[at-l] Poles, was: wrist straps

[jplynch@xxxxxxxxxxxxx (Jim Lynch)]

I've recently (last few years) started using a set of two poles.  I have
gotten so used to them, that I'm not sure I could hike without them.
Most of the time, I will have the straps over my wrists rather than my
palm.  This takes the stress off of the wrist joint.  I've got the
three-section, spring loaded poles that adjust in length for grade; I've
never used the adjustable feature in that manner, nor am I sold on the
spring-loaded aspect either.  But I do like the fact that the poles
collapse to go in my pack for rock scrambling, or transit to the trail
head.

Chase Davidson wrote:
>
> Hi Gang,
>                 I use the wrist straps on my Leki's and wouldn't want to hike with
> out them. When I need to use my hands the poles hang from my wrist
> instead of falling down the hill side. When doing steep scrambles I
> take extra caution so the poles don't get in my way, some folks pack
> their poles away for a scramble.
>         When trekking I do not wear the straps in the proper manner. The Leki
> people and many skiers have told me the proper way is for the strap to
> come between the thumb and fingers across the palm. I find that is
> uncomfortable and it cuts the circulation in my hand. For me I reach
> through the loop and grab the pole. This leaves the strap under my
> wrist instead of on top of it as recommended.  This has worked fine
> for me for several thousand miles.
>         I believe those that do not use the straps for load bearing are
> probably putting way to much work on the hand muscles by griping those
> poles to support all the applied effort.
>
> This may not be worth reading but at least the subject reflects the
> content.
>
> chase
>
--
James P. ('Jim') Lynch
jplynch@crosslink.net