Walking Forum
Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: dinger on 09:02:50, 12/02/18
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Over the years ive refrained myself from using them, and wondered why some people use them especially on flat paths it seems more habit rather then needing them, but recently decending mountains/hills my knees are feeling the strain.
Do any of you guys not bother, and if you have them do you believe in paying silly prices just to save a few grams?
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I always used to say I would never use them until I fell down a few times.Not much flat round here but still handy in slippy conditions and on rocky stiles.Used to have a pricey Leki but now use an £8 mountain warehouse which has a cork handle.Just use the 1 and have noticed little real weight difference.
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Dinger, just wait till you get older, you'll want them then! Sounds from the knee strain you're heading that way.
My street has a slight hill going up to the main road and sometimes when I'm on my way to the shops I think I'd find it easier with my poles!
Geordie, try taking a bit more water with it! Seriously, I think one of the major things with selecting poles is how comfortable the hand grips feel to you. There were a few different makes and models to choose from when I bought mine (more coirrectly, when I got my wife to give me some for Christmas) and one or two I didn't feel happy with at all.
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I can understand why you query the cost. When I started to use sticks I bought a pair (aliminium) for a tenner, from a shop in Keswick. They worked fine until I wanted to move 'up' in quality. I managed to buy a 'better' pair (aluminimum again) for around £40 (retail they were about £100) but I didn't notice any difference in any way between the 'cheap' model and the 'expensive' one! I then wanted to move 'up' again, this time to carbon fibre. It was just a 'I want' consumer thing! I noted an Immeadiate difference however, they were lighter than the aliminium ones but still did the same job as my cheap sticks. They were from Alpkit, they only cost £40. Then I broke one (across a charging cows head, didn't stop her, she still biffed me!) and then snapped another one which became stuck between two rocks. I almost bought a new cheap pair but then decided to splash out on Pacerpoles. It was Percy's fault, he let me borrow his for a short time, last year at the Glenridding meet, after 10 minutes I was sold!
I bought the carbon fibre Pacerpoles, I thought they were expensive, about £90 and they still do the same job, but the holding position is different, which totally personally prefer.
On the the flat, I do not have to use them, but I am often too bone idle to put them away. They are very helpful if you fancy 'swaggering with a jaunty air' for a while, or feel the need to have them to hand to deter cows or wayward farmyard dogs.
For me, they prove to be the most useful on ascents, but especially descents. Due to the Pacerpoles hand grip design I can now push down on them to help me, rather than having to pull myself up, could make my arms ache as well. When I used standard grip poles I never felt properly in control, especially when climbing down. With the Pacerpoles I just feel they help me more when descending. One thing I have learned however is when coming down, make sure the pole sections are properly tightened, otherwise your body weight can make them become shorter than you want them to be. Not well explained but its all to do with the grip!!!
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My friend gave me one once, I used to walk her choc lab, and struggled to stay upright on icy ground. It helped. I tried it while out walking and although I don't have dodgy knees, it helped on rocky and muddy descents. However it annoyed me having to carry it around when I didn't need it. I don't bother with a pole now.
Ilona
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Over the years ive refrained myself from using them, and wondered why some people use them especially on flat paths it seems more habit rather then needing them, but recently decending mountains/hills my knees are feeling the strain.
Do any of you guys not bother, and if you have them do you believe in paying silly prices just to save a few grams?
They do help. IMHO. Although buying Lek's are over the top. Unless you have too much money. :D Plenty on the market especially now the Chinese are into the game. As for shock absorption a lot of Cr*p.
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They do help. IMHO. Although buying Lek's are over the top. Unless you have too much money. :D Plenty on the market especially now the Chinese are into the game. As for shock absorption a lot of Cr*p.
I have used them with and without shock absorbers over a long period. My present poles (pacers) do not have shocks but my last 2 pairs did. Your are entitled to your opinion but I cannot agree with you -I found using a set of poles with shocks properly and continuously for extended periods was an altogether more comfortable experience than conventional poles.
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Over the years ive refrained myself from using them, and wondered why some people use them especially on flat paths it seems more habit rather then needing them, but recently decending mountains/hills my knees are feeling the strain.
Do any of you guys not bother, and if you have them do you believe in paying silly prices just to save a few grams?
I've got some but I generally don't like them. If I'm going somewhere really wet like Dartmoor I'll take one as a way of working out deep bogs are but overall they get on my nerves.
I don't think one can deny that they do take the strain of the knees going downhill though so worth a punt to see if they help.
No I wouldn't pay a lot to save a few grams. I got them from Decathlon and they were cheap.
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I have only used one pole, bought in 2000. Basher with cork handle. O0
To me a walking pole is like a companion.
I feel lost without one.
Jon.
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I was told by a mountain leader how a woman broke her wrist with one on hes guided walks. Basically she had the strap around her wrist and pole got jammed in between a rock and she fell which resulted her hand twisted around the pole while she fell.
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I was told by a mountain leader how a woman broke her wrist with one on hes guided walks. Basically she had the strap around her wrist and pole got jammed in between a rock and she fell which resulted her hand twisted around the pole while she fell.
And did he tell you how many ankles did not get sprained or wrists weren’t broken because of a pole preventing a fall?
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It can work both ways really cant it? some times hands are needed and not wrapped around poles.
I'm not saying they are a bad thing, but I see many who have them for and wonder why especially on flat ground, like they are Nordic walking.
I just like to have my hands ready for unexpected fall, or getting map out, drinkimg ect with out hassle of 2 poles in my hand.
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Nordic walking as seen in parks etcetera is a form of aerobic exercise where the sticks are used in such a way as to encourage upper body and arm movement thus burning of more calories than by just using legs alone..
Did the Mountain Leader know how poles should be correctly held and did he guide the lady into doing so? Or was he a non user that just decided to blame the poles. In which case it may have been the users own fault.
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You don't get shown or taught on Ml course.
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If I was taking a guided walk, it would be there option but no way its the guides fault if accident occurs with them. I would advise to put them away for scrambles obviously.
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I just like to have my hands ready for unexpected fall, or getting map out, drinkimg ect with out hassle of 2 poles in my hand.
If you are using them properly the straps are around your wrists or base of your hands. When you need your hands for something you let go of the grips and your hands are free to do whatever you need to, with the poles dangling from your wrists. If they are a bit restricting while you do this, take a step or two forward so the poles are at a 45 degree angle behind you.
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I bought a pair of these for about £25 last year. They fulfill all my requirements and I don't see the point of spending more money.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brotree-2-Pack-Trekking-Walking-Poles-Hiking-Sticks-with-EVA-Foam-Grip-Flip-L/192264306278?hash=item2cc3d87e66:g:XscAAOSwxBdZgMBG
I would never again use anti-shock poles as I believe the shock absorbers absorb too much energy over a days walking.
I like to adjust the length of my poles to suit the gradient I am walking. The quickest and easiest way to do this is to use lever locks/cam locks/flip locks system rather than the twist lock system. I always found the twist lock system most unreliable. Too tight they can be extremely difficult to unlock. Too loose they can slip into each other causing an accident, especially on a steep descent. The lever locks have a much more positive locking action, can be set a lot tighter and are simple to unlock.
I never use the straps on a steep descent, using the poles only for stability. I've seen / heard of too many sprained wrists.
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I have used them with and without shock absorbers over a long period. My present poles (pacers) do not have shocks but my last 2 pairs did. Your are entitled to your opinion but I cannot agree with you -I found using a set of poles with shocks properly and continuously for extended periods was an altogether more comfortable experience than conventional poles.
Everyone to their opinion. ;D Although are you suggesting I use them incorrectly after 25+ years? ;)
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Everyone to their opinion. ;D Although are you suggesting I use them incorrectly after 25+ years? ;)
I reckon 90% of the folk I see are not using them correctly so who knows? 😁
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I think many people just not using them for the correct purposes ie rocky crags, ect .
Ive walked with groups who have them and they waving them around like swords faffing around when climbing over stiles almost taking individuals eyes out. :D
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I reckon 90% of the folk I see are not using them correctly so who knows? 😁
I must be in the upper 10 percentile then. ;D
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I always found the twist lock system most unreliable.
I never collapse my poles, I leave them permanently at the length I want them, but sometimes when I'm halfway through a day walk I discover that one, always the same one, has become about an inch shorter than the other. I loosen the lower twist joint, adjust the length and tighten it up again. Sometimes that is sufficient, other times I might have to do it three times during a walk. When either of my sons visits me, I get the offending pole out and we hold one of the lower sections each and twist hard in opposite directions. That sorts it for about three months or so before it starts happening again.
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I have found that carbon fibre poles with twist locks sometimes need a retighten after about the first 10 mins if the weather is particularly cold and the poles have been kept in a warm car.
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I reckon 90% of the folk I see are not using them correctly so who knows? 😁
O0 O0 O0 I agree.
Ive walked with groups who have them and they waving them around like swords faffing around when climbing over stiles almost taking individuals eyes out. :D
The most dangerous behavior I've seen around walking poles comes from people walking too close behind a pole user on a steep ascent. If a pole used for propulsion loses purchase, it usually stabs out backwards near eye level of the follower. I always keep a healthy distance from a poler in front of me on a steep ascent.
I loosen the lower twist joint, adjust the length and tighten it up again. Sometimes that is sufficient, other times I might have to do it three times during a walk. When either of my sons visits me, I get the offending pole out and we hold one of the lower sections each and twist hard in opposite directions. That sorts it for about three months or so before it starts happening again.
Why bother? Treat yourself to a pair of lever locks. You won't know the luxury.
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I have used poles for a number of years and they have prevented many a fall where the ground has been uneven etc. True I do not use them as per the perfectionists but they are helpful ascending and descending steep slopes particularly as one of my knees tends to have its 'off-days' I just buy cheap ones, last pair £8 for two from Go Outdoors, then if I happen to lose one it is not a major loss.
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Yes, lever locks I think are better but not a good enough reason for to go back to the old type of poles. Pity that Pacerpoles dont sell them with lever locks.
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Yes, lever locks I think are better but not a good enough reason for to go back to the old type of poles. Pity that Pacerpoles dont sell them with lever locks.
http://pacerpole.com/component/content/article/109
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Well, blow me down! I obviously missed that when I chose to buy mine.
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I find they help on uneven ground and they are useful for knocking brambles out of the way.
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I originally bought some very cheap ones, used them once or twice and never bothered with them much after that. They used to hurt my hands after a few hours and they were quite heavy.
Then I bought some of the previously mentioned Alpkit carbon fibre ones for 40 quid after trying my mates. Incredibly light and much more comfortable to use. I don't use them all the time but I find them useful in the following situations:
Walking on wet/slippery/boggy ground
Crossing streams. My balance isn't the best and I find them really useful when jumping from rock to rock.
Steep ascents and descents.
When carrying camping gear/heavy pack. It's nice to be able to just rest on them for a while to have a breather!
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I have a pair of fairly cheap Lekis. I find them invaluable to protect the knees on steep descents and I find they help the back on steep ascents (I carry too much stuff!). I never use them on the flat, especially on Tarmac as the tapping would drive me bonkers.
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I have a pair of fairly cheap Lekis. I find them invaluable to protect the knees on steep descents and I find they help the back on steep ascents (I carry too much stuff!). I never use them on the flat, especially on Tarmac as the tapping would drive me bonkers.
Put rubber tips on them. I have them on mine and only remove them for wet rock. Stops the tips sticking into the grass as well so you get get a proper drive off them.
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The cheap(budget) ones do the jobs just as well as expensive ones. On a day hike I don’t think the weight is important. I tend to use them backpacking because of the extra weight I’m carrying or walking in snow when on a day hike.
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Put rubber tips on them. I have them on mine and only remove them for wet rock. Stops the tips sticking into the grass as well so you get get a proper drive off them.
Tried that. Lost them. Tried again. Lost them. Gave up!
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Tried that. Lost them. Tried again. Lost them. Gave up!
Must try harder!
Actually I have lost 2 tips to peat bogs in the last 6 years. The secret is to buy tips that fit. The cheapo ones with the flat bases that are found in most outdoor stores are no good, they skid on grass, come off easily and wear out quickly. I use Leki tips or equivalent; they are rounded at the bottom and have a decent tread. They also take longer to wear out.
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I'm one of those people who always use their poles.
I noticed a massive difference in effort when walking with poles. As I tend not to slow down uphill I used to get out of breath and sweat more going uphill, but with poles I don't. They probably wouldn't make much difference on flat but they definitely do on gradient, whether it's up or down. I just keep using them on flat because I find it annoying putting them away and getting them out.
Mine are just cheap and cheerful as it's all I could afford at the time. I can't even remember what brand they are. I didn't and don't care.
My wife finds they help with her back pain when hiking too, so she regularly pinches them. Need to get her and the kids their own poles.
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I'm one of those people who always use their poles
Mine are just cheap and cheerful as it's all I could afford at the time. I can't even remember what brand they are. I didn't and don't care.
My wife finds they help with her back pain when hiking too, so she regularly pinches them. Need to get her and the kids their own poles.
Funny you say that. For the first time for years, on Tuesday I went for a decent walk without my poles. I had awful lower back pain for the rest of the day lasting well into the evening. I have 2 trips since on Thursday and Friday with poles and without problems.
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I actually stumbled across this forum looking up info on walking poles!
I snapped my achilles (good job, there was a 2cm gap between the ends) last summer, and boy is it a long rehab. Walking is now firmly back on the cards, and I am up to 10km+ again. Because of the mess I am in after the achilles my gait and bio-mechanics are all a bit of a to-do, and in the local charity shop at the weekend there was a nice pair of Leki walking poles for a fiver O0 Well it would have been rude not to eh?
So now I have to give them a go and see if I can get used to them, which is as much a mind shift as anything because (if I am honest) I may have slightly sneered at them before all this :-[
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The cheap(budget) ones do the jobs just as well as expensive ones. On a day hike I don’t think the weight is important. I tend to use them backpacking because of the extra weight I’m carrying or walking in snow when on a day hike.
Ditto. I got a pair of new Karrimor anti-shock carbons for £28 from ebay. Sports direct did them for a bit more. They do what I need them to do!
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I have some collapsable/quick lock carbon ones from Amazon and they are great even have cork grips, used them walking in Corfu in October and recently due to the snow and today the muddy thaw, they are without doubt brilliant for rocky mountain type paths and slippery undulating downhill surfaces. Wish I had bought them years ago.
Wild camping with a larger heavier rucksack I always use them to take the weight off my knees.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultralight-Trekking-3-Section-Telescopic-Walking/dp/B06XSBJJQG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1520184145&sr=8-4&keywords=carbon+trekking+pole&dpID=41KrxmjbBcL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultralight-Trekking-3-Section-Telescopic-Walking/dp/B06XSBJJQG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1520184145&sr=8-4&keywords=carbon+trekking+pole&dpID=41KrxmjbBcL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch)
£33 delivered!
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Love mine and won’t go walking without them now, tend to find il stumble or fall over a lot without them and won’t use them with straps around my wrists as prefer to hold them in my palm, feel happier this way