[pct-l] What do others do to get/stay in shape

[Mike Welch]

I really can't say enough about trekking poles.  It's somewhat like hiking on all fours.  It reduces stress on knees and feet, provides balance and stability while crossing streams and small rivers.  You essentially hike and pull yourself up passes while they act a self arrest brake on steep downhills.  The only terrain I have found them not real usefull is on level ground and so far I haven't found much of that on the PCT!  I once was buffeted by a strong wind gust that spun me 180 degrees while on a narrow, steep portion of trail (just South of Donner Pass by a day or so), I was able to get my trekking pole planted and it saved me from going over into steep terrain.  I'm 62 and at this point in my life would never hike without them.  Mountain Mike  

--- On Thu, 8/19/10, Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes <diane at santabarbarahikes.com> wrote:

From: Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes <diane at santabarbarahikes.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] What do others do to get/stay in shape
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Date: Thursday, August 19, 2010, 4:42 PM


On Aug 19, 2010, at 9:10 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
>
> I have been reading that trekking poles can increase the ability to do
> mileage by as much as 25%.  It would be great to hear if people have
> feedback on that, as well as recommendations on poles.
>

People say that trekking poles can help your knees but when my knees  
are hurting, I don't notice them making my knees feel any better.

I enjoy using trekking poles, but I don't use them "correctly". I  
mostly carry them when the trail is level or up hill, only actually  
using them if I have to really step up. I use them a lot for balance  
going down hill or for creek crossings. As a result of my mild use of  
them, I've used the same poles for over 3000 miles and the tips don't  
show much sign of wear.

So, with all that as a caveat, I'd recommend the Gossamer Gear poles.  
They are so light I swear they would float away if you weren't  
holding them. I used them once and felt stable crossing creeks  
putting my weight on them (~145lbs). Unfortunately I don't own any  
myself. I only borrowed them for one hike. I've been using the Leki  
Makalu. When they finally break I'm getting the Gossamer Gear ones.

Diane
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