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Sierra Echo
07-06-2010, 17:32
I carry one oak stick. And for months now, just about everyone I see has two. It looks like people are going skiing. Is this really better? I just don't get it! :confused:

Lone Wolf
07-06-2010, 17:34
I carry one oak stick. And for months now, just about everyone I see has two. It looks like people are going skiing. Is this really better? I just don't get it! :confused:

i don't get it and never will

Mountain Wildman
07-06-2010, 17:37
For me it's a matter of balance, I used a Hickory stick for 25 years but was always a little unbalanced, Now with a set of Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork handle poles, Balance is once again restored to the universe!!:)

Sierra Echo
07-06-2010, 18:00
I would think they would trip you up instead of give you balance~!

Rocket Jones
07-06-2010, 18:17
Try it for yourself and make up your own mind.

Ender
07-06-2010, 19:13
Try it for yourself and make up your own mind.

Exactly... poles work for some folks, and don't work at all for others. I use two poles because I have less than great knees, and it really reduces the strain on them going downhills (for me). For other people though, they just get in the way. Try two poles out and decide then.

Mountain Wildman
07-06-2010, 19:22
I would think they would trip you up instead of give you balance~!.

It's funny you should say that, I was thinking about it while I was camping this past weekend, I remember once crossing a stream by using randomly located large stones, I did the arms out like an airplane to balance myself as I hopped from stone to stone trying to keep my balance on the slippery moss covered stones, I thought, Wow, That would have been much easier if I had Trekking poles back then.
And one time, using my very solid 5 foot tall hickory staff, I tripped descending a very steep hill and had to put most or all of my weight on the staff while grasping it with both hands, What followed was me swiveling around that one anchoring point (The Hickory Staff) and contacting with the ground anyway, While the contact was significantly reduced to just touching and not slamming onto the ground, I think having the two trekking poles could have avoided the fall altogether, Like have 4 legs instead of two. But, The staff would definitely make a better tool to fend off animals and I could probably knock a coyote out with it or any other aggressive animal or at least keep it at bay.:)

Graywolf
07-06-2010, 19:28
I have always hiked without poles until last year. I bought a pair of Alpine poles, cheap but worked. I wont go with out poles again. They really help save pressure off the knees. And balance..

Graywolf

weary
07-06-2010, 22:15
I would think they would trip you up instead of give you balance~!
That's been my experience. Plus two poles just generally get in the way. I tend to use a farmers' three legged milking stool as a guide. On rough terrain, and primitive milking parlors, three legs are the proper number in my experience.

Elder
07-06-2010, 22:16
Yes, unquestionably.
Propulsion, balance, braking, rythm.
Lots of shock off your feet, legs, and back. More with shock absorbing poles.
Posture, especially uphill.

Using two ploes (correctly, straps etc.) compared to either one pole or none...an average of 6% fewer footsteps per mile :D
This a based on a combination of longer more relaxed stride and no hesitant steps for up/down. YMMV, usually more!
Lots of advantages.
Get the best..Leki!, of course, I am the Leki guy :eek:

DavidNH
07-06-2010, 22:28
Two poles are absolutely positively better than one.

balance when crossing streams'
help to maintain hiking pace
with two poles you can set up your tarp tent, one pole you can't (at least with the Squall model that I have.

Descending steep trail in white mountains you want two poles


DavidNH

Sierra Echo
07-06-2010, 22:36
an average of 6% fewer footsteps per mile :D


Ok I'm gonna bite. How do they make you not only maintain your speed but also make you take less steps??

Sierra Echo
07-06-2010, 22:37
.

And one time, using my very solid 5 foot tall hickory staff, I tripped descending a very steep hill and had to put most or all of my weight on the staff while grasping it with both hands, What followed was me swiveling around that one anchoring point (The Hickory Staff) and contacting with the ground

LMAO that sounds kinda like me today~!!!
I was sitting on a low to the ground rock with a 30 lb pack on.
I start to get up by kinda leaning to my right side and the pack made me spin on around!!

SonrisaJo
07-06-2010, 22:38
I am a total klutz and have a bunch of small scars from bad falls I took back when I used just one stick. I've been using the same Black Diamond poles for 5 years now and have not a single scar from any fall. Best $60 (ish?) I ever spent on gear.

Two poles are necessary for me, but like I said, I am a total klutz.

Mags
07-06-2010, 22:39
I hike with one pogo stick....and sing this jaunty tune... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJFyz73MRcg)

Sierra Echo
07-06-2010, 22:44
I hike with one pogo stick....and sing this jaunty tune... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJFyz73MRcg)

eeyore was not in your jaunty tunes video. I am disappointed. :mad:

Wise Old Owl
07-06-2010, 22:53
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg275/MarkSwarbrick/081808041.jpg

Mountain Wildman
07-06-2010, 22:55
LMAO that sounds kinda like me today~!!!
I was sitting on a low to the ground rock with a 30 lb pack on.
I start to get up by kinda leaning to my right side and the pack made me spin on around!!

See, There you go!!
Two sticks are better than one!!:dance

Elder
07-06-2010, 23:10
Ok I'm gonna bite. How do they make you not only maintain your speed but also make you take less steps??
As stated..longer, relaxed stride, no hestation on ups/downs.

just think..in 2179 miles you step right over 130+ miles! :cool:

I wonder which day?

Sierra Echo
07-06-2010, 23:12
Its probably gonna be a few weeks before I go on any major hikes. I'm getting some tattoo work done tomorrow on my ankle and I don't want my socks to rub it while its healing.

The Cleaner
07-07-2010, 00:27
I started backpacking in the early 70's.Most hikers just used a single pole or a tree branch or small sapling usually with a story to go with it.For about 25 years I did this also.Well now I got fancy and got a Leki Wanderfreund single pole.I need to have one hand free to ,swat gnats,wipe nose,scratch balls and to help stop a fall if it does happen.In really rocky,rough trail,which is what a lot of the AT is,a second pole just gets in the way.The 2 pole method works best for the outfitters who are making a lot of $$ selling them...

jabowman7
07-07-2010, 00:36
I am a total klutz and have a bunch of small scars from bad falls I took back when I used just one stick. I've been using the same Black Diamond poles for 5 years now and have not a single scar from any fall. Best $60 (ish?) I ever spent on gear.

Two poles are necessary for me, but like I said, I am a total klutz.

I definitely agree here. I have enough trouble walking on even ground without taking a tumble. Having those two extra points of contact with the ground has kept my face-plant count relatively low.

peakbagger
07-07-2010, 08:26
I use two poles going uphill as much as going downhill. It allows me to transfer some some of the load to my upper body. It does take a bit to get used to this method. If I am on an open ridge with good footing, I end up carrying the poles as they do slow me down. I also use poles in steep stuff. but if its gets bouldery, the poles get stowed in the pack.

I expect that some of the controversy with poles is region dependent, down south on the AT, I found the trail bed far smoother and better graded with far less rocks, this usually meant that I used the poles a lot less. Up here in Maine and NH, level stretches with no rocks are a rarity and I use the poles more often. Due to thin soils, a lot of maintainining groups, "pave" the trailbed with rocks as a way of keeping them from getting muddy or they install step stones or puncheons that tend to get real slick. In those conditions, poles can be real handy.

One thing to note is that if you do get collapsible poles, get the three piece ones as the two piece ones tend to stick out of the top of the pack further and get in the way on occasion. I did the Hunt trail on katahdin last week with someone with two piece poles and they really got in the way sticking out of the top of the pack while climbing the boulder field.

Pedaling Fool
07-07-2010, 09:53
Two are better than one, because you aerate both sides of the trail and you pulverize twice as many of them damn rocks.

gunner76
07-08-2010, 21:56
I find using 2 poles the way to go for me. Where I hike there are lots of muddy areas and I have to cross on logs and the poles help me to keep my balance.

J5man
07-08-2010, 22:04
I carry one oak stick. And for months now, just about everyone I see has two. It looks like people are going skiing. Is this really better? I just don't get it! :confused:

It's all a matter of choice for you. As you can see from all these posts so far, there are many opinions and all valid for each one's methods and needs. I have actually hiked more with 2 poles than not. However, the last several hikes I have been on, I have used a single beech stick. It is similiar to what Gene Espy used. I have actually nicknamed it "The Espy"!
Right now I enjoy using the single stick, sometime this year, I will do a few without any poles or sticks perhaps to experience that. My advice is try them all! And the good thing is, you don't have to stick (pardon the pun) to just one method. It's all good!

Egads
07-08-2010, 22:08
I'll answer your question with another question; is two legs & feet better than one? Yes they are

scope
07-08-2010, 22:49
One other thing, they keep my hands elevated, which otherwise when left by my side tend to swell. I tried the one stick thing AFTER I had been using poles, and I just didn't get it. Think I'd rather have one stick than without, but prefer the poles.

I would acknowledge, though, that on the straightaways, I often find that keeping the poles in rhythm is more work than I would like. If not in rhythm, they tend to be in the way. Now, ya'll let me know where there's a good trail that has a lot of them straightaways, and I'll go without poles.

Blue Jay
07-09-2010, 09:09
I'll answer your question with another question; is two legs & feet better than one? Yes they are

Using that "logic", 3 poles or even 5 would be better. I will admit this is one of the best justifications I've heard over the years.

garlic08
07-09-2010, 09:18
It's all a matter of choice for you. As you can see from all these posts so far, there are many opinions and all valid for each one's methods and needs... My advice is try them all! And the good thing is, you don't have to stick (pardon the pun) to just one method. It's all good!

Good advice here and elsewhere in this thread. There's no exact answer. I use no poles on day hikes, one pole on long trips in the desert and high country, two poles on the AT, which were very helpful in roots and rocks. That didn't convince me, though, that two poles are always better.

Interesting comment about fewer steps with two poles. I never thought about it before, but I did notice that phenomenon on the rocks in PA and elsewhere on the AT. I was taking larger steps and moving faster and smoother with the poles.

PS: I love these contentious pole threads. Whenever I volunteer on a trail-building crew here in Arizona, trying to scratch a tread out to help complete the AZT route, a favorite camp story of mine is relating how people actually argue about poles on the AT. Most can't believe there are actually enough people on a trail that using poles or not would make a difference. It's funny to see peoples' reactions.

Lemni Skate
07-09-2010, 09:18
I use them on downhills and to cross creeks that are often at the bottom of downhills in order to save my knees. I don't use them constantly because my hands go numb (I've had trouble with carpal tunnel) if I do.

Elder
07-09-2010, 11:24
I use them on downhills and to cross creeks that are often at the bottom of downhills in order to save my knees. I don't use them constantly because my hands go numb (I've had trouble with carpal tunnel) if I do.
Are you using the straps correctly?
They allow your hands to relax, and do not require a death grip.

On the one pole debate...watch a one pole hiker, they change hands, sure, but they constantly walk 'around' the one pole. :)

Buzz_Lightfoot
07-09-2010, 12:58
I'm surprised no one has mentioned that the poles allow you to use the muscles in your arms to help you along. Especially on climbs this makes a difference.

I've done all three methods.

I've used random sticks I picked up for years.

I've gone with nothong at all.

I had two Lekis for a while (Until I broke one. Now I'm back to one pole.)

I can say (for me) that I will always have at least ONE pole. The added stability on rough terrain cannot be beat.

Two poles though. Hmmm... for me the jury is still out. I have not decided. Two poles can really help power me along but as another poster mentioned I would occasionally find it irritating to not have one hand free.

BL

Teeah3612
07-09-2010, 13:56
I bought a pair of inexpensive poles to try it out and loved them. It really give added stability when going up and down hills, crossing creeks, or just rocky terrain. When I am on smooth ground I just carry them in one hand. They weigh next to nothing. I would suggest buying some inexpensive ones and giving it a try.

Egads
07-09-2010, 19:37
Using that "logic", 3 poles or even 5 would be better. I will admit this is one of the best justifications I've heard over the years.

That's the dumbest extremist logic argument ever posted on WB; even someone as shallow as you might have noticed most people have only two arms.

JAK
07-09-2010, 21:52
You can strike way cooler poses with a longstaff.

Blue Jay
07-10-2010, 09:33
You can strike way cooler poses with a longstaff.

You may just have placed the final nail in the coffin of the pole religion.

Wise Old Owl
07-10-2010, 12:41
Its probably gonna be a few weeks before I go on any major hikes. I'm getting some tattoo work done tomorrow on my ankle and I don't want my socks to rub it while its healing.

Silk or Nylon thin shield socks (mens dress socks) with a gauze patch and tape. under your main wick socks

Wise Old Owl
07-10-2010, 13:14
You may just have placed the final nail in the coffin of the pole religion.


I have seen that!:eek: It looks like this!:cool:

http://artesianspringom.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/gandalf1.jpg

Sierra Echo
07-10-2010, 15:28
Silk or Nylon thin shield socks (mens dress socks) with a gauze patch and tape. under your main wick socks

that is a good idea, wow!
I walked around tallalah gorge today, but i had my socks pulled down over my boots. I wouldnt have done that in the woods, but it was ok there.

Blue Jay
07-11-2010, 08:42
I have seen that!:eek: It looks like this!:cool:

http://artesianspringom.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/gandalf1.jpg

Other than the hat yes.

Wise Old Owl
07-11-2010, 10:46
Blue Jay could you imagine your surprise if Gandalf came down the trail?

Tinker
07-11-2010, 14:27
Hiking poles are kinda like Viagra. They help you to do what you want when what you want to do becomes more difficult (I was gonna say "harder", but some of you would read too much into that ;).
For me, they've helped me keep my feet out of mud and streams by allowing me to step on smaller rocks without losing my balance, and I find that my arthritic old knees get quite a helping hand (pun intended) by applying some force with my biceps while climbing hills. After long trips I'm surprised at how much more well defined my forearm muscles appear than before. Using them probably helps with the triceps as well, cutting down on that underarm "jiggle" with which so many of us couch-bound, donut-fed Americans adorn ourselves :p.

Blue Jay
07-11-2010, 20:07
Blue Jay could you imagine your surprise if Gandalf came down the trail?

This is the first year in a long time I have not met or even heard of a Gandalf on the Trail. Like I said, other than the hat, I have seen alot of people who look like him.:banana

Red River Falls
07-11-2010, 20:41
I love to give credit to my two poles. They take pressure off my knees when descending. They give me extra support and points of contact in dangerous places (rocky, steep stretches). I will use them to help push on up an incline, particularly when I am getting tired. My trekking poles (Leki) have held up well, and I am sure they have saved me from a spill or three.

Yes, there are times when they are not needed, but flat or gently sloping trail which is relatively smooth is uncommon. Thus, one pole would 50% less effective in providing these benefits.

Egads
07-11-2010, 22:21
This is the first year in a long time I have not met or even heard of a Gandalf on the Trail. Like I said, other than the hat, I have seen a lot of people who look like him.:banana

Nimblewill Nomad comes to mind as a likeness to Gandalf

Sierra Echo
07-11-2010, 22:25
The only Nimblewill i know is Nimblewill Gap and that is home of the hill from hell!

Wise Old Owl
07-12-2010, 00:00
http://www.nimblewillnomad.com/images/NomadBioPic.jpg

http://www.nimblewillnomad.com/biography.htm

Elder
07-12-2010, 16:49
http://www.nimblewillnomad.com/images/NomadBioPic.jpg

http://www.nimblewillnomad.com/biography.htm

Yep, That's Eb...one of the quietest, calm, spiritual people...
good books, and he uses Leki's!

Jack Tarlin
07-12-2010, 17:02
Over the years, I've hiked with no poles; one pole; and two poles.

Today I always use two, and based on what I've seen while helping out in various Outfitter shops on the Trail, the most popular; most available; most easily repairable; and most reputable, are Lekis.

Am leaving for a two week section-hike tomorrow; wouldn't think of leaving without the Lekis.

gebailey
07-12-2010, 17:29
Two poles are deffinately nice for balance in rocky areas. It's like having. I took my friends trekkers with me on a trip not too long ago and they worked well. Its all personal preference, I actually think I hike better without them. On my last trip I just carried a 5 foot stick with me. It helped me with balance, plus, after you get hammered with rain you can tie all your wet clothes to it and they can dry as you hike!

Jorge

weaser51
07-12-2010, 20:06
Got a bum ankle - I can twist it on a flat, smooth trail - and have done so and been "out of commission" for several weeks earlier this year. Finally swallowed my pride and began using poles - whether one or two depends on the terrain. Have found they not only help Mrs Klutz here w/ her balance, but they help in somewhat steep ascents, and sure make rock hopping across streams a lot more stable. Have found that here in Rocksylvania they are more of a help than a hinderance and the added stability on the rocks leads to a better pace and less injuries. When I don't need them, they just get lashed onto the pack. The added weight doesn't slow me down as much as a twisted ankle would.

Sierra Echo
07-17-2010, 18:41
I used my Wally World trekking poles today for the first time.
It went a lot better then I thought it would. It seemed to help going up and down hills and i actually seemed to want to walk faster in flatter areas.
My arms and assorted arm parts are a bit tired. I guess if I continue to use them I will get all buff!

jen.sprout
07-18-2010, 16:33
I use two always for the many reasons sited here by other posts. But, I'll preface this by saying - whatever works for your body, do it.

Two things I'll add to think about:

1. If you use one pole all the time, unless you switch it back and forth between your left and right pretty equally, you stress (or de-stress, depending on how you look at it) one side of the body more than the other. I suspect many of use have personally experienced what happens over the long haul when you favor one foot/arm/etc. because of an injury - the other half of the body often gets stressed in a different way and may end up with its own injury.

2. One pole or two - I see many people using them like x-country ski poles - they their hands/wrists are much higher than their elbows. You can't get any stability or power that way (depending on how you use your poles). In X-country skiing, you are going to be pushing and gliding and you want a longer pole. Not for hiking. If you get adjustables or use ski poles, try shooting for a 90 degree angle between upper arm and lower arm as a starting point and adjust from there. Also less likely to be tripping over "shorter" poles.

Franco
10-23-2010, 20:19
We keep forgetting that we do differ..
My walking mate loves his water bladder, he sips from it all the time. Yesterday on a 3 hour 18km something stretch, I drunk twice, less than a cup in total, from my "gatorade" bottle.
(it was cold and wet so I was more interested in getting out fast then drinking...)
Who is right ?
On that same stretch, easy walking only about 900' elevation gain in 3 hours, I did not use my poles.
However I did the previous two days, saved my but a few times and made creek crossing a lot faster.
Just because they don't work for you it does not mean that they are stupid/waste of money.
Ask anyone that uses and likes using poles and you will find that at some point they also rubbished the idea.
Franco
My father always thought that it was "dangerous" and stupid to drink a cold beer at the end of our long day walks.
(we started at 1100 m (3600') , went up to 2000/2800m (9200') and back before dinner)
Then one day he tried that. Twenty years later in his seventies was still following the ritual...

fredmugs
03-04-2011, 12:39
Requires less effort going uphill.
Saves my knees going downhill.
I can use them like a metronome on long flat boring stretches.
Great for clearing limbs, branches, spiderwebs, etc out of your way.
Great for balance going over rocks, mud, etc.
Great for testing how deep that puddle really is.
Banging them together scares trail critters.

Tenderheart
03-04-2011, 15:47
I carry one oak stick. And for months now, just about everyone I see has two. It looks like people are going skiing. Is this really better? I just don't get it! :confused:


Nor do I. And to answer your question, no poles is better than one or two. Oh my, here we go again.

litefoot 2000

weary
03-04-2011, 16:16
Nor do I. And to answer your question, no poles is better than one or two. Oh my, here we go again.

litefoot 2000
I carry one alder stick. It's lighter than oak, and I've yet to break one so it is strong enough. I've reach an age in which some kind of support on rough trails is essential. So far one stick seems to be enough, leaving the other hand free for photos and what not.

Red Hat
03-04-2011, 17:25
Two hiking poles for me (preferably Leki)... when used correctly you are pushing from behind with one and pulling from the front. That is what makes me go faster than I would without poles. It is also more stabilizing and saves my knees. I stop when I take photos, and lean my poles against a tree or stick them in the ground, so I have my hands free.

HoneyBear
03-04-2011, 19:17
I have a friend hiking now that is using 2 bamboo poles that are each a little longer than store bought poles. They are as light or lighter than anything else out there. They are strong. 4 points of balance are better than 3 or 2. They have no handles and can be gripped wherever they need to be, lower for going down hills, arms at 45 degrees for mostly level hiking and if he needs a little extra length going downhill he has it. He says nearly every hiker he has run into is impressed if not envious. To see them in action is the proof in the pudding. They are so much better than anything you could buy in a store and the best part is they are free. Just cut em, dry em and start hiking.

Speer Carrier
03-04-2011, 21:30
I think all the native americans and pioneers used 2 poles when they walked from one place to another back in the day. Didn't they?

mweinstone
03-05-2011, 00:21
my friend wadga is a pole. i respect her. i dont use her. i hike with a pole. i respect it too. its saved my life once. as i fell, it became a gaurdrail saveing me from an abyiss in the rodedendren ledges. bent like a bow and held strong.it was a 300 foot drop. no storebought walkin stick could have done that. ever. id be dead now. nuff said.

weary
03-05-2011, 01:17
I think all the native americans and pioneers used 2 poles when they walked from one place to another back in the day. Didn't they?
In a word, no.

Speer Carrier
03-05-2011, 09:34
In a word, no.


I was being facetious. Sorry it sailed over your head to the backstop.

Tacky Hiker
08-21-2012, 18:51
I just sold 2 DB Trailbacks and purchased 1 DB Alpine Carbon Pole. 1 works for me.

KDOG
09-15-2012, 20:44
As a total noob to hiking and trailing, my view on this would be simply to have 2 an use as many at a given time as the situation my require - 1, both or none.

Bootbanger
11-05-2012, 18:39
I tried two poles but found that one is much better for me. Recently, I found a nice hard oak pole that I have been using. I attach my Leki to my backpack in case the oak breaks. I think if two poles work for you, then go for it and if you only use one.....well go for that. I did find out that the oak pole I found slips on rocks and on some surfaces where the Leki grips very well. Who knows, I might get rid of the oak and just go with my Leki. My Leki definitely was a help hiking in the White Mountains last month.

Dr. Professor
11-05-2012, 22:42
Two poles is better. They allow for better balace. They allow more means of catching yourself to avoid a fall. They allow you to use your upper body in bursts for acceleration and power as well as continually for improved endurance. They also help to absorb impact by landing before your lead foot when going downhill, thereby protecting your knees.

For me, two poles are a must.

simply_light
01-09-2013, 12:18
If you are just using poles to hike, I would say it is a matter of preference. Some are coordinated enough to find that balance with two poles and two feet going at the same time, others like the more casual use of just one pole. Of course, if your poles are pulling double duty as tent poles, that is another matter.

Odd Man Out
01-09-2013, 14:56
I think all the native americans and pioneers used 2 poles when they walked from one place to another back in the day. Didn't they?

That's ridiculous. They had to have one hand free for their cell phone.

Del Q
01-09-2013, 22:16
I need two poles for my tent.................see Lone Wolf's point, get that no poles keeps you dependent on you without two crutches.

A hiker I ran into in PA said "4 wheel drive", why go without it?

I have gone with none, one and two...................prefer hiking poles and need them for my tent so I carry.

Chuckie V
01-10-2013, 00:16
I hike with one pogo stick....and sing this jaunty tune... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJFyz73MRcg)

How can anyone be depressed listening to that?!

Regarding the whole one pole/two pole thing, what I wonder is that if two hiking poles are better than one, then three must be better than two, right?!

:)

RockDoc
12-28-2013, 21:31
If you carry two, are you sure it's not just a proxy for a pair of crutches?

hikerboy57
12-28-2013, 21:36
never seen a 3 legged goat worth a damn

hikerboy57
12-28-2013, 21:38
I think all the native americans and pioneers used 2 poles when they walked from one place to another back in the day. Didn't they?
then again, 90% were dead before they reached the age of 40.

mrcoffeect
12-29-2013, 10:02
I tried two poles but found that one is much better for me. Recently, I found a nice hard oak pole that I have been using. I attach my Leki to my backpack in case the oak breaks. I think if two poles work for you, then go for it and if you only use one.....well go for that. I did find out that the oak pole I found slips on rocks and on some surfaces where the Leki grips very well. Who knows, I might get rid of the oak and just go with my Leki. My Leki definitely was a help hiking in the White Mountains last month.

You can get rubber crutch or cane tips at most drug stores. that will help that oak pole stick.

pun intended

Del Q
12-29-2013, 18:36
I bring two poles, if only one it might get lonely.

RED-DOG
12-30-2013, 14:34
No POLES is better.

Just Bill
03-01-2014, 16:41
Bump for Sierra and any others on the subject of trekking poles. Funny how in such a short span they went from mysterious and silly to as important an item to check off your list as a pack or sleeping bag.

Not to pick on you red, and it may have been a joke, but you asked if trekking poles were for safety. Figured we could revisit an old subject that many find fun.

My thoughts if you're interested- if not nobody is holding a gun to your head.

Meriadoc
03-02-2014, 11:35
My thoughts if you're interested- if not nobody is holding a gun to your head.
What if I am showing my mugger the latest WB posts? :P

Overall, nice summation on trekking poles. I think one of the best uses for trekking poles is to help on the downhills for those who don't have their trail legs yet. The tendons don't take that initial beating very well. (This generally does mean one is pushing too hard, too fast, but boy do I know a lot of prospective thrus who did this.)

JB, I completely agree with learning how to walk. Short version: taking a long stride and landing on a heel takes the body out of a stable position. A short stride with the leg landing under the body is more stable and results in a feather light step. I also find that it's just as fast and takes less leg muscle.

I use poles about half the time. One thing I haven't seen mentioned is using poles to cushion and swing high jumps down. This is likely a very bad idea, but I enjoy the challenge.

rafe
03-02-2014, 13:01
I'm a late convert to hiking poles, but I won't hike without 'em these days. There are places where you could easily get by without them and a few places where it's too steep to use them, but on typical AT rocks and roots they're a godsend.

bamboo bob
03-02-2014, 13:07
Two poles are absolutely positively better than one.

balance when crossing streams'
help to maintain hiking pace
with two poles you can set up your tarp tent, one pole you can't (at least with the Squall model that I have.

Descending steep trail in white mountains you want two poles
DavidNH

All right on and true. You rarely see thru-hikers without poles on any long trail. Also oak poles and other homemade hiking staffs although much nicer looking are a heavier load than a couple of Leki style poles. Also adjustable poles are a necessity for those of us he use poles for our tarptents.

rafe
03-02-2014, 14:37
All right on and true. You rarely see thru-hikers without poles on any long trail. Also oak poles and other homemade hiking staffs although much nicer looking are a heavier load than a couple of Leki style poles. Also adjustable poles are a necessity for those of us he use poles for our tarptents.

Gotta be adjustable, for those times and places where you need your hands, eg. ladders. Plus they're less threatening when you're trying to get a hitch to town.

Also with adjustable, you can set 'em shorter for ascent, longer for descent.

Kraken Skullz
03-04-2014, 19:28
I think the real question here is "Are" two poles better than one.

Grammar Nazi coming out in me.

Semodex
03-04-2014, 19:53
Funny how the older I get the more poles I use.

In my teens and 20's...0
In my 30's...1
In my 40's...2

They help my knees and keep my hands from swelling.

rafe
03-04-2014, 20:01
Riddle of the Sphinx, right?

Damn Yankee
03-04-2014, 20:22
I have hike for many years without poles. In my youth I have climbed Mt. Washington, Mt. Greylock, Baldface Mt. and many more. This year for the first time, mostly because of my knees and back I tried using two poles I received from Cascade Mountain Tech and they made a big difference uphill as well as down hill and not once did I trip on them plus they allow you to use your upper body as well as your legs.

Meriadoc
03-05-2014, 07:29
I think the real question here is "Are" two poles better than one.
I've resisted making that comment for a while. Thanks for taking the temptation away :).

P.S. Grammar corrections are in good spirit. Corrections are how we learn. Please do correct my errors!

Sierra2015
03-05-2014, 07:33
I've resisted making that comment for a while. Thanks for taking the temptation away :).

P.S. Grammar corrections are in good spirit. Corrections are how we learn. Please do correct my errors!
I was also gnawing at my typing fingers. It was very hard to resist! Super glad somebody relieved the itch.

Lone Wolf
03-05-2014, 07:43
1 is best. 2 is overkill

Kc Fiedler
03-08-2014, 22:08
I mostly just carry a bo staff. This one gang keeps wanting me to join because I'm pretty good with it.

OutdoorsMan
03-08-2014, 23:38
One other thing, they keep my hands elevated, which otherwise when left by my side tend to swell. I tried the one stick thing AFTER I had been using poles, and I just didn't get it. Think I'd rather have one stick than without, but prefer the poles.

I would acknowledge, though, that on the straightaways, I often find that keeping the poles in rhythm is more work than I would like. If not in rhythm, they tend to be in the way. Now, ya'll let me know where there's a good trail that has a lot of them straightaways, and I'll go without poles.

For me, having trekking poles is like having four wheel drive when going uphill. The pole plants also add some interest to the repetitive motion of walking. Trekking poles make hiking easier and more interesting for me.

Kaptain Kangaroo
03-09-2014, 01:55
1 is best. 2 is overkill

yeah...it does take more brainpower to co-ordinate 2 poles......And not everyone is up to the task ! ;)

Kraken Skullz
03-10-2014, 18:21
Lol. 2 is always better than 1. I will explain in the best math+nature scenario I can come up with. Here we go.

If you have 2 poles and 1 bear charges at you and you throw 1 pole at the bear and miss, you still have 1 pole to throw at the bear as you run screaming into the woods.

If you have 1 pole and 1 bear charges at you and you throw 1 pole at the bear and miss, you have 0 poles and 1 bear that is no longer hungry (I know bears don't hunt people, just humor me).

If you have 0 poles and 1 bear charges at you then you will become bear food even quicker and you can now tell your dad, who always said that you would never be $#!7 that you have proved him wrong because you are probably digested bear poop by now.

Take 2 poles. It could save your life.

Kraken Skullz
03-10-2014, 18:23
Grr. As soon as I correct someone on their grammar I say "proved" instead of "proven". 10 lashings by my grammar teacher are coming soon. :rolleyes:

lemon b
03-10-2014, 20:54
Hike your own hike but I went from zero to one. I just need a free hand. But one helps the old knees.

Kraken Skullz
03-18-2014, 21:01
100th post. Woop!

Other
03-19-2014, 05:30
I carry both two poles and one, so I can switch back and forth as I tire of one method, or depending on the conditions. At times I will collapse all three and place them on the pack, and hike sans poles, but for some reason the straps on my pack only hold two.

HikerMom58
03-19-2014, 09:39
100th post. Woop!

WOO HOO!! Congrats Kraken Skullz! :)


I carry both two poles and one, so I can switch back and forth as I tire of one method, or depending on the conditions. At times I will collapse all three and place them on the pack, and hike sans poles, but for some reason the straps on my pack only hold two.

Other... I have to say your posts are a lil strange.

skinnbones
03-19-2014, 10:30
I'm going to tote my old fashion stick I found on a gentle hike through a Pennsylvania state park. No ski poles for me.

colorado_rob
03-19-2014, 10:53
I'm going to tote my old fashion stick I found on a gentle hike through a Pennsylvania state park. No ski poles for me. Just remember the AT consists of roughly 5 MILLION steps, meaning you'll be lifting that heavy stick 2.5 MILLION times, vs a really lightweight trekking pole (NOT a ski pole). I met a really nice young guy on the trail last year. He went by "walking stick" because he had a really nice looking but ridiculously heavy walking stick. Evan though he was young and otherwise strong, at the end of the day for the ~8-10 days I was around him, he was absolutely wiped out. Not sure how far he made it as the rest of the group eventually had to leave him behind, he was just too slow lugging that heavy stick.

skinnbones
03-19-2014, 11:47
Thanks, give it some thought.

Kc Fiedler
03-19-2014, 23:54
I'm going to tote my old fashion stick I found on a gentle hike through a Pennsylvania state park. No ski poles for me.

Don't need poles to ski well.

Other
03-20-2014, 01:16
HikerMom just a bit of levity. It is only hiking after all.

Different Socks
03-20-2014, 02:02
For years I used none, then for more years I used only 1 and never could figure out why it took so long to convince myself to use one. Now for the last 15 years, I've used 2 and think the same thing about why i used only 1.
My reasons for using two? Better stability crossing uneven ground, streams, etc. Better cadence and rhythm when walking. Better ability to prop things up. One left over to use if one breaks.