View Full Version : Other uses for hiking poles?
sirbingo
01-18-2007, 11:13
Hey Homies,
I've just received my very first pair of hiking Poles!
Besides their intended purpose...what are some other things I can use them for.
I know some use them for setting up tarp tents....is that all?
You can make a clothes line with them if there are no trees around. Ward off bears and wallabies. Depending on your pack you can use them as a stay if you don't feel like using them for their intended purpose. The make a great splint in an emergency situation. Good for clearing out cob webs on the trail or in a shelter. Even good for use as a trowel so you can dump your stuff. Enjoy!
I use my wooden pole to knock off the dead branches of spruce and pine trees when bushwhacking. Don't try this with a Leki unless you are near a repair place.
Hammerhead
01-18-2007, 11:32
Hmmm....bashing snakes on the head, pole vaulting over a crevasse, prodding the slow hiker in front of you, tie a knife to the end and go spear fishing, whacking those pesky bears in the nose, or you can use one to stir a REALLY big bowl of ramen noodles. :D
vipahman
01-18-2007, 11:41
Tent pole for my SMD Lunar Solo and digging poop holes. Emergency splint.
sirbingo
01-18-2007, 11:42
LOL! :D
This is to get the message up to the requires 10 character minimum.
mambo_tango
01-18-2007, 11:53
My sister and I will probably end up beating each other with our poles three weeks in.
tarbender
01-18-2007, 12:39
2005 Maryland ridgrunner named Dave harpooned an attacking dog with one of his LEKI's which resulted in the dogs death. Dave felt uncomfortable about his role in the incident. However the dog should have been leashed according to Maryland statues and the dang thing was attacking him. I say that Dave did the right thing. Parting shot- the dog's owner showed up within about 5-6 minutes after the harpooning incident. The owner was obviously not exercising any kind of control over the animal.
saimyoji
01-18-2007, 13:15
2005 Maryland ridgrunner named Dave harpooned an attacking dog with one of his LEKI's which resulted in the dogs death. Dave felt uncomfortable about his role in the incident. However the dog should have been leashed according to Maryland statues and the dang thing was attacking him. I say that Dave did the right thing. Parting shot- the dog's owner showed up within about 5-6 minutes after the harpooning incident. The owner was obviously not exercising any kind of control over the animal.
Use for the other pole: harpoon the owner. :eek:
LIhikers
01-18-2007, 17:06
How about using the pole for fishing? Stand right next to one of the fly fisherman in Boiling Springs,PA with your bear bag rope tied to a pole and an open saftey pin on the other end of the rope :)
Sleepy the Arab
01-18-2007, 18:11
Chasing off evil Sith lords.
Comes in handy for trail maintenance. Knocking those downed branches off the trail. Using as a balance bar while rock hopping.
troglobil
01-18-2007, 18:57
Clearing spider webs
copythat
01-18-2007, 19:09
roasting hot dogs. :-?
I use mine to pitch my tarp. I've prodded (some would say 'hit') small children who get out of line with them too. Clearing cobwebs and holding back pokey plants. Knocking things down from high places. Vaulting over creeks. I've used mine as a seat to rest on before as well, just plant them solidly behind you and lean back until your rump is resting on the top. Great if you just want a short rest and don't feel like taking off your pack or the ground is wet or cold.
Adam
littlelaurel59
01-19-2007, 09:28
Great help for stream crossings. Providing balance is obvious. They also make great depth gauges to prevent stepping into a DEEEEP hole.
While on an open Bald down south and you need a back rest while taking in the view, jam one pole into the ground and lean your pack against the pole handle, then sit back, relax and catch a few rays :sun
MrsG
Let me guess. The dog had never attacked anyone before.
A place to keep your duct tape.
Pointing out the Bigfoot to your fellow hikers.
They make a good back scratcher.
You could also use them to bust ice to get to water. Its been pretty cold here lately and it got me to thinking of ways to get water.
Adam