UKC

Trekking Poles

New Topic
This topic has been archived, and won't accept reply postings.
gruber 19 Aug 2008
I started using them about five years ago but I'm wondering if they slow you down.

I know they give you support but I seem to take longer to walk routes now. Maybe I should not use them going uphill.

Any comments appreciated.
 Trangia 19 Aug 2008
In reply to gruber:

I've been using them for about 10 years. I find they are great, like an extra pair of legs. They definitely help going uphill, reduce jarring on the kneees going down hill, and are a balance aid for river crossings and boulder hopping particularly if you are carrying a heavy pack. I use them less if I am not carrying a pack, but take them with me now for most long days in the hills, if only to help with a long grind up.

I don't find they slow me down, and when I'm moving fast, particularly on the flat I often just carry them.

The only times they are a nuisance is when scrambling (if I meet a long scrambling section I carry them on my day sack), and when going through thick vegetation like bracken, maquis or finbos, where they catch and get in the way.

However they are great in African countries for parting vegetation to check for snakes before you walk through, and I've used them in Spain for keeping farm dogs at bay.

PS As you are 99 I am not suprised that you take longer to walk routes now! Without them you probably wouldn't be walking at all?
gruber 19 Aug 2008
In reply to Trangia: Yes, perhaps it's an age thing. I might get a pair of those springy stilt things - not sure what they're called

New Topic
This topic has been archived, and won't accept reply postings.
Loading Notifications...