Do you really need trekking poles?

[Dogwood]

"better more efficient stable energy efficient mechanics". What the fook does THAT even mean?"

Again, I detailed clearly what this entails. If you choose to ignore that information then yes you might see that as some unsupported mystical phrase of unknown definition. You might consider my posts more fully rather than mentally choosing to delete or ignore it. This is one of the reasons why my posts are so long. I attempt to offer context, greater clarity, support for conclusions, and depth. Yet, it is still ignored which leads to faulty assumptions of intent or position.

I have no problem being called out, asked to explain or clarify, be corrected, or being vastly tolerant of non like minded approaches or beliefs. I'm as fallible as any. If you want to debate than at least attempt to debate by knowing my position and not falsely assuming otherwise.

I don't know what you're problem is with what I've said because you obviously haven't considered what I've said.

[pilgrimskywheel]

My old pal World Wide, more like an acquaintance really, (Yogi's guy) told me when I got to Mountain Crossings in January '12': "You may not have started this hike with poles Pilgrim, but I'll bet anything you finish with them!" Try thy spring rains hotshot without poles - you'll get there - just not fast - and with a sore fourth point of contact. (That's ARMY lingo for bumb.) Try poles - never go back. Period. The rest of this is chin music. What Ddtrey says here is spot on.

I too have used poles for many years. Besides all of the other points already mentioned, I find that I use them as entertainment while I am walking. In fact, I become OCD about them after a while ( like Sheldon knock on the door three times OCD). If I have to step over a log, I have to tap both pole tips on the log before I step over it (also good to check for snakes on the other side of the log if needed).

Once you learn to use them, they can really disperse the energy of the uphills and downhills to your arms, back, and shoulders to help save your legs and knees. I feel they also keep the blood moving in my as and hands, preventing some of the inevitable swelling from walking with a ruck.

Try them, I bet you will keep using them.

[Dogwood]

Before accusing another of being the tyrant or intolerant or arrogant maybe some should check themselves first?

It's like being in a bar with a bunch of folks exhibiting drunken barroom mentality who want to fight when they become intoxicated and cease listening or considering because they can't get out of their own heads.

Anyone wants to confront me or anything I state do it soberly with civility with some idea of just what the fk my position is. If not I'm ordering another row of shots. Come back to me when I'm done with them. Then we can ignorantly shout each other down and slobber all over each other.

[pilgrimskywheel]

Zzzz Zzzzz Zzzzzzz

[pilgrimskywheel]

boor-ish (adjective) rough and bad mannered; coarse "boorish behavior"

Before accusing another of being the tyrant or intolerant or arrogant maybe some should check themselves first?

It's like being in a bar with a bunch of folks exhibiting drunken barroom mentality who want to fight when they become intoxicated and cease listening or considering because they can't get out of their own heads.

Anyone wants to confront me or anything I state do it soberly with civility with some idea of just what the fk my position is. If not I'm ordering another row of shots. Come back to me when I'm done with them. Then we can ignorantly shout each other down and slobber all over each other.

[pilgrimskywheel]

Kris Fowler-Sherpa.jpg This is Chris "Sherpa" Fowler. Missing since 10/12/16 last seen: White Pass WA. He reportedly left for Snoqualmie Pass (100+ miles north) without trekking poles. Without sufficient cold weather gear. With a broken phone and a SPOT that may, or may not, have been operating. He was wearing Chacos - maybe sneakers. Hundreds of people are currently risking their lives searching desperately for him in one of the most formidable terrains on earth. Soon feet of drifting snow will bury the place and temps will drop well below zero until spring. Do you really need hiking poles? I dunno. But, if you thought this was a thread for jokes - you were dead wrong.

[imscotty]

Wow, this thread got crazy fast.

To the OP: Are poles REQUIRED? No, of course not. But as you can see, some people love them passionately. But in the end this is an individual choice. You might want to borrow a pair for a test run just to see how you like it. In the end if you would rather go without poles, I say more power to you. Don't feel pressured just because that is what the crowd is doing.

Really, to equate not using poles as being irresponsible and 'you're going to die' is just over the top. I know I am going to die someday, but I don't think it will because I didn't have my poles with me.

[Sarcasm the elf]

via Imgflip Meme Generator

[ScareBear]

"better more efficient stable energy efficient mechanics". What the fook does THAT even mean?"

Again, I detailed clearly what this entails. If you choose to ignore that information then yes you might see that as some unsupported mystical phrase of unknown definition. You might consider my posts more fully rather than mentally choosing to delete or ignore it. This is one of the reasons why my posts are so long. I attempt to offer context, greater clarity, support for conclusions, and depth. Yet, it is still ignored which leads to faulty assumptions of intent or position.

I have no problem being called out, asked to explain or clarify, be corrected, or being vastly tolerant of non like minded approaches or beliefs. I'm as fallible as any. If you want to debate than at least attempt to debate by knowing my position and not falsely assuming otherwise.

I don't know what you're problem is with what I've said because you obviously haven't considered what I've said.

This reply is a perfect example of selective quoting to fit your desired result. I was commenting on your lack of logic and critical thought that resulted in the absurd statement that if everyone took better care of themselves when younger, then there would not be such a desire/need for hiking poles. I pointed out to you the incredible fallacy of your incredibly bold statement(which you conveniently leave out of your follow-up comments) which was "it's unequivocally a valid proposition that IF more folks proactively considered health of the body by not contributing to it's demise through debilitating behavior and decisions fewer people would need trekking poles." I think I clearly showed you the multiple flaws in the logic behind such a preposterous preposition. You discount every known variable, other than what your personal bias is, in order to validate your nonsensical and illogical statement. If by fewer, you mean fewer than 1/10 of 1 percent, then by all means, feel free to state that number. But if you mean STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANTLY FEWER people will need hiking poles if they just live a clean life when younger, then you had better factor in all relevant variables(like the one's I showed that you conveniently omit from your thought process) before you start spouting off nonsense like the quote above. If you do factor in those variables, your unequivocally valid statement becomes a good laugh. I'm not picking a fight. I'm pointing out the flaws in your thought process, lack of ability to apply critical thought to a statement prior to publishing it, and the inability to separate one's personal beliefs/bias from critical thought.

Happy Hiking and try not to speak in absolutes unless you are absolutely correct....

[pilgrimskywheel]

Upon careful reconsideration, maybe the world would be a better place if more "hikers" went into the back country unprepared. Nobody ever said you'd die without poles. (Misquote.) I said, Scotty, "Go into the back country unprepared and you die." Then I provided a picture as evidence of this maxim, which by the way is posted up and down the trail. You may have noticed the giant signs which begin: "Ecotourism is inherently dangerous..." I think it's irresponsible to suggest hiking poles are arm candy. They are a tool for hikers with uses too numerous to list herein. For those late comers: thanks for helping to shine more light on the obvious. If you don't know if you need hiking poles than you have bigger problems than whether or not to get hiking poles. We label crazy those we cannot, or choose not to understand. Please, take a hike without poles.

[rocketsocks]

Fact...I'll never buy another twist lock pole.

[Sarcasm the elf]

Fact...I'll never buy another twist lock pole.

via Imgflip Meme Generator

[rafe]

Not pro or anti trekking pole use just saying you might want to consider the objectives often promoting store bought trekking poles can be accomplished in other ways without relying on gear or buying something.

In 1990 I saw no AT thru hikers using poles. A few had walking sticks. I first started seeing lots of trekking poles on the AT about ten years later. Nowadays I'm seeing most long-distance AT hikers using them. So obviously, they're not necessary. But apparently, many find them useful. They're way past being a fad. (FWIW, I did see poles often among winter hikers in the White Mountains, even in '90. Ahead of their time, I guess.)

I do take umbrage at passive-aggressive remarks suggesting that poles are for the weak, that the need for poles would be obviated if we'd just been smarter, taken better care of ourselves, not grown old, etc.

Humans never were forest natives -- by most accounts we all emerged from the plains of northern Africa. What we do, that's mostly unique to our species, is make stuff that allows us to thrive in environments in which our bodies are not natively attuned. Underwater, outer space, and Appalachian forests in all their glory.

[rocketsocks]

via Imgflip Meme Generator

I had an Memae

[rocketsocks]

In 1990 I saw no AT thru hikers using poles. A few had walking sticks. I first started seeing lots of trekking poles on the AT about ten years later. Nowadays I'm seeing most long-distance AT hikers using them. So obviously, they're not necessary. But apparently, many find them useful. They're way past being a fad. (FWIW, I did see poles often among winter hikers in the White Mountains, even in '90. Ahead of their time, I guess.)

I do take umbrage at passive-aggressive remarks suggesting that poles are for the weak, that the need for poles would be obviated if we'd just been smarter, taken better care of ourselves, not grown old, etc.

Humans never were forest natives -- by most accounts we all emerged from the plains of northern Africa. What we do, that's mostly unique to our species, is make stuff that allows us to thrive in environments in which our bodies are not natively attuned. Underwater, outer space, and Appalachian forests in all their glory.

I have a two piece maple pool-que that is weighted so perfect it swings all by itself and rarely talks back.

[pilgrimskywheel]

whitney.jpg Meet Mt. Whitney. The highest peak in the lower 48. It is the jewel of the Sierras and the PCT. (Yup, did that. Twice. Both ways.) Believe it or not, the "hiker police" actually do patrol here. They're called back country rangers. Their job is to prevent the ignorant from dying on the mountain. Really, they don't want boobies to be responsible for killing folks who have a little something on the ball. They do this primarily by spot checking folks to ensure they have the requisite equipment for the ascent of 14,505 ft. where altitude sickness and it's debilitating effects are pretty much a given. (Look it up.) If they catch you without your poles, ice axes, spikes, and crampons, or they think you're a nit-wit who is just pretending to know what's up, they escort you off the mountain. Because when you go to the backcountry unprepared you

[egilbe]

We have the white mountains to kill off the boobs.

[rafe]

Good enough for Flyin' Brian, good enough for me.

flyin-brian-400x533.jpg

[pilgrimskywheel]

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/9-w...ally-save-life

[rafe]

I have a two piece maple pool-que that is weighted so perfect it swings all by itself and rarely talks back.

A tool perfectly suited for survival in a dimly lit man-cave with paintings of cigar-smoking dogs on the walls.