Hiking poles?

[Magnet_]

Do you use hiking poles?
Think they help work your arms?
Destroy the trail?
Keep you from falling over?

Tell us what you do and any thoughts on the subject.

[footslogger]

I use 2 trekkking poles. Have gotten used to having them and feel like something's missing when I don't have them in my hands. They help with my balance and stride/rythm and have kept me from falling a number of times.

That said ...I am considering carrying the Black Diamond Whippet Trekking Axe Pole on the PCT.

Teatree used this pole and really like it. Anyone else have experience with it ??

Thanks in advance.

[Magnet_]

I use two Leki Makalu Ti poles. While they've saved me from many falls, I have to admit that most of the spills I do take are due to me tripping over my poles. Especially when I'm just standing somewhere and not even walking... So... my poles make for more embarrassing falls. :(

[Ender]

I use two poles... er... used two poles. I lost my Leki's on a bus in CA at the end of my hiker and haven't gotten around to replacing them yet. But I will one day.

For now, until I do get new poles, I've been using one "pole", and by pole I mean any stick I find at the trailhead. It helps just as much going uphill, but not so much going downhill... really do have to get myself new poles.

I will say this though, the poles help a little going uphill, and they help me TONS going downhill. My knees just wouldn't be the same without them. But on flat ground, or just slightly hilly ground, I've found they actually slow me down a bit, so I've start to just hold them in one hand on that terrain and only use them once the terrain got more severe.

[Mags]

I use $10 ski poles.

Works for me anyway. I do find them very helpful. Anytime I forget them, I regret it!

[George]

Interesting to see that the pole poll :) is way ahead in favour of.
They obviously seem of benefit, though I never use them. A lot of the hiking in my neck of the woods seems to entail the use of hands as well as feet, so carrying poles can be a bit of a hassle sometimes. If I need one for a river crossing or a prolonged steep descent I usually look around for a stick/branch to use.
Just as a matter of interest, I came across these figures put out by the American Heart Association regarding pole use, pack weight and calories burned (could be of interest if planning an extended trip and counting the calories!)

At a hiking speed of two to two and a half mph,
A 170 lb hiker WITHOUT pack or poles burns 524 calories per hour.
With a 10 lb pack and no poles, he'll burn 610 cph.
With a 30 lb pack, and no poles, he'll burn 796 cph.

That 170 lb hiker WITH poles and no pack, will burn 640 cph.
With a 10 lb pack plus poles, he'll burn 744 cph.
With a 30 lb pack plus poles, he'll burn 971 cph.
(for a 200 lb hiker, add 20% of calories burned)

Cheers, George

[AlohaTink]

I use one or two poles/sticks when I am either climbing or going downhill and when fording a stream as well.

I have one favorite dogwood hiking stick...which has saved my butt in slippery mudd more times than I would like to remember.

I have trouble hiking with the poles on level ground and tend to just attach them to my pack instead.

The trouble I have is it seems to make me more tired...and according to Georges calorie burn... I had better learn to hike with two poles all the time:D

[Tortuga]

They were awkward to use and I shelved them for awhile. I had quad-by pass surgery and found they really helped with my balance.

I hiked more and more with them, and they have just become part of my essential gear list.

[chai guy]

I developed my own ultra-light hiking pole that is finally ready to be brought to the market. I'm offering a special offer to all Adventure on the PCT members, an incredible 50% Off Retail Price!

You too can now own a "FAKI" hiking pole. It comes with a lifetime warranty against defects or failure on the trail. Should your "FAKI" break or suffer any malfunction, simply pick up another one at any of our 10 billion locations world wide. FREE OF CHARGE!


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/46/156986425_124edfe6f3_m.jpg

[vaporjourney]

I typically use two Leki poles when hiking in the southeast or on my AT thru.

However for the PCT this year, I'm going to switch to UL Titanium Goat adjustable carbon fiber poles. 3.1 oz per pole should feel nice in the hands. I'm also thinking about not getting my poles until San Jacinto, or possibly even just at Kennedy Meadows. I hate carrying them when there aren't many steep climbs.

[chai guy]

I demo'd some of those UL Goat poles last year at the kick-off, they are VERY nice! Definately on my short list of new gear to buy.

[Mzee]

I have 2 REI brand poles. I've used them on day hikes. They help a lot on the uphills and the downhills. Uphill I get to use my arms to gain elevation and downhill I get to use my arms to slow my rate of descent. Please they've saved me from numerous falls where my feet have skidded on a steep downhill.

[Dranoel]

I just purchased a set of Leki Summit Anti-Shock poles ($99 at REI).

Will take them out with me this weekend for the first time. So far, so good. I like them. :)



//I've read that having poles takes some of the stress & pressure off your kness and makes it easier on your body.