Trekk Poles - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1 
									Howdy!! I am planning on hiking from Harpers Ferry to GA next year. I was just wondering is it necessary for trekk poles I have never used them for any other hiking adventure I've been on and I am afraid to spend the money and then not like them. Any feedback is appreciated!!



									_chelsea_
#2 
									When I was younger I thought they were a pain and liked to have my hands free but as I get older and my knees and balance aren't what they used to be I've come to rely on them for backpacking trips. I still do not like them on a day hike but when backpacking I love them. If you could try some out on a weekend hike it would be best or find a friend who has some and borrow them for the first week of you hike. If you like them then buy a pair and send the borrowed ones home. I also found that the cheaper ones are adequate.

									_Big B_
#3 
									My very unscientific observation is that everyone over 40 uses poles. On the CT this summer I did notice an increasing number of very fit, under 40s also using them.  Downhill I use them for balance and brakes, uphill I plant them and use my arms for a little extra oomph, night-time they are my tent poles.  They also work as back-scratchers to get at those hard to reach spots.

									_bowlegs_
#4 
									Hi Chelsea! I would highly recommend hiking poles on your hike. They will save your knees. You can also use them as a weapon if needed. Mine also was used to freestand my Henry Shire's Tarptent and to keep my Duct Tape on. My Black Diamond poles were $80. To see more of my equipment and journal, go to trailjournals/DreamWalker Ga.>Me. 2011  Happy Trails!:) 

									_DreamWalker_
#5 
									Hi Chelsea.  I started using trekking poles for the first time this year when I started training for the AT.  Until then I didn't use them.  I like using the poles for backpacking, but don't use them otherwise.  They sure help going up and down hills.  Not help on flat ground except for balance.  I am becoming a believer.  I am currently 58 years old.:) 

									_Patrick Bredlau_
#6 
									I hiked the Appalachian Trail with hiking poles and loved them. I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail with a hiking stick. It gave me the stability I needed and freed up one hand to swat those slow biting black flies or eat some trail mix as I was hiking. On my next hike I think I will use the hiking stick. You might give a hiking stick a try. It's a lot less expensive and if it doesn't work for you, you can get some trekking poles.

									_Wingo_
#7 
									I don't think that the use of hiking poles is age-dependant.  Jeff and I both used them on our first thruhike, and found they were indispensable.  We were 31 and 30 at the time.  I can't imagine backpacking without them, even as we've lightened out packs over the years and done other trails.  They really can save a lot of wear and tear on your body.

They’re not cheap (or if they are, you get what you pay for), but good ones will last nearly forever. Our Leki poles have something approaching 6000 miles on them, and all we’ve done for them is replace the carbide tips once after about 3500 miles, and the expander nuts after each thruhike. Those are cheap parts. I’m certain that these poles have many more thruhikes left in them. Probably many more than Jeff and I do!

									_Chipper_
#8 
									I would agree with what's mentioned here, I too have used and not used hiking poles. Hiking on a narrow trail in Hawaii, I didn't feel as though the poles were helpful, but there were times where they did come in handy and can be used as a weapon if need be! Depending on your budget you can find a good pair for less than $100 each pole. 

									_Wil_
#9 
									I hike about 30 miles a week on ga trails for the last year. I have been preparing for a thrue hike of the at. This is normally two 15 mile hikes back to back. I have a hiking partner she is 50 I am 67. I carry 27 lbs.

Getting to the point. these hikes are mountains leading to the at down from the at. the only time I or her have fell or been hurt is with hiking poles.
they get stuck and down you go . when you hike with out them your feet feel what is coming those poles have no feeling. Now maybe when you are flat landing on the trail they can help push you along but I consider that part resting and really do not need help. just my ideas and experience but every one goes their own path. just keep it clean.
Ed at drdata5@att.net

									_passing by_