Re: [pct-l] How To Hike the PCT;trekking poles

[reynolds@ilan.com]

I use Lekki poles. We find the rubber tip to be best, not the carbide
point. The rubber tip seems to hold best when going up and down rocky
sections. Unfortunately, you can lose them in the snow and ooze. On a long
hike I would drill a hole and use a cotter pin. On a short hike I just
carry extras. Either way, the rubber tips wear out in a few hundred miles.

Last summer the family we hiked with had lightweight poles similer to the
$60 kind you describe. They were thrashed at the end of 100 miles. The tips
were split.The Lekki were unaffected. However I question if the slip
adjustment would last 2600 miles.

We have used both the spring and non spring, straight and non-straight
handle. There didn't seem to be much of a difference.

I have a BAD FEELING that these modern hiking poles, while a great idea for
one to two week backpacks, simply won't hold up for 2600 or even 1200
miles.


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