[at-l] Trekking Poles

[m_factor@hotmail.com (Mara Factor)]

I advocate two poles.  If you are really going to use poles to take a lot of 
weight off your knees and feet, then I find putting any significant pressure 
on one pole often forces me off-balance and the non-symmetry of one pole 
just doesn't make for smooth hiking.

Using two poles and a diagonal stride allows me to take an even amount of 
weight of my legs with each step I take.

I find when using the straps correctly, that the poles rarely get in my way. 
  If I need my hands for something, I just "drop" the poles and they stay 
nicely tethered to my hands.  Assuming I'm using the straps correctly, it's 
easy to get them back into my hands without any undo extra effort.

I've never seen Komperdell reps at Trail Days.  The Leki reps may do some 
routine maintenance on Komperdell poles (cleaning) but I wouldn't expect too 
much and as far as I know, the parts aren't exchangable.  (Someone will 
correct me if I'm wrong, I'm sure.  :-)

Mara
Stitches, GAME99

>From: Doug B <cruzer_m__@yahoo.com>]
>Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2002 23:28:57 -0800 (PST)
>
>For those who carry poles, do you use one or two
>poles?  Why or why not?
>And..does anyone know if there is a Komperdell rep at
>Trail Days?  I appreciate any feedback?
>Thanks.
>cruzer

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