Pack Weight Thoughts

[the_camera_poser]

I need to have a fiddle with some walking sticks- never have done before- but I have used one stick on it's own, but mostly for amusement factor.

[Taurë-rana]

I need to have a fiddle with some walking sticks- never have done before- but I have used one stick on it's own, but mostly for amusement factor.

The mind boggles!

[the_camera_poser]

Well.....uh.....boys and sticks..... you know.......

You never know when something might need a whack!

[Clownfish]

Actually, I've always wondered if those sticks actually serve a useful purpose, or do they just let you look hardcore and spend a lot of money?

[corvus]

Actually, I've always wondered if those sticks actually serve a useful purpose, or do they just let you look hardcore and spend a lot of money?

I only use one and it has saved me from many a tumble also you don't need to spend a fortune I bought mine on e bay for around $11.00 delivered and they are good value for the money I have been using mine for four years or more.
c

[tas-man]

Actually, I've always wondered if those sticks actually serve a useful purpose, or do they just let you look hardcore and spend a lot of money?

I'v had one for about 7 years now, and originlly got one mainly to use as a camera monopod, but its other attributes soon became apparent. Here's on old thread with some more detailed comments - viewtopic.php?f=15&t=464&hilit=+leki

[sthughes]

Wow - 2 pages in 3 hrs!

17.2kg is easy - it all depends how fit you are and how fast you want to go.
I usually carry over 20kg. It's not a problem because I can still keep up with my companions without too much bother anyhow. I can reduce it to >15kg but it doesn't make a lot of difference to me unless I'm in a hurry.
Having said that I'd go option 2. Saves 2.5kg (how does that work when the bags are only 1.4kg less??). You also get better sleeping bags and more free space for Luxuries if you want them. If it's just a $ per kg saved thing then I wouldn't bother, just go option 1.
If I eat sensibly and do one overnight (or decent day) walk I would loose the 2.5kg in a week anyhow - problem solved! Doesn't work for everyone of course

Walking sticks are awesome - can't recommend them highly enough when carrying a pack. They really take a load off your legs. When I first used them my legs just didn't get tired - my lungs couldn't keep up however because it makes walking more of a whole body exercise. Also great for descending with jelly legs.

Edit: Oh and two poles is the only way for me- on my last walk I lent one to Corvus so I only had one for myself. I felt like a 3 legged dog Timing was all stupid like how do you go up steps?? Keep putting all your weigh on one foot for every second step or use the one pole twice with every step or what?? Nah it takes two baby!

[Ent]

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[alliecat]

Actually, I've always wondered if those sticks actually serve a useful purpose, or do they just let you look hardcore and spend a lot of money?

I wondered this too. So I borrowed a pair from a friend to try them.

First walk with them: stupid poles, got in the way, got caught in the scrub, didn't help at all, bl**dy useless things.

Second walk: a *bit* useful on steep downhill section, knees not as sore after compared to the last time I did that walk, still awkward walking with poles most of the time.

Third walk: okay, the poles are useful uphill too, starting to get into a rhythm with them.

... you get the idea...

Now that I've got used to them I find them incredibly useful. Not only do they give me more confidence on rough ground (I have balance issues) they take the strain off my knees going downhill and help me up the hills. They are great for clearing spider webs off the path, leaning on when I take a break, as a monopod for my camera, support for a tarp, balance when crossing streams, checking the depth of bogs, and fishing my hat out of a creek.

I guess you could say I'm a convert to the church of the trekking pole.

cheers,
Alliecat

[eggs]

Using 2 poles is a recent innovation for me - but they do save the old knees coming down steep slopes.
They were also definitely helpful fighting up steep loose scree with full packs (25 kg) on the recent trip to the Gammons - you are effectively climbing on 4 limbs.
And they also stopped a lot of falls in the creek beds.

However, I did have one nasty fall once on a trivial stroll where the poles were a hindrance - as they stopped me getting hands out to soften the blow.
Mind you - that could have saved a broken arm.

I think young people with good knees and little body weight would not care for them.

Oh - and I forgot to mention how useful they were in the Loddons - measuring the depth of the mud!

[Nuts]

Ahhh, I remember the days i used to poke around with the one stick.....

I agree, two are the go and yes, you get used to them so as they are just not 'in mind'. Two is the way they are 'supposed' to be used. Shorten them a bit on the major uphills (if you can be bothered) and lengthen a bit on the downs... Its ironic that (most, (including me))people put more thought into these things as they get older, when they have too.

[sthughes]

I thought they were a dumb idea (how can carrying MORE weight possibly make it easier!)
But I figured I couldn't really argue without giving them a go and after doing some investigating like this little exert from the Paddy Pallin web site I was convinced enough to give them a go.

What are the Benefits?
A landmark study published by Dr. G. Neureuther in 1981 proved that use of "ski poles" while walking reduces the pressure strain on the opposite leg by approximately 20%. Furthermore, while walking on level ground, poles reduce the body weight carried by the legs by approximately 5 kg every step. Move to an incline, and that reduction increases to 8 kg. Think about this in the context of a multi hour walk or run.
A more recent study with hikers was published in the American College of Sports Medicine journal, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.
The study conducted at the University of Massachussetts at Amherst in 2001, showed that using poles lets hikers lengthen their strides, put less strain on their knees, and generally feel more comfortable. The hikers studied did not expend less energy, but the increase in stability made long treks easier.

Effectively using two trekking poles reduces fatigue, increases speed (level, uphill and downhill), provides excellent stability, increases the distance that can be comfortably travelled in a day, and reduces accumulated stress on the feet, legs, knees and back

[Son of a Beach]

But I wouldn't be able to walk with my hands in my pockets when it's cold!

(Gloves don't cut it for my bad circulation).

[sthughes]

That's why you're pack has little loops on the back so you can always just carry them if conditions don't suit
(Anyone would think I was trying to sell them!)

[Son of a Beach]

...but when is it not cold in Tasmania?

[alliecat]

...but when is it not cold in Tasmania?

When you're stuck in the office and not walking

[Penguin]

Tried two - too unco - like one had free to swing off tree limbs etc - gone to one - love it - only times it gets in eh way is on duck borad adn rock hopping.

With me a stick has not just helped my kneesgoing down hill, it means I can go down hill!

P

[sthughes]

...but when is it not cold in Tasmania?

Tasmania - Never cold, perfect one day, perfect but with a lower temperature the next

Perhaps somebody should incorporate one of these in the grip of a walking pole because you are right when it is very cold and wet you're hads can get cold using them...http://www.zippo.com/Products/handWarmer.aspx

ike one had free to swing off tree limbs etc

And eat bananas?? Some of us have evolved further from our tree swinging ancestors than others

[corvus]

...but when is it not cold in Tasmania?

Tasmania - Never cold, perfect one day, perfect but with a lower temperature the next

Perhaps somebody should incorporate one of these in the grip of a walking pole because you are right when it is very cold and wet you're hads can get cold using them...http://www.zippo.com/Products/handWarmer.aspx

ike one had free to swing off tree limbs etc

And eat bananas?? Some of us have evolved further from our tree swinging ancestors than others

And with two poles take a header in the mud much more often than us solo users (thanks for the lend of your second pole)
c

[Penguin]

[quote="sthughes

ike one had free to swing off tree limbs etc

And eat bananas?? Some of us have evolved further from our tree swinging ancestors than others [/quote]

I was hoping somebody would say that. I have always seen myslef as Greystoke.....moving with elan through the bush....Not.......Ah well one can only but dream.

[corvus]

Penguin I don't remember any one called Elan Strolling with us have I been calling someone by the wrong name Derrik
c

[the_camera_poser]

I have a bad knee- old footy/rock climbing/stoopidity injury.

If you have two sticks you can whack twice as many teenagers...I mean things....with them. I wonder if they'll let me use them at school......

[Taurë-rana]

Had a good day then?
I am definitely converted to using two poles, I also think it probably prevents falls and ankle injuries on rough ground, but they do get in the way at times. Need a system to easily store them on a pack.

[the_camera_poser]

Had a good day then?
I am definitely converted to using two poles, I also think it probably prevents falls and ankle injuries on rough ground, but they do get in the way at times. Need a system to easily store them on a pack.

You ought to try those Osprey packs with the pole holders on the harness.

[north-north-west]

Just attach a clip or a loop of shot cord. It's a simple modification.

[corvus]

If you use shot cord make sure you tie wee teeny knots and duck if it recoils
sorry scarvs
c

[north-north-west]

SHOT cord, you semi-literate twonk! You know, that stretchy stuff.

[corvus]

Oh aye I remember now that's what it's called use it all the time on my Gaiters cept I call it SHOCK CORD but I am just a "semi literate twonk" a male to boot so what would I know
c

[north-north-west]

...so what would I know .

Sod all , as far as I can see.

[corvus]

Jeez does your Misandry come down to not saying you made a spelling mistake just because ??
And I thought you were feisty , but just a wuus when wrong like all of us
c