[pct-l] Hiking Poles and Carbon Fiber Tent Poles

[Hiker97 at aol.com]

I will give you my take on some  List topics lately.  Just IMHO.
 
First, I like the idea of hiking  without poles, but I cannot hike that way.  
As I have gotten older, I have  noticed that I need something to help me with 
my balance on the trail.  Not  a big deal, but I need the extra security and 
help.
 
I divide poles into  two general groups; hiking poles and balancing poles.  I 
use super  light one piece balancing poles from GossamerGear.com.  They are 
not meant  for putting a lot of weight on them, but are very strong carbon 
fiber.   With my modifications to them they weigh 100g or 3.6 ounces each.  Here 
is  what I added:
1.  reflective  tape
2.  super thin orange cord  "keeper" strap
3.  Shoe Goo to help the  bottom tip and small basket area to stay tight
4.  the small pole basket to  help with not sliding between rocks, etc.
5.  some Duck tape on the  lower part of the shaft for extra protection
 
If you look at used poles, you will  notice the lower third of the pole takes 
a beating.  I just try to protect  that area a little more.  Works great.
 
I try to use them as I hike with  care.  I remember they are for balancing 
and not too much load  carrying.  That is all I need.  My backpack weighs under 
20 pounds  with a full load, so balancing is my need.  Very nice to use these 
poles  compared to my old Leki hiking poles that I used for years in the  
Sierras.
 
I also carry a waist pack system  that keeps my center of gravity very low.  
That is where I carry my water  bladders and small gear items.  This makes a 
big difference how balanced I  am on the trail.  The poles fit in very nicely 
in this system.
 
Secondly, I did order from Eaton  Tech. (Danny Richardson, Sales Manager, 
Easton Technical Products,  801-526-6258
801-539-0139 fax, _dwr at eastontp.com) _ (mailto:dwr at eastontp.com) ) the carbon 
 fiber tent poles for my Big Agnes Seedhouse SL solo tent.  They cost around  
$40 and saved about 2.5 ounces in weight.  Not a big deal, but they are  
cool.  
 
One thing, I had to send them back  because the long pole was 20 inches too 
long.  The two short poles were  just right.  I like the black carbon fiber 
poles.  But they have  "Easton" in white color written on each pole segment.  A 
little tacky, but  it is okay.  The bottom line is that my total tent weight is 
just over  2 pounds for a freestanding, 360 degree view netting  tent.  Just 
what I want.  Now if I could get a tent fly made of  Epic or spinnaker 
material, I could drive the tent weight under 2 pounds.   Rats.
 
If you order some, be sure to  measure your pole lengths and just tell them 
exactly what you want.  I  should have done that.  They are easy to work with.
 
Your pal, Switchback
Grand Canyon Expedition Horse  Trader & Indian Blanket Vendor
(for you know who)