Is it really necessary to spend over $50 on trekking poles when you can just shave the bark off of two sticks and make your own trekking poles?
Is it really necessary to spend over $50 on trekking poles when you can just shave the bark off of two sticks and make your own trekking poles?
"If you play a Nicleback song backwards, you'll hear messages from the devil. Even worse, if you play it forward, you'll hear Nickleback." - Dave Grohl
Well, I have a P-38 in my pocket, so let's have at it!
My answer is "no", and from the way you worded the question, your answer might be "no", too.
It sounds like you're trying to save some money - maybe??? If that's your over-riding concern, then just go out and get 2 sticks, etc.
Your sticks may not be as lightweight as commercially-made poles, they won't be height-adjustable (won't matter if you made them for you), and, unless you do a lot of work on them at home before you leave, you won't have wrist-cords, padded grips, or any kind of tip on the end. They will wear down over time. But, if a shortage of funds is a problem, and if you don't mind having a "project", then have at it!
I use ski poles in winter, but when the snow is gone, I switch back to my single walking stick. I've carried this one for years - it's got an upper and lower grip area (unpadded), a wrist strap, and a neoprene tip to absorb shock. Heavier than a pole? You bet! Would I part with it? Not for a million bucks!!!
And, yes, I'm CHEAP, but that has nothing to do with my choice!
YMMV.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass - it's about learning how to dance in the rain!
A quick search of the forums indicates that yes, it's absolutely necessary, even more, in fact. Or that it's foolish to do so. Doesn't seem to be much middle ground.
Is it really necessary to shave the bark off of heavy sticks from the ground when you can just buy your own trekking poles?
up over the hills, theres nothing to fear
theres a pub across the way with whisky and beer
its a lengthy journey on the way up to the top
but it ain't so bad if you have a great big bottle o'scotch
I prefer my big heavy single walking stick to any of the poles you can buy. I do trail maintenance on the LSHT even when I'm just walking along and that my big old walking stick is perfect for flinging fairly large log/sticks from the trail when taking the road less traveled. It also is good for those times when you want to pry on something a little to shift it so it doesn't bind the saw. It also gives me something to do during down time in camp--say a zero day or a rain day--I do a little carving or knot work on it just because I can. You can't carve your space age titanium alloy 0.00005gram $1000 set of poles...and in the worst case if it breaks I got nice dry fire wood. So I'll take my heavy walking stick.
Take almost nothing I say seriously--if it seems to make no sense what so ever it's probably meant as a joke....but do treat your water!
Sticks, bamboo, or trekking poles they'll all work. Pieces of rope will not.
"Fish Camp Woman.... Baby, I like the way you smell"
- Unknown Hinson
I used my broomstick with a cane tip for years and loved it. I put it aside when Santa brought me a pair of Pacer Poles. I love them too. Use what works for you, but don't dismiss alternatives out of hand.
Dogs are excellent judges of character, this fact goes a long way toward explaining why some people don't like being around them.
Woo
Hooch... that's a mighty tasty lookin' can o' worms you got there! Your point couldn't have been made more clearly...
Stickman
I don't hike with any kind of pole(s)
Trekking poles rock!
Just some info: I thru hiked and I used trekking poles. I believe that they prevented many falls. For the past 15 years I have served as a volunteer caretaker at the cabin on Upper Goose Pond. The cabin is located 1540 miles from Springer. I would say that 90% of the long distance hikers that stop at the cabin are using trekking poles. Many hikers start without them, but soon discover their usefulness.
Grampie-N->2001