walking poles? If yes, then when?

[sim1oz]

If you sometimes walk with poles, when do you take them and when do you leave them behind?

We just did the southern circuit of the Prom starting from Tidal River. As we were leaving the car we were debating whether to take our walking poles, or not. In the end we took them, which I was glad for less than 12 hours later. On the morning of our second day, I slipped on wet rocks and twisted my knee. After resting up a bit, we decided to continue with our circuit rather than head back to our car and home. (It is so hard to coordinate things to get away that I didn't want to miss the opportunity ) My knee became very swollen and stiff but I could keep moving using the poles to carry some of my weight, especially on the ups and downs (of which there were a few!). Our walking speed became pitifully slow because of my knee, which made for some longer days than planned and less swimming/downtime, but we did complete the circuit. I don't think I could have done it without those poles. I guess if we hadn't taken them, we would have looked for some decent pieces of wood lying around and improvised...

We didn't see anyone else the entire walk using walking poles, though there were quite a few people using wooden sticks (even a couple with wooden staffs that they had carved in their travels in Arnhem Land.)

What do you do?

[Giddy_up]

I use them all the time now, sometimes just one with the other stowed on my pack but generally I walk with two. I find now that as my old rugby knees start to show their wear and tear that poles help in reducing stress on them, particularly on descents. As for a make or model, the cheap seem to work as well as the expensive and they all break from time to time.

[Turfa]

I take my poles on all track walks. I only leave them behind if I know that most of the trip is in the scrub.
Wish I had started using them when I was much younger as my knees might be in better shape now.

And like you experienced, I know that with poles I can keep walking with an injury that would otherwise probably put me out of action.

[MickyB]

I take mine all the time. I have problems with my knees and the poles really help with going up and down hills. If on flat ground I normally attach them to my pack. They also great for creek crossing to keep your balance on slippery rocks.

[stry]

I take mine all the time. I have problems with my knees and the poles really help with going up and down hills. If on flat ground I normally attach them to my pack. They also great for creek crossing to keep your balance on slippery rocks.

Almost exactly the same for me. If all scrub, I would be tempted not to carry them, but as I now have a pair of Gossamer Gear poles, they are no burden strapped on the pack.

[Strider]

I always take mine but don't use them unless the going is particularly steep or slippery. I'm always thankful of them when I do use them though!

[wayno]

always, i usually only take one pole.. unless it's a wide smooth track i find it easier using one pole and just switch hands from time to time... narrow and rough tracks, i find using two poles feels like its more trouble than it's worth...

[neilmny]

I take mine all the time if carrying a pack and pretty much use them all the time even in scrub.
If just out for a walk with a light day load I take and use them for the exercise benefits.

[MartyGwynne]

I always use 2 poles now since damaging my back, I find they give me much more support?
It does take the weight off my back and allows the shock of any oops moments to be taken by the poles and arms instead of a dicky back.
I never used to use poles and thought they were a bit over the top, but not now that I have a good need for them.

[peter-robinson]

I always take 2 poles folded in a tent peg bag attached to the outside of my pack. I can grab one or both without taking off the pack and that's helpful. I use them where it's particularly steep or when needing some extra balance, eg creek crossing but also toward the end of a long day when my legs are tiring.

[north-north-west]

Always with a full pack, even if it's going to be a scrub-bash. Daywalks don't usually bother unless there's some very steep descents involved.

[sim1oz]

Thanks for all the responses. I think I'll follow nnw and always take them on full packwalks from now on - now I don't ever have to think about it anymore! They were certainly handy for the ascents, descents and creek crossings at the Prom, even before my knee injury.

[nq111]

Never tried one.

I would / will try them if they seem to make sense - as it stands I can't think how I would make use of them. I can only imagine they are a pain in scrub, off-track or on scrambly terrain.

Has anyone got any links to good articles on their use and benefits?

[Giddy_up]

This might help

http://www.helinox.com.au/_assets/docum ... s-2013.pdf

[Hallu]

On long distances yes it's a good idea to have them. But they're a pain when scrambling is reguired or on rocky places.

[David M]

I use mine on all walks, both day and overnight. They are almost like having a second set of legs and you might as well use your arms for something when walking, otherwise they are a wasted resource. I wish I had always used them.

[Strider]

Andrew Skurka says he uses.them on all walks over two hours. I think this is a good guideline.

[GPSGuided]

I carry and use them when convenient. It's worth it if they can avoid one single sprained ankle on rocky paths. With CF models and convenient storage options on packs, there's little excuse to not carry them.

[charlie59]

I use them all the time now on longer and overnight walks. I used to think they were only for the old and injured. But I am a convert, having had two falls where they saved me from serious injury. I think it is important to use them as recommended with the loops around the wrist leaving your hands in a position to grab or brace in a fall. I had a serious fall day 3 of the Overland sustaining a decent injury, solo walking and the poles kept me going to the end. Also in the remote area first aid, I was taught to use the poles to splint a broken leg. I read a while ago in Great Walks a scathing letter regarding poles from an elderly gentlemean who thought they were a terrible impact on the environment. My thought on this was that boots probably don't do the environment much good either, but no one in their right mind would walk without proper footwear.

[GPSGuided]

...but no one in their right mind would walk without proper footwear.

Never say never on this one on this forum.

[taswegian]

Always thought poles were a trendy thing for show!
Reading a few past posts here decided I'd get some as downhill makes my knees a bit wobbly.
Went up Roland yesterday and gave them there first spin.
I found them very good and didn't experience any knee issues on way back.
Actually only used one as my daughter found the going uneasy in the slop and rough going at times.
She was most grateful for it.
I bought Kohla Altitude Comfort.
The shock absorption is pretty good and imo worthwhile.
Only downside for me was the handloop wasn't really made for large hands.

As for proper footware. The way natives race around rocks scrub and climb trees barefoot makes me feel a bit of a whimp.
And my trusty boots decided to part with its sole on way down. Fortunately electrical tape got me home.

[Strider]

Are the wrist straps not adjustable Taswegian?

[pandabear]

The question is why wouldn't you use poles considering the benefits.

[simonm]

The question is why wouldn't you use poles considering the benefits.

I guess it's not all about benefits. I prefer to walk with my hands free of stuff, it feels more natural to me, so I don't use poles - would poles make life easier? It seems they would but I don't do things just because it's easier. Everyone has their own ideas and ways of doing things - thankfully. Will I use poles in the future - maybe, who knows.

[perfectlydark]

I agree with that. I like to just hang my arms without having to do anythibg with them. I occaidionally will find a good stick to assist with a slope but dont feel the need at this point in life to carry an item specifically for that. Matter of preference

[nq111]

This might help

http://www.helinox.com.au/_assets/docum ... s-2013.pdf

Thanks.

I still can't see myself using them. I imagine that they would only be viable on approaches etc where I don't really need assistance anyway and then need to go in the pack for the majority of the walk. Surely it is better to have hands free to grab rocks and trees on the way past for stability / assistance?

Maybe I am still missing something? I am well aware of their popularity but have yet to see someone out using them in the bush. It would be interesting to go on a walk with an experienced user to observe.

[taswegian]

Are the wrist straps not adjustable Taswegian?
Thanks Strider
Yes!! I now see they are.
It was a rather late decision to take them.
I had previously just bought them home and sat them in corner obviously without proper inspection.
Oh! I did take them apart at joints to see how they work as they looked very much like my surveying poles.
I didn't even consider the straps would adjust and when I took them out of my pack on way down was more concerned I'd break the blessed things and as the weather wasn't crash hot didn't stop other than photographs.
Probably should have just shut up but as you asked it needed some sort of response!

I like to just hang my arms without having to do anythibg with them.
Have to agree Perfectlydark.
I did find at times they were an unwanted appendage and what do I do with it now.

[taswegian]

With regards to original question, I just went for a stroll up The Badgers and on arrival realised the poles were still at home.
It made me wonder if I'd thought beforehand would I have bought them.
Its only a 1/2 doddle including sidetrips for photos, but thats also 1/2 similar coming down.
After the trip I realised they would be beneficial, but decided I was glad I was encumbered with them as it left me far freer to wander about in the scrub.

If I'd been carrying a heavy pack or was say an hour downhill then I would take them.
Still left thinking they'd be a pain in the .. with my love for groveling in the scrub bum up taking photos.
Guess we'll see .

Maybe one day someone will find a pair of poles left behind when I got fed up with them and put them down to continue photographing only to lose track of where I left them!

[Giddy_up]

I agree with all the above, I don't or on rare occasion day walk. I like to clear out and travel through any type of terrain.....a scramble or amble it's all about being out there and looking and learning. The poles just lessen the burden borne by my knees on these longer trips and let me do a little more than I would normally be able to do. If they don't suit the terrain, stow them.

[grantw]

I reckon my pole saved me a dozen times this weekend, and its also a great place to attach a gopro or use as a monopod mount for stills.