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phrankster
Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 65 Location: Chandler
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Posted: 1/17/2003, 11:52 am Post subject: Trekking poles |
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I've seen quite a few people using Trekking (or sticks), I've never used any and was wondering. now that I'm getting on a little in age that I might want to look at the pros and cons of using them. Having said that, what is everyones elses opinons were on using them, advantages or disadvantages? |
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kurthzone Thread Killer
Joined: 31 Dec 2002 Posts: 1097 Location: Peoria, Arizona
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Posted: 1/17/2003, 12:30 pm Post subject: |
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I bought a pair last summer and I love them. I use them on all hikes. If I have to scramble and/or boulder some, I just compact them and shove 'em into the pack. They take a lot of work off of my legs and at my age that is a good thing. I have been pounding the basketball court two or three times a week for the last thirty odd years, not to mention hikes and backpacks for the last seven. They are excellent for fording streams and keeping your balance in precarious situations. _________________ ;o)> |
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Shawn I'll sell you map to Lost Dutchman mine!
Joined: 03 Jan 2003 Posts: 2592 Location: Ahwatukee, AZ
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Posted: 1/17/2003, 12:33 pm Post subject: |
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I scoffed at them for years, relied on my $2.98 hoe handle. Then a knee went bad, and to stem the tide of age, I bought a pair and made myself use them. I still don't care for them, but my knees love them, so we clatter and rattle down the trail like some bizarre praying mantis apparition. Whatever it takes. _________________ The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see. |
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Canyon Dweller
Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 712 Location: Denver, CO
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Posted: 1/17/2003, 12:43 pm Post subject: |
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I used to hike with a stick. I don't anymore cuz it broke and I never found another one that was worth while.
I found it to have alot of advantages hiking in Colorado above tree line where the rocks are loose and its easy to slip. I would use it alot to break my fall. We had to cross a stream once, and it really came in handy then.
The only time I used Trekking was when my knee blew out on Granite mountain and GTG gave me one of his to help me get off the mountain. _________________ Mountains are there to be climbed!
"Meaningless! Meaningless," says the teacher, "Utterly Meaningless, Everything is meaningless."-Ecclesiastes 1:2 |
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Nealz
Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 131 Location: Alpine, Arizona
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Posted: 1/17/2003, 12:48 pm Post subject: |
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I'll echo Kurthzone and Sredfield's comments. I also thought they were a little affected-looking at first but man, once I started using 'em it made a lot of difference. I will say that on some hikes that include steep ascents, Flatiron comes to mind, they are more of a nuisance. But then I'll collapse 'em and strap 'em on my pack.
-Nealz |
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cactuscat
Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 459 Location: Phoenix
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Posted: 1/17/2003, 1:13 pm Post subject: |
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I've been using them for over a year, and love them! I wouldn't do anything much harder than a stroll in the park without them now. I even use them on steep uphills when others stow them away - once in a while I'll just toss them up ahead of me if I'm climbing something vertical, but I really never stow them in the pack. |
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GTG Was lost but now am found
Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 2387 Location: Peoria, Arizona, originally from Rocket City, USA
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Posted: 1/17/2003, 1:20 pm Post subject: another item in the pack |
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I used to scoff at them as well. Now if it's over five miles or so I'll take them along.
As far as I'm concerned they're indispensible. If you do get one or a pair, make sure it will break down into a smaller package. This is really handy with storage and for carrying during those times you dont need them.
Don't bother with springs inside or shock absorbers either, they are just noisy and lessen you feel for the ground you plant the stick on. The springs also rob you of a little energy on each stroke as it were.
GTG _________________ Good things come to those who walk. |
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Guest
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Posted: 1/17/2003, 1:52 pm Post subject: |
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I have a pair but have found I do better with just one. I only use mine when I'm in water. I have found them priceless there as I can be quite a klutz. |
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desertgirl
Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ
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Posted: 1/20/2003, 8:46 am Post subject: Trekking Poles |
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Trekking poles are great --saves your knees ! They are especially helpful in rocky terrain, steep climbs/descents that go on foreever - Grand Canyon is a great example, crossing streams - rocky bottoms, when you are carrying a heavy pack....I could go on.
One thing to remember - if it is a short hike or on farily frendliy terrain, they tend to slow you down.
I have a pair of Leki Makalus (4 years and may 100's of miles) and they work great! Check outthe different hand holds before you get your pair...REI has a good selection and they leave you alone to research & test! _________________ Photos: http://www.pbase.com/desertgirl/galleries
Life is but a dream ...there is no end to what you can dream! |
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Guest
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Posted: 1/20/2003, 6:27 pm Post subject: Go git 'em |
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Seems the "trekking pole" topic will always resurface.
Lotsa good advice so far. Bottom line: go git 'em. Buy a pair from REI.
Don't like 'em? Take 'em back. Like 'em? Keep 'em.
We like 'em lots. Won't hike nowhere without 'em. They've saved us AT LEAST one blown knee and two sprained or broken ankles EACH. Plus, they are great when da chip's are down against a really bad, snarlin' dog.
People laugh. People scoff. People make fun. Ha, ha. Laugh's on them!
Ain't nuthin' better. Better livin' through tech-knawl-a-gee!
J&S |
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Shawn I'll sell you map to Lost Dutchman mine!
Joined: 03 Jan 2003 Posts: 2592 Location: Ahwatukee, AZ
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Posted: 1/20/2003, 6:42 pm Post subject: |
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Judging from the pole tracks evident recently in the Canyon, poles are becoming very popular. _________________ The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see. |
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GTG Was lost but now am found
Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 2387 Location: Peoria, Arizona, originally from Rocket City, USA
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Posted: 1/21/2003, 12:09 am Post subject: bad side |
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Judging from the pole tracks evident recently |
That is the bad side about using poles, they can really do some trail damage. The carbide tips really scratch up the rock surfaces and they can really dislodge some dirt from the trail. Everyone seems to use them without the rubber tips, this is very evident on Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails. I read a while back that someone did a study of some sort and found they do help increase trail erosion. I'll bet ck1 knows all about it.
I always use the rubber tips on my sticks to try to alleviate the process some.
GTG _________________ Good things come to those who walk. |
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tracker
Joined: 08 Jan 2003 Posts: 28 Location: Gilbert AZ
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Posted: 1/21/2003, 9:42 am Post subject: |
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[quote="Nealz"]I'll echo Kurthzone and Sredfield's comments. I also thought they were a little affected-looking at first but man, once I started using 'em it made a lot of difference.
-Nealz[/quote]
I've been using alum. trekking poles (bought at Popular) for about three years now. Wonderful, wonderful! :lol: _________________ My backpack weighs less then a hotel room.. simple!
http://members.cox.net/azbackpack |
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