RE: [Philmont]: Trekking poles

Count me in the "stiff pole" column. I hike a lot all 4 seasons and I
ski and snowshoe (maybe tomorrow?), so the poles are a natural fit for
me. I hate the poing-poing-poing noise from the springy poles. I'd
rather listen to the sounds around me than those I create. I've never
had ill effects from the stiff poles. Although the poles themselves are
an individual choice, having 2 people on your crew with poles is an
asset to the group. Leave the tarp poles at basecamp and use your
trekking poles for the crew tarp. Also trekking poles can be used for a
freestanding clothesline, just add a few tent stakes and a little
p-cord.
 A word on pole selection: I have never owned EMS or Komperdell poles,
but I frequently hear of high failure rates in these poles. I found my
Leki's on sale for $50.00 (for the pair of Air-Ergos) which is
considerably less than the going price. Shop long and carefully to find
a good deal (check eBay and be patient). If you're not sure you're a
"pole person" use a pair of cross country ski poles for a hike or two.
Optimum height should bring the tops of the poles about halfway from
your hips to you arm pits. (this is average, I lengthen my poles on the
downhill's, and shorten them on the climbs.) Buy your poles BEFORE you
go, don't "pick them up on the way in Denver" you will pay twice what
you should. (Komperdell poles at REI in Denver were about $69.00 EACH
last summer.) You need to get used to them anyway so that you are
comfortable, it's like dancing with a differentt girl. DO NOT get the
cheapo Wal-Mart poles, they will fail on you when you need them most.
Bad poles add to the misery and don't help you at all. Weight is
somewhat important, but only in so far as the cheap poles are much
heavier. Most of the good poles are around the same weight range.
 Your mileage may vary, but this is something you should work out well
before you board the plane, train, or bus for Philmont, whatever you
decide.
 Happy Hiking,
 Tom

>
> Bunches and you'll get the same answers that you've already
> heard. Some
> adamant about the shocks and others (like me) who do not like
> the mushy
> feel of poles with shocks.
>

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Received on Sun Dec 26 18:11:32 2004