Re: [pct-l] Trekking Poles vs. Ski Poles

[Owen Kittredge <owenk@quiknet.com>]

When I hike with my poles on narrow  trails with a drop off on one side I do
not use the down hill side. I have this vision the down hill pole slipping off
the trail and down 6" to 12" and me then pole vaulting into space.  Probably an
irrational fear but real to me.

Owen K

Ted Rupp wrote:

> One additional factor with adjustable poles that I find helpful is the
> ability to shorten the pole on the uphill side and lengthen the downhill
> pole.  This is extremely helpful on long side hill traverses.  Granted this
> may not apply  on the PCT, I have not hiked long distances on the trail but
> I have found it extremely helpful on many of my trips.
>
> I also feel that the carbide tips provide a much better "bite" than rubber
> tips.
>
> When using the poles, I often find that the small balance muscles in the
> lower leg that become fatigued when traveling over rough terrain are not as
> prone to fatigue.  I believe that the weight of the poles is more than made
> up for in extra milage resulting from the reduction of work with the legs.
>
> Ted
>
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