[pct-l] ski poles as trekking poles?

[PCT at DelNorteResort.Com (stillroaming)]

Many folks don't like hiking poles. Once I forced myself to start using them on downhills
I've never stopped using them since, everywhere.

Using dollar ski poles is a GREAT way to experiment with them, to see if it's something
you might like to use.

Under no circumstances would I use them on a long distance trail, simply because of
the tips. Your poles will *need* carbide tips. If you use your poles extensively you'll
also find the flex nature of most tips will save you on occasion from breaking them. 
Without actually trying ski poles, I can't imagine the tips would last long at all.

The only times I would use the straps was during water crossings for fear of losing a
pole. Given the number of times I've almost tripped over my own poles, it's easier to
just let them drop, than having them bound to your body ensuring you'd trip on them.

But that's just me. :)

Scott

> [Original Message]
> From: josh brown <veganboyjosh at hotmail.com>
> To: <pct-l at mailman.backcountry.net>
> Date: 2/13/2005 12:38:21 AM
> Subject: [pct-l] ski poles as trekking poles?
>
> i've never hiked with poles before, but from what i'm reading they seem
to 
> be something i'd find beneficial. i have enough things to spend big money 
> on, with gear and food and stuff, and i'm wondering if anyone has used
ski 
> poles (modified or not) as hiking poles. a local thrift store has some
for a 
> dollar per pair, and it's totally worth it for me to try this out.
>
> as i've never been skiing either, i have no idea what the differences are 
> between hiking and skiing poles.
>
> anyone? i would think that for the cost of the used thrift store poles
and 
> any mods i made to them, i'd still come under the cost of a new or used
pair 
> or specifically hiking poles.
>
> thanks in advance.
>
> josh.
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