[pct-l] Trekking poles

[montypct]

Phil

Yes

and other advantages too.  Yesterday I did a long fast day hike with a group of friends up to Garnet Peak just off the PCT.  On the way up I didn't use my poles at all.  It was slightly more rugged than regular PCT, so on the way down I used my poles the whole 13 miles back for downhill foot placement.  

I carry a light pack, so I don't need the benefits of poles all the time.  Often I just carry them until I need them.   I use them more often when I carry more weight, but i always carry at least one.   I have used them many times when I was injured or felt an injury coming on.  I use them when I'm tired.  I use them for steeper up and down hill.  I use them to save my knees or move faster and more safely on the knees I have.  

I had a somewhat major injury in the Sierra last June where I would not have been able to get to safety without both of them. 

I used them in Siead Valley to beat off aggressive dogs this year.

I use them to set up my tarp.  Poles allow me to carry a huge 9 ounce shelter as opposed to pounds of tent.

monty

 
Lightweight Backpacking
The fun goes up when the weight goes down
-Warner Springs Monty

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Phil Newhouse 
  To: montypct 
  Cc: Julian Plamann ; Halfmile ; Pct-l at backcountry.net 
  Sent: Sunday, January 18, 2009 8:07 AM
  Subject: Re: [pct-l] Trekking poles


  Monty (and all),

  Do you find that the hiking poles DO help with the stress on your lower joints and feet?

  phil 


  On Sat, Jan 17, 2009 at 9:52 PM, montypct <montypct at gmail.com> wrote:

    I bought mine in 2005 and I've carried them 5-6000 miles.  The "design flaw"
    is easy to fix.
    I have a new pair of the same lined up to be shipped to me if, for some
    reason, I have to give these up.
    I use them strappless.  4.7 ounces each.  Just put another 26 miles on them
    today.


    The fun goes up when the weight goes down
    -Warner Springs Monty


    ----- Original Message -----
    From: "Julian Plamann" <julian at amity.be>
    To: "Halfmile" <halfmile at pctmap.net>
    Cc: <Pct-l at backcountry.net>
    Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2009 8:56 PM
    Subject: Re: [pct-l] Trekking poles


    >I have some Peak UL's and use them on ~15+ mile dayhikes in very
    > rough/muddy/rocky terrain every weekend and
    > don't have a single complaint! I'm looking forward to using them on my PCT
    > thru this year.
    >
    > So far, even with the plenty of abuse I've thrown at them, they don't have
    > the collapsing problem some users report.
    > As Halfmile said, most of that seems to come from people not tightening
    > them
    > properly. The older versions had a design
    > flaw that caused them to slip and I suspect most of the negative reviews
    > you
    > see on websites are likely from people who have
    > the 2006/2007/whatever model.
    >
    >
    > Regarding the Gossamer Gear poles... I've heard mention that they are
    > thinner than standard trekking poles and, thus,
    > likely more prone to snapping. I've never seen them in person, though, so
    > don't take my word on it.
    >
    > I say go for the Peak UL's! REI has a good return policy if you change
    > your
    > mind later.
    >
    > -Julian
    >
    >
    >
    > On Sat, Jan 17, 2009 at 6:53 PM, Halfmile <halfmile at pctmap.net> wrote:
    >
    >> Brad,
    >> I have the compact version of theses poles (which I see are also on
    >> sale) and I think they are great poles. Check the compact version
    >> unless you really need the extra length.
    >> The only negative about them for me,  is on hot sweaty days the grips
    >> turn your hands black. I think this was more of a problem when they
    >> were new, and don't think they do this as much now that I have used
    >> them a year.
    >> As to the twist lock issue I don't have any problems with mine once I
    >> figured out how to work them. The trick is not to over loosen the
    >> twist lock because if you do it will not tighten. If the twist lock
    >> won't tighten you can extend the section all the way and flex the pole
    >> while you tighten it to get the twist lock to grip. Once I figured
    >> this out I have no twist lock problems.
    >>
    >> -Halfmile
    >>
    >>
    >>
    >> On Sat, Jan 17, 2009 at 6:25 PM, Bradley Issler
    >> <bradley.issler at gmail.com> wrote:
    >> > REI is having a sale on their ultralight trekking poles (REI peak UL
    >> > Carbon).  They are a great deal, but after reading the reviews I see
    >> mixed
    >> > reactions regarding the twist lock system.  Though there are alot of
    >> > positives, there are also many, many negative ones.
    >> >
    >> > The price is right, as is the weight, but if they are that much of a
    >> problem
    >> > I don't want to chance it, as I would rather pay a bit more for the
    >> Gossamer
    >> > gear poles (assuming those have good reviews...anyone?)  Suggestions
    >> > please.  Here is the link to the poles:
    >> >
    >> > http://www.rei.com/product/756146#ReviewHeader
    >> >
    >> > Thanks,
    >> > Brad.
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