Had it not be stolen out of the back of my truck a few years back I'd have a stick that was 27 years old...alas, someone does.
Had it not be stolen out of the back of my truck a few years back I'd have a stick that was 27 years old...alas, someone does.
How much have you hiked in your life? Borrow a second pole or order some cheapo's on Amazon and get out there in the woods to test them. You're lucky to be in Ohio with hundreds and hundreds of miles of great hiking trails. You'll soon know whether the second one is of any value to you. I suspect it will be, because the balance, stability, and weight re-distribution from the lower to the upper half of your body will be readily apparent. Especially on downhills.
This data is fascinating! Thank you. Carrying two poles has always left me the option of stowing one and using one if the situation dictates. Collapsed poles are about as long as my pack and affix with the ice ax loops now standard and optional on many packs. For example: when road walking in icy conditions, or my favorite: when hitch hiking alone. A single pole in hand I hitch. When picked up I place my pack, collapse the single pole and get in with it. Hi! Thanks, I'm holding this very conspicuous giant spike back here by the way and I have a perfectly legit reason for it. As a result, I never get the sensation that I need a gun in space.
For me it depends on where I'm going. Where I hike I don't have a lot of water crossings or super rocky areas so a wooden staff works just fine, but if I was hiking in that section of trail where boots go to die I prefer two trek poles...really a mater of preference each has to work out for themselves.
I would like to use two, but use only one because of arthritis in my hands. Need to be able to swap hands and rest them alternately.
http://www.ukhillwalking.com/articles/page.php?id=3375
Hmmm. Here's some more fun facts about them poles! Reduce load by 7 kilos! They're an ancient tool! A weapon in hand! 6% fewer steps holy