[at-l] Trekking poles? Homemade

[jbullar1 at twcny.rr.com (Jim Bullard)]

I have a couple of bamboo poles. Actually one is more of a staff (5'+ long) and the other is cane length. Their finest attribute is their light weight (relative to their size). I haven't done a comparison with a scale but they are lighter than an equivalent wood pole. This should not be surprising since they are hollow. I use them for day hikes and road walks around home.

The negatives are 1) that they don't collapse or extend. A pole that collapses to a shorter than usable length (like my 3 section Komperdel) can be stashed in a ski slot on the side of the pack when not needed and one that extends beyond the length you would use on level ground is very nice when going downhill. 2) It is my understanding that bamboo does not hold up to weather as well as a wooden one (there is some variance between types of wood as well) and if it dies on you in the midst of an AT hike you will have to become a wood or collapsible pole convert since bamboo is extremely scarce on the AT.

FWIW - I don't know what "Trapper Nelson's" is but if it is part of the State Park you mention I would determine whether harvesting bamboo for hiking poles was allowed before I made the trip. I know around here (NY) you are not supposed to remove any material from state parks. No, they wouldn't arrest me for taking a beach stone or fallen leaf home with me but if I started cutting saplings on state land, they'd get upset. Which brings us back to the thread about the LNT example we set for others to follow.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: KellyGoVols@aol.com 


  Here's a question for you guys:

  On one of my excursions here in Florida, I came across a beautiful Bamboo "hiking pole" that I fell in love with.  It was the right height and it's "handle" was of the perfect shape and size.  Of course, here in Florida, hiking poles are not a necessity.  However, it was good for poking at campfires, testing murky water for it's depth, etc.  I did a 14 mile "loop" walk, and didn't want to lose the pole, however, I didn't want to carry it. So, I left it by the side of the trail, with the intention of picking it up later.  After the 14 mile loop, my partner (not the boy) was soooo pissed that I wanted to walk another 1/2 mile down the trail where I left the "stick" to retrieve it.  I did get it back, and promptly lost it.  I think I left in the piece of junk Jaguar I sold.  Anyhoo, What's everyone's opinion of using this type of hiking pole?  Bamboo tends to weather well, I'm just concerned about it's sturdiness.  The reason I ask, is that these "poles" are readily available at a place called Trapper Nelson's on the Loxahatchee River, accessible by canoe only through Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound, Florida.  I reckon I could find myself a matching pair, if it's worth it.  Otherwise, I'll stick with my store bought sticks (Leki's).  

  If I could get people's opinions on this it would be greatly appreciated.

  Oh, yeah, and to make this off topic, I can always paint them icky green to match the countertops in my kitchen. Or better yet, put some lingerie on them.  And then I could go eat ice cream.  Something I don't think I would do to my Leki's.  

  GoVolsGoDean 
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