[pct-l] Trekking Poles

[donasper@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Don Asper)]

Jason,
Regarding trekking poles: Here is my experience. Granny and I thruhiked the
AT in 2000. The first 800 miles Granny had trekking poles but I was too
stubborn and macho to get trekking poles. My hands were constantly swollen
and I took many falls.

I purchased Leki poles in Waynesboro, VA. The ones with angled and corked
grip, they fit very nicely. From Waynesboro to Katahdin I took far fewer
falls, my hands stopped swelling, and they were very helpful in propelling
up hills.

Also, Granny had surgery on both knees in the years preceding the AT
thruhike. Granny found the trekking poles particularly helpful in the
descents. Granny had Komperdell poles.

We plan to carry poles on the PCT this year. We may possibly try to adjust
to one pole each.

Pappy               donasper@heartmontana.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jason Hebert" <jhebert8@hotmail.com>
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Monday, March 17, 2003 8:23 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Trekking Poles


> I am looking for feedback on trek poles for my 03 through hike.  I am
going
> light and would love to have my hands free to do other things (ie: play
> harmonica, hold umbrella, etc.).  I have had problems with my left knee
> though (dislocated my knee cap in rock climbing) and am a little worried
> about the stress on it over the many miles, especially on down grades.
How
> much do they help take the impact off the leg joints?
>
> You guys rock
>
> Jason
>
>
>
>
>
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