Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => Gear Questions, Information, Reviews and Competitions => Topic started by: KyleL on March 12, 2013
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Do you use walking poles?
If so, all the time or just when you are doing a steep hill walk, or in the snow?
Which make do you use?
If not, why not?
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You've covered all the bases there Kyle. Feel like I am obligated to reply!
I have a set of Craghoppers poles. I use them sometimes, normally only when walking with a full pack, and usually only for the downhill bit where they've stopped me going on my back side, lots.
If going up on my own for a day walk they'd go in too, mostly in case I have to limp off the hill myself. Thankfully that hasn't happened yet.
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I used to use them all the time, but rarely bother now, very handy when you crossing very boggy ground as they can be used to test water depth or make a mini pole vault, particulary handy for night hikes as its harder to see how deep the water is.
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Yes. I use them when mainly going down hill
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Again like the others only on steep descent or in the snow/craghoppers
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I bring mine for the tarp sometimes
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I don't use any because I'm not old and crippled yet.
Hopefully that will arrive 50 years from now
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I don't use any because I'm not old and crippled yet.
Hopefully that will arrive 50 years from now
It could be arranged for much earlier if there is any more of your cheek :P
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Catch me if you can ;)
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I used to use them all the time, but rarely bother now, very handy when you crossing very boggy ground as they can be used to test water depth or make a mini pole vault, particulary handy for night hikes as its harder to see how deep the water is.
Great idea !
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I broke my back 5 years ago and still have two herniated discs. I really believed my hill walking days were over until a friend of mine lent their poles last summer. I know i'm a special case ( or head case ) but they are brilliant fir taking the load off your lower back and keeping posture upright especially shen carrying a pack. Mine black diamond and they're a godsend as far as i'm concerned !
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I've tried using two poles a few times, but I find it more comfortable just using one. I got mine from Sports Direct, the only cost about 20 quid for the pair but they are a great job.
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Yup, agree, with a heavy pack (or a long distance walk) poles help keep your posture right (as long as you have them at the right height (elbow should be at right angles)...a pair is best to stop one leg getting tired, they are a god send coming down hills/crossing boggy patches.
I started with hand be downs from my dad, upgrade a couple of times, ended up getting a couple of ultra light Leki ones for £80...shouldn't have bothered...bent one coming down off Bearnagh...lost one third of one in the Bog of Donard (just came unscrewed...no idea were it went!).....ended up buying a £16 hazel walking staff in some garden shop, been using that ever since, love it (but I do miss the handles of the Leki, lovely to hold....but for £80 they better be!!)
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I use a couple of rank looking bright red ones from McCanns army surplus in smithfield market, they were a fiver each I think. I use them because they help my posture and i use them as bivi poles (main reason I use them) also handy for slippery bits, crossings and getting down hills safely.
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Just the one pole for me very handy over rough or slippy ground kinda like havin a third leg ;o)
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Well I didn't do what I said I do, and I left the poles in the car for the last camp in the snow:
slippy + descents + full pack - poles = a wet bum and more than a few near misses ::).
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Well I've made the decision and ordered a couple.I just got a cheap set of amazon - I wanted vango ones but 15quid per pole didn't add up well in my head when I can get some others for 12 quid a pair. We will see if I live to regret it.
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Happy days very handy for whacking unruly kids as well. :o)
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Glenn this written evidence won't fare you well in court.
I'll stick up for you anyway, nothing wrong with a little physical correction! :D
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Whackin' poles, isn't that how they say it out in Ballymena, hey. :D
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Ha Ha Ha Boom Boom.
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What made my mind up actually was a documentary I saw last night. Not sure what it was because I just caught the tail end of it but basically it was your average back-packer gets into trouble story. Wrecked his ankles and all sorts and hobbled home awkwardly using his tent poles as a walking stick.
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Walking poles and a tarp make a good versatile combo. Even if you dont wind up needing the poles to hobble, a nice sheltered rest under a tarp is hard to beat! Practically glamping
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That's true. I did also buy a tarp from BnQ for a fiver - primarily for an extra groundsheet under the tent but ill be practicing my tarp pitching too.
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I don't use any because I'm not old and crippled yet.
Hopefully that will arrive 50 years from now
I use them all the time. They say that they can relieve stress on the joints and yes Oisin that includes you at your younger years. You would get the most benefit as you would be starting earlier.
Here is a website that might interest you all:
http://www.simplyhike.co.uk/docs/ChoosingWalkingPoles.aspx
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Like it.
I've got some of my own now so looking forward to trying them out on Saturday.
Until then, I'll be continuing my House M.D impression.
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Like it.
I've got some of my own now so looking forward to trying them out on Saturday.
Aye plenty of kids about on Saturday.
Until then, I'll be continuing my House M.D impression.
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I do use walking poles. I use them when there is a steep part on a trek that I cant pull myself up and so I use them to help. I use Regatta anti- shock! 8)
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I'm converted. Tried them last weekend, great.