Re[2]: [at-l] Hiking Poles

[tmcginnis@ucclan.state.in.us (Thomas McGinnis)]

     While not disagreeing with Saunterer, let me just point out that EVERY 
     one of those "features" available for those fancy hiking poles costs 
     $$$ AND costs OUNCES. Colin Fletcher's lowly bamboo pole might cost 
     $10, if you can find it; Warren Doyle's fav. cross country ski pole 
     might cost $5 from Salvation Army; and my favorite, the butt end of a 
     "Popping" pole (for catfish in the crick) is a great halfway, having a 
     metal joint fitting on the end. All these options weigh half or less 
     than "those fancy hiking poles." All that said, the aluminum Tracks I 
     bought was a fixed length (eliminating the FANTASTIC weight and 
     weakness of a joint), solid looking and "low tech" tip, nice knob on 
     top, but no camera screw; weighs only slightly more than aluminum, 
     costs $25.


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: [at-l] Hiking Poles
Author:  bullard@northnet.org at ima
Date:    3/9/99 9:55 PM


At 06:07 PM 3/9/99 -0800, Brody Dittemore wrote:
>Hey, I'm looking into purchasing a pair of those fancy hiking poles 
>companies sell these days. I've hiked with sticks that I've found along 
>trails for awhile now, and really enjoy it. I just don't enjoy having to 
>search for that "perfect" stick whenever my old one wears out or breaks. 
>I've looked at a few Leki poles, and I like them, but how do they compare 
>to other brands, such as MSR/Gabel's, or Komperdell's, or Track's? Are then 
>any other manufacturers that make nice poles that I haven't heard about? 
>Any bad experiences? Besides for that, well...thanks for your help and have 
>a good one.
>
>Brody.
>
Recently I found my perfect pole. I only use one when hiking and I've had 
several. I wanted a 3 section pole to collapse as small as possible that 
has a carbide tip, snow/mud basket and a camera screw under the knob. As a 
bonus I got a foam grip, a shock absorber that can be turned on/off, and a 
composition cork knob. I found it at EMS. It was their own brand made for 
them in Europe. Yeah, I know they're a chain, but they are also a 'local' 
outfitter for me and no other local dealer had exactly I wanted. 
     
"Perfect" is a very personal definition. Think about how you will use your 
pole or poles. Do you want grip handles or a knob on top? A knob is nice 
when going downhill. You can plant the pole ahead of you without contorting 
your wrist. Do you want a camera mount? How many sections? What kind of 
locks? If you've been using poles, you must know what you don't like about 
them and probably have a wish list of features for your replacements. 
Decide what you want, then go find it. 
     
Saunterer
* From the Appalachian Trail Mailing List |  http://www.backcountry.net  *
* From the Appalachian Trail Mailing List |  http://www.backcountry.net  *

==============================================================================