Yeah they sure do scratch up the rocks out there. I'm thinking about putting a piece of plastic on the tipsOriginally Posted by RockDoc
Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread.
-Edward Abbey
I hike with mine with the rubber feet/tips. I have seen that these are intended for road walking (asphalt), but I find they give great traction on rocks. In icy conditions, I would remove the tips. Otherwise, I like them on.
And, I always carry 2 poles.
I like my poles when I've got a really good stride going. I used to ski, so they have always been comfortable and natural for me. However, if I'm rock hopping, they get put up. Much harder to be a goat with hiking poles.
"It was on the first of May, in the year 1769, that I resigned my domestic happiness for a time, and left my family and peaceable habitation on the Yadkin River, in North Carolina, to wander through the wilderness of America." - Daniel Boone
Sometimes I use none. Sometimes I use one. Most of the time, I use two.
My hiking partner, "360," hikes with just one hiking pole. He does fine. It comes down to personal preference.
The only way to know is to get out in the woods and try it!
I found that during my first backpacking trip I didn't have any, or even know about them at that point. After going the first day and seeing people with poles my hiking companion and myself crafted a single walking stick and did a day with that, when the day came to and end it was evident we both found having a single stick favorable. The next day we made a second walking stick and did the whole day with two poles. Again we found that better still. We ended finishing the trip with two poles but only because we tried all of the other ways first. When we got home we both ended up buying a set of Black Diamond poles, which I really like.
21.1% Done
I use 2 and they have saved me from a fall numerous times. I suppose one would be better than none if you are comfortable using it. The consensus seems to be that most people that try them seem to continue using them.
http://www.backpacker.com/gear/ask_kristin/183 This link takes you to a video on proper poles use. If you hold the poles the way she shows you can let go get a drink or reach for something with out dropping your pole. I regularly let go of my pole and let it dangle from my wrist while walking to get a drink or eat a snack bar. Just like when on skis you want to be able to let go of the pole to grab at something or just keep it from being trapped in your hand, but don't want to have to climb back up a slippery hill to retrieve it. To each his or her own do what make you feel comfortable, but check out the video.
I've tried one and I've tried 2 and I've tried none. I won't go without 2. And I prefer the Lekis. Not tried any other brands though except Wal-Mart junk and they didn't hold up. There's one WB member that will call you a sheep if you use poles but he's arrogant and a general (well..you know) so I wouldn't pay any attention to him. Bottom line though is it's entirely up to the individual as is everything else even though some whiteblazers seem to think their way is the only way.
I rarely use two but when the load is not crushing carry two. One can be used as a tent pole for some of my set ups. I suppose I can dump one and probably should.
I could get by fine with 1 pole ... as long as I knew in advance which way I was going to fall, so that I could move my 1 pole to that side.
Since that's impossible ... I carry 2. Your call.
You could buy a pair, try going with 2, then try with 1. If you end up using just 1, you'll have a backup at home.
Necro bump
Dayhiking, I'll use a single, lightweight wooden stick. It keeps my hands active so they don't hang down and get numb, it's really just for emergency balance recovery. I hold the dog's leash with the other hand.
Distance hikes. I need two poles for my tent. My new dog has bad shoulder and can't do the miles. I use the poles to compensate for the weight of my pack, make sure I don't start to lose my balance, minor propulsion.
So, whatever fits your hiking style.
One was good enough for Moses . I have tried parting the waters. No luck yet . Let you know when it works .
just a thought should try another type wood . Think he used carbon fiber ???
Thom
The only time I use just one (or zero) is on extreme steeps.
A few weeks ago I hiked up to Springer (we live about an hour from Amicalola) and had the fortunate of meeting a SOBO thru hiker who had just finished his hike. He had one very well used pole. It was just hollow aluminum hitting the ground it was so well used. He was very comfortable with it. However, I hike with two poles. They also serve as tent poles.
One used as staff was fine for an AT thru. Wasn't in a rush. Two were used for some of a PCT thru. Bigger days were the norm. None were used for a CDT thru. MPD avgs were almost equal to the PCT thru. It all can work. Tired of all the statements of absolute need or absolute no need for everyone all the time. Trekking pole opinions are so based on individual preferences.
When I did use one I switched hands using it. If I didn't I might have looked like a one sided Fiddler Crab when done.
A BSP ranger gave me a single hiking stick someone had left at Roaring Brook CG as I headed up Katahdin.
It served me well and made it down to Springer 33 years ago this week. About 6" shorter.
No way I will ever walk with two poles-- just not natural. :-)
Rick you still have the same stick 33 yrs later? I just gave away to one of my nephews the staff I used in 06 to hike the AT. It had like 8K on it, an old twisted hickory stick I made from a small branch. I was going to mount on the wall like a stuffed water buffalo head I bagged on Safari. It was either that or a shower or window curtain rod.
It's in the garage somewhere-- by the end of my hike was it too short to use anymore even though I found a crutch tip along the way to help prolong its life..
I think your stick probably ended up in the best place possible.
With 8k miles on yours, I can only imagine how many times yous must have saved your butt. It might not be an exaggeration to say your life (and mine for that matter) might literally be very different without them.
Which is probably why mine didn't end up as stake in the garden.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
