[pct-l] Trekking poles

[Deep Desert Expeditions]

I guess there's a hazard in everything, but I've held my poles this way for over a combined year worth of travel in some of the roughest terrain you'll ever encounter.  Sure every now and then a tip will wedge itself somewhere, but it's never caused me to fall or injure myself--nor have I witnessed that with anyone else.  
I use the straps on my backpack most of the time too--except in a swift water crossing (of course you remove your hands from the straps in that situation).

Moab Mike

-----Original Message-----
>From: Judy Gross <heartfire at heartfiregowns.com>
>Sent: Jan 15, 2010 6:45 AM
>To: pct-l at backcountry.net
>Subject: Re: [pct-l] Trekking poles
>
>
>
>I beg to differ about putting your hands through the wrist straps.  Until
>they come out with a better 'quick release' strap, this is not really a good
>idea.  One fall where the tip of the pole catches, a torn rotator cuff (you
>shoulder joint is the weakest point) and you won't ever put your hands in
>the straps again.  This is especially important during water crossings.  If
>you fell in a creek and your pole jammed on a rock, it could easily turn
>into a drowning.
>
>Yes, it takes a little more effort to hold onto the poles, but I have
>learned to hold them loosely, I don't have any hand cramping etc.  I love my
>poles, and wouldn't think of hiking without them, but the straps can be very
>dangerous.
>Judy
>
>
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Message: 3
>Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2010 20:45:03 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
>From: Deep Desert Expeditions <mike at deepdesert.com>
>Subject: Re: [pct-l] Trekking poles?
>To: pct-l at backcountry.net
>	
>>>>>>take your hands and put them thru the strap from the bottom, 
>Moab Mike<<<<<<<
>
>
>
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