Re: [Philmont]: Opinions on Treking Poles-1 vs 2 poles

For one of our crew's shakedowns we hiked on the Georgia section of the
Appalachian trail. We did about 35 miles in four days. Lots and lots
of steep climbing and descents as well as some difficult trail
conditions. For that trip I only used one trekking pole and felt
pretty comfortable though my knees really got sore on the descents.
After talking to one of the thru-hikers on the trail who was using two
poles I decided to try using a second pole at Philmont and I was glad I
did. Less stress on the knees and more security on difficult portions
of the trail. Two poles makes it a little more inconvenient to handle
things like cameras or snacks or water while you are hiking but it also
gave me a reason to stop and enjoy the beautiful scenery at Philmont a
little more often. Some of our crew members bought old cross country
ski poles at Goodwill for a buck a piece, cut them down to fit and then
used them on the shakedowns. Not much risk to try something out and
see how it fits into your style.

Good luck,

Pat Finley
Troop 303
2003 Lead advisor
Antelope
http://www.discusrock.org/troop303/

On Dec 31, 2003, at 10:10 AM, jpsampson1@mmm.com wrote:

>
> I've read a lot of comments on trekking poles, but no one has mentioned
> using an individual hiking staff. I used one for our trek in June, as
> did
> all but 2 or 3 on our crew. I don't have any experience with using two
> poles, but did find my hiking staff to be invaluable. It was great for
> balance when crossing streams, and was especially helpful for
> 'planting' on
> the steep downhills. Off-trail, we used them for holding the flies,
> adding
> support to clothlines, a camera mount on the tooth -- all kinds of
> uses.
> I'm assuming it saved some wear and tear on my knees, as I was on the
> high
> end for weight, my pack was 40 pounds, and I was 43 years old when I
> went
> on our trek. No knee problems whatsoever! I used it on most of our
> training
> hikes and had no problems except remembering where I put it. Good
> luck, and
> have fun!
>
> J. Sampson
> 613-K 2003
>
>
>
>
>
>
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-------------------------------------------------------
As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
Scouts and Scouters, do your best to be trustworthy,
loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
-------------------------------------------------------

 
Received on Wed Dec 31 11:41:47 2003