Re: [at-l] Hiking Poles/Sticks

[Sharon Sharpe <ssharpe@WELLESLEY.EDU>]

Hi Lynn

I will swear by two poles/sticks!  I happen to have the adjustable kind,
from Traks, I think.  They don't have shock absorbers or anything.  I have
bad knees and these things really help, esp on the down hills.  I particularly
like them for balance when I'm tired, and for probing those puddles to make
sure the rock you're about to step on is stable -- not that puddles have been
a problem this year.  Also good for approaching dogs....

Having said all that, I would suppose that any two sticks of the right length
(and you'll have to play with that to see what works for you) would be just
as helpful.  I like the ski pole grip with straps cuz you don't have to grip
the pole handle really, just swing it in your hand.  SOme folks don't like
having
both hands tied up that way, hard to get to a water bottle, etc.  But I use a
Camelback, so that's not an issue for me.

I wouldn't think of hiking without them now.... I have seen a lot of people
using ski poles - and you can get some old ones at garage sales for a couple
bucks.  I have the adjustments for length, but I don't ever change it really.

Best luck!

Sharon

At 12:06 PM 8/8/99 -0400, Lynn Setzer wrote:
>Gee whiz, I know we've been through this, but now it's my time to ask
>questions. ;-)
>
>For the first time ever, the Knee Gods decided to wreak havoc upon me  -- I
>seriously considered scooting on my arse for the last mile but decided
>instead just to cuss every step -- so I guess it's time to consider hiking
>sticks and poles.  I welcome any advice/opinion any of you care to serve up.
>
>My basic questions are:
>
>** are two poles *really* better than one?
>
>** is a regular, ole, wooden stick not as good as a hi-tech hiking pole?
>
>** is there anything to think about concerning the difference in handles?
>Wrist straps?  Other features?
>
>Seems that I recall someone on the list swearing by a bamboo hiking stick.
>
>
>Thanks, everyone (she said as she hobbled away from the PC).
>
>Lynn
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>

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