a
lot".............8>)

Wheeew
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