RE: [Philmont]: Trekking poles

I will chime in on this subject.
 
I went to Philmont in '03, prior to that trek I wondered about the
benefit(s) of trekking poles also. More to carry, added weight, more to
worry about, positive side-better stability, balance, power up a hill,
pole for your dining fly, so on and so forth.
 
One of the best of comments that I heard was if you are over forty - get
them! I was going to be 45 when I went in July of '03, boy am I glad I
did get them. I discovered about the second day into the trek that once
you acquired the rythem and the technique to using trekking poles you
will never go back to hiking without them, even on short day hikes I
miss my poles. The benefits far outweigh the negatives. The style is
completely personal preference go with what you like, feels good and
works for your needs.
 
I purchased a pair of three section anti-shock poles from REI. (no
connection or residuals, best price (a scout is thrifty) and best value
at the time) On long up hill climbs take the shock feature off and use
the power the poles and your upper body strength provides. On long
downhill runs put the shock absorber on and reduce the beating on your
wrist and elbows. On a High Adventure Trek keep in mind the goal of
everything having two or more uses, trekking poles = dining fly poles, I
guess they could become a fishing pole if you are that avid, but I
digress. If you are like me and suffer from little or no depth
perception the poles will be your second savior. When rock climbing or
bouldering over Phillips or the Tooth Ridge you will be able to
determine how far that next step is. One other benefit of the
collapsable style is that they ship and pack very nicely. Nothing
against a "closet rod" pole, but if you are flying it may be a packing
and transit issue. I would recommend you keep in mind how you are
getting out to Philmont.
 
If you decide to get poles, get them early and use them on your training
hikes. If you live in an area where you have hills or mountains you
have the benefit of getting used to them early on the inclines and
declines. I am a cheesehead living in Illinois so I do not get use my
poles on good hills unless I go to western Illinois or Wisconsin.
 
Again if you are over 40 and do not do a lot of hiking on a regular get
the poles, you cannot understand the benefits of points of ground
contact when you have an additional 40 to 50 pounds of weight on your
back.
 
Happy Trekking
 
Mike Malzahn
Philmont '03, PTC 04
IWTGBTP (and 726 in 2006)

Previous comments:
I have a personalized hiking staff about 6'6" long that's nothing more
than a common closet rod that one can buy at any lumber yard. It's been
carved a bit and has an eagle head for the top and is covered with
different Scouting hiking staff medallions - Eagle Scout, 50 Miler,
Northern Tier, Brotherhood of Scouting emblem, etc.
 
 <mailto:Peter.Swiggum@sbcglobal.net>
My 2 cents. You will continue to hear great things about trekking poles
and it is apparently well deserved. All I have talked to, who used
them, would not do without again.

 
If you choose against trekking poles, I would recommend (as an "older"
adult) that you carry a walking stick. I have carried a bamboo pole on
all treks. Even have branded it at Philmont. EVERY trek I have needed
the stability a third "leg" provides. Some have already mentioned
stream crossings, and various steep (mainly down) areas. I put a rubber
stob on both ends.
 

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Received on Mon Dec 27 07:17:21 2004