[pct-l] Fw: Trekking poles?

[jason moores]

I've found that I use my poles less and less every year. Even so, I find, that when I need them, I really need them - 5,000ft ups/downs, snow, creeks, tarp. With my poles spending most of their time strapped to my pack I found it hard to justify carrying them. I picked up a pair of Gossamer Gear Lighttrek 4 carbon fiber poles at the '09 Kick-Off. 3.3oz per pole! I don't mind the weight as much now. While the carbon fiber poles are not as sturdy as my Leki's they saved my neck on more than one occasion. These poles are so light that I don't mind walking with one balanced in my right hand, ready to be deployed as needed. I love these poles.

Jason Moores



> Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:32:38 -0800
> From: Tortoise73 at charter.net
> To: Pct-l at backcountry.net
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Fw:  Trekking poles?
> 
> I have a pair of Leki titanium poles with a shaped strap system. As 
> others have mentioned, I use them with my hands thru the straps ski-pole 
> fashion. I usually alternately swing them forward and plant, probable 
> about one swing per two steps.  Guess this is not the recommended way, 
> but this way works for _me_. On difficult uphill I do use them to allow 
> me to use some upper body muscle to help me up the hill. On downhills 
> they help me maintain my balance while going faster.  So whoever asked, 
> buy or borrow a pair and try theme out and decided for yourself if poles 
> are for you.
> 
> For tents that usually use a pole or two, one can buy separate tent 
> poles or find a natural alternative.
> 
> Tortoise
> 
> Because truth matters"
> 
> 
> 
> Don Billings wrote:
> > I seriously don't know that sticks will help much in a bear encounter. Playing dead is the usual expert advice given to that dangerous situtation. Poking around through brush to give advance warning of snakes seems likely.
> >
> > I'm still trying to get myself to try them on the trial. I can see where they're clearly helpful in fording a stream, or on ice/snow, or downhill hiking, but I did notice during my training class with them at REI that there was additional stress on my wrists. (Yes, REI actually has a lady come in and provide an hour long class w/ practice on using them.)
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message ----
> > From: Thomas Jamrog <balrog at midcoast.com>
> > To: Paul Mitchell <bluebrain at bluebrain.ca>
> > Cc: pct-l <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> > Sent: Thu, January 14, 2010 3:47:30 PM
> > Subject: Re: [pct-l] Fw:  Trekking poles?
> >
> > Trekking poles have saved me.  I'm not shy about it.  Countless incidents of being able to keep my ankle from flopping too far and getting sprained, hundreds of avoided falls, excellent ability to assist in crossing streams, balance assistance in walking over slippery elevated log walkways,  brakes on downhill treachery when descending icy trails, and a super way to improve mobility and srength functioning in those of us with significant shoulder issues. 
> > Uncle Tom  
> >
> > Blogging about the Great Outdoors 
> > on http://tjamrog.wordpress.com ( hotlink) 
> >
> > On Jan 14, 2010, at 6:04 PM, Paul Mitchell wrote:
> >
> >   
> >> I can't imagine hiking without them.  Invaluable to have those extra points
> >> of contact when descending rocky passes.  Definitely a huge help in stream
> >> crossings, and equally so on snow.  Comforting to know they're usually going
> >> to be between you and the next rattlesnake or bear when you mutually startle
> >> each other on the trail.  I never found mine a nuisance, used them all the
> >> time.  Unless my memory is way off I recall seeing very few hikers without
> >> them on the PCT.
> >>
> >> I can't reference the source but I recall reading that they take a huge
> >> amount of weight off your knees over the course of a single day ... tons if
> >> I'm not mistaken.  I can really feel the difference.  Without them my legs
> >> are working noticeably harder to balance and I'd definitely trip and fall
> >> more often.
> >>
> >> -P178
> >>
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