Thank you for your thoughts on trekking poles. At 74, I need them for balance on rocky trails, but if you’ve got good balance and a strong body it makes a big difference. I found it interesting that you stated that you’re more careful with each step and are a bit slower. You’re definitely focusing on the journey, not the destination, and you’re meeting and taking the time to have meaningful conversations with people along the way. You’ve touched a lot of people in a good way Captain Jack!
Your vlogs have gotten more and more impressive. Great editing! Congrats on your sobriety and may God continue to bless your hike! Thanks for all the hard work you put into entertaining us. Enjoy your travels!!!!!
I tripped over a trekking pole one time and had a nasty spill so I am not really a fan of trekking poles. I know they have their place but I much prefer like you, to have my hands free. Also, like you said, we all have to do ourselves. I feel my balance is better without the trekking poles.😳 what a good man that put you up and fed you like he did! Awesomeness. I too, am heartbroken over the devastation down south. But rest assured there are a lot of wonderful people working on the trail to try to get it back open so hopefully it will be ready for you when you hike through.. ❤❤❤❤❤
Good thoughts on trekking poles. I appreciate your insight and perspective. An injury I received last October 7th was the result of a pole wrapped around my left wrist which prevented me from using my hand and arm to break my fall down a ravine. I severely dislocated my middle finger on three joints. After months of physical therapy I still have only about 70 percent of the strength I had prior to the accident (and I’m left handed) and my grip is never to return - yup, getting old sucks! But I’m not going to let this interfere with my enjoyment of hiking and rucking in the great outdoors. Everyday is a blessing!😊
A wonderful explanation regarding trekking poles. You definitely have become adapt at hiking with and without poles! It’s super heartbreaking when you get to lower Virginia through North Carolina and bits of Tennessee. Lots of people are stopping and helping when they are hiking.
I used to be a big anti-trekking pole guy. Then one time in the Whites on one of the big descents somebody had to leave the trail for a family emergency and gave me theirs. At the bottom of the mountain I could tell that my knees and ankles felt better. I think that if used properly, they can take a lot of stress off your knees and ankles. There are definitely some downsides to trekking poles, though: 1/ Weight and having to carry them even when you're not using them 2/ As you pointed out, requires upper body energy, so overall you're burning more calories and using more energy when using your arms for stability. It may not seem like much, but after a few 20-mile days you can feel it. 3/ The carbon poles may be lighter than aluminum, but they break easier and have to be replaced. So of course the manufacturers want to sell you on the carbon poles. 4/ After many miles of hiking, the cork grips absorb the sodium from your palms and a lot of times at the shelters, porcupines will try to eat 'em. [EDIT: Just wanted to add that I was digging your product recommendations. I always try to get my gear recommends from real thru-hikers instead of the manufacturers, so that part was cool.]
Glad you were able to get some warmer clothing. I wish i had the money to sponsor you but i don't. Thanks for sharing the information on the trekking poles. I was walking down by the lake a couple of months ago and apparently poked a bee hive with a trekking pole. I had a few angry bee's attacking me. Hey that evening meal on your dinner plate looks healthy, delicious and nutritious. 😋 What a blessing. ❤ Enjoy your rest and stay. 🙏
🚶👟👟⛺🌞 glad you got you a good place to stay with Tom glad you getting that warmer gear because it is getting cold you're doing amazing out there man stay safe and happy hiking 💯💪🏆🏆🏆 AKA Louisiana mountain man
Enjoyed your little chat about trekking poles and your experience that was actually very interesting. The puffer pants I’ve never used those definitely something to have as the weather gets colder at fella you’re staying with did he hike the trail at one time or he’s just a friend hikers what a nice guy, thanks Jack
Nice , casual talk about treking poles. Definitely a personal usage choice. All in all , your blue eyes look clear and bright with anticipation of continuing the hike in warmer clothes. Be safe and healthy ❤️
Trail Angel Tom is a wonderful cook, from the looks of the food he prepared....your videos continue to get better and better, and I love this one where you look directly into the camera and discuss why you decided that treking poles did not work for you...thank you for all the time and effort you put into allowing all 6.26 thousand of us subscribers to follow your hike --
Great explanation. I definitely need mine most of the time. However, there are times I don’t use the, especially when flat and rocky. Happy trails.🤟🏻🥾🏔
Thank you for trekking poles 101, very nice elaboration,I got the “ snarky “ reply… ROFL. No harm no foul, didn’t even take it that way. nice to have warm town food meals in the chilly damp weather! Glad you got warm clothes coming too! 🙏❤️
The trekking poles discussion was good. While there’s no question that the central thing here is the hike and great video work that you do, I for one wouldn’t mind if you waxed philosophical about things like this once in a while. Cogent, articulate, well-reasoned discussion. But it’s all good!
Man, those meals at Tom's look delicious! Ramdino has been posting updates on his channel about the condition of the A.T. in VA, TN, NC. He's talking with hostel owners and the ATC and getting the scoop. From what I can gather, the trail is open from Springer mountain in GA through the Smokies, but after that it is closed in Pisgah forest and other forests up to about Pearisburg, VA. By the time you get to Virginia, hopefully more will have opened up.
We live in Georgia and I can ditto it's open here. And we were in the Smokies last week and it was open around Fontana Dam into GSMNP. We were also at Newfound Gap and it was open north and south there. Just not sure about the far eastern part, especially with I-40 being closed. Hopefully it will be in better shape as you come south. You could always bypass the parts in VA and TN and hopefully finish up the Smokies and then head south.
Dude, you are so at peace out there hiking. Im heading up to the Appalachians this weeked north of the smokies to backpack. Cant wait to experience what you have been for your journey. Cheers!
I am loving watching your videos and seeing all the places I have hiked, I remember hiking by the trekking pole house, didn’t stay though. Amazing hike you are having. Hike on. Otter🦦🦦🦦🦦
I am so proud of you You are doing awesome ❤ Those warm clothes look really nice and warm. Going to have to look them up. My husband is always cold. Hubby go's in for a long and very difficult surgery. Maybe clothing like this would help to keep him warm.
You looked like you were walking different in the last video. Took a second to realize what the difference was . No poles. You looked stronger . I also don’t use poles . I like to keep my hands free . I have found way less injury also without the poles.
I noticed you weren’t using the poles on the LT! Glad it’s working out for you. I have been debating using them on my next hike because I feel like they make you a lot louder on trail… they scare away all the wildlife! Have you noticed that you see more wildlife without the poles rather than with them?
I’ve never used 2 poles and not sure I would want to. The only time I use a pole is if there is a lot of ascent. From the videos I’ve watched this year, not sure why hikers keep them out while bouldering. They are just in the way. Good explanations! Love your videos!
I’ve averaged near 2K miles a year for near decades and never use poles. Everyone nowadays thinks they’re required (exactly like big hiking boots in the 80s). They’re a perfect tool for those that need it, absolutely use them, but most people aren’t even using them properly and don’t even need them. It’s a tremendous waste and damage to trails.
That's what my husband says too! We hike with one pole each and I have a camera going. I don't use a pole on the flat. But my husband always uses one because he fell and broke his leg in 2021 and he's convinced if he had been using a pole he wouldn't have fallen. We are also twice your age!
Thank you for your thoughts on trekking poles. At 74, I need them for balance on rocky trails, but if you’ve got good balance and a strong body it makes a big difference. I found it interesting that you stated that you’re more careful with each step and are a bit slower. You’re definitely focusing on the journey, not the destination, and you’re meeting and taking the time to have meaningful conversations with people along the way. You’ve touched a lot of people in a good way Captain Jack!
Your vlogs have gotten more and more impressive. Great editing! Congrats on your sobriety and may God continue to bless your hike! Thanks for all the hard work you put into entertaining us. Enjoy your travels!!!!!
Ditto
I tripped over a trekking pole one time and had a nasty spill so I am not really a fan of trekking poles. I know they have their place but I much prefer like you, to have my hands free. Also, like you said, we all have to do ourselves. I feel my balance is better without the trekking poles.😳 what a good man that put you up and fed you like he did! Awesomeness. I too, am heartbroken over the devastation down south. But rest assured there are a lot of wonderful people working on the trail to try to get it back open so hopefully it will be ready for you when you hike through.. ❤❤❤❤❤
Good thoughts on trekking poles. I appreciate your insight and perspective. An injury I received last October 7th was the result of a pole wrapped around my left wrist which prevented me from using my hand and arm to break my fall down a ravine. I severely dislocated my middle finger on three joints. After months of physical therapy I still have only about 70 percent of the strength I had prior to the accident (and I’m left handed) and my grip is never to return - yup, getting old sucks! But I’m not going to let this interfere with my enjoyment of hiking and rucking in the great outdoors. Everyday is a blessing!😊
A wonderful explanation regarding trekking poles. You definitely have become adapt at hiking with and without poles! It’s super heartbreaking when you get to lower Virginia through North Carolina and bits of Tennessee. Lots of people are stopping and helping when they are hiking.
I used to be a big anti-trekking pole guy. Then one time in the Whites on one of the big descents somebody had to leave the trail for a family emergency and gave me theirs. At the bottom of the mountain I could tell that my knees and ankles felt better. I think that if used properly, they can take a lot of stress off your knees and ankles. There are definitely some downsides to trekking poles, though: 1/ Weight and having to carry them even when you're not using them 2/ As you pointed out, requires upper body energy, so overall you're burning more calories and using more energy when using your arms for stability. It may not seem like much, but after a few 20-mile days you can feel it. 3/ The carbon poles may be lighter than aluminum, but they break easier and have to be replaced. So of course the manufacturers want to sell you on the carbon poles. 4/ After many miles of hiking, the cork grips absorb the sodium from your palms and a lot of times at the shelters, porcupines will try to eat 'em.
[EDIT: Just wanted to add that I was digging your product recommendations. I always try to get my gear recommends from real thru-hikers instead of the manufacturers, so that part was cool.]
Poles explanation was great. Hike your hike. Zero well, neat clothes coming. Sobo strong👍👍👍
You have a lot of great people on the trail you are blessed 🙏
Glad you grabs some warmer cloths . Hike On :)
Thanks for the trekking pole tboughts. AT 69 they help with overall balance, but there is definitely times to put them away.
Glad you were able to get some warmer clothing. I wish i had the money to sponsor you but i don't. Thanks for sharing the information on the trekking poles. I was walking down by the lake a couple of months ago and apparently poked a bee hive with a trekking pole. I had a few angry bee's attacking me. Hey that evening meal on your dinner plate looks healthy, delicious and nutritious. 😋 What a blessing. ❤ Enjoy your rest and stay. 🙏
🚶👟👟⛺🌞 glad you got you a good place to stay with Tom glad you getting that warmer gear because it is getting cold you're doing amazing out there man stay safe and happy hiking 💯💪🏆🏆🏆 AKA Louisiana mountain man
Wow, Tom lives in a beautiful place! I've finally calmed down enough to enjoy your show again. Glad to check in.
amen jack be well
Enjoyed your little chat about trekking poles and your experience that was actually very interesting. The puffer pants I’ve never used those definitely something to have as the weather gets colder at fella you’re staying with did he hike the trail at one time or he’s just a friend hikers what a nice guy, thanks Jack
Nice , casual talk about treking poles. Definitely a personal usage choice. All in all , your blue eyes look clear and bright with anticipation of continuing the hike in warmer clothes. Be safe and healthy ❤️
Trail Angel Tom is a wonderful cook, from the looks of the food he prepared....your videos continue to get better and better, and I love this one where you look directly into the camera and discuss why you decided that treking poles did not work for you...thank you for all the time and effort you put into allowing all 6.26 thousand of us subscribers to follow your hike --
Thanks for sharing, very interesting!
Great explanation. I definitely need mine most of the time. However, there are times I don’t use the, especially when flat and rocky. Happy trails.🤟🏻🥾🏔
Thank you for trekking poles 101, very nice elaboration,I got the “ snarky “ reply… ROFL. No harm no foul, didn’t even take it that way. nice to have warm town food meals in the chilly damp weather! Glad you got warm clothes coming too! 🙏❤️
Lmao
I felt a little rude afterwards. Glad you didn’t take it that way.
The trekking poles discussion was good. While there’s no question that the central thing here is the hike and great video work that you do, I for one wouldn’t mind if you waxed philosophical about things like this once in a while. Cogent, articulate, well-reasoned discussion. But it’s all good!
Man, those meals at Tom's look delicious! Ramdino has been posting updates on his channel about the condition of the A.T. in VA, TN, NC. He's talking with hostel owners and the ATC and getting the scoop. From what I can gather, the trail is open from Springer mountain in GA through the Smokies, but after that it is closed in Pisgah forest and other forests up to about Pearisburg, VA. By the time you get to Virginia, hopefully more will have opened up.
We live in Georgia and I can ditto it's open here. And we were in the Smokies last week and it was open around Fontana Dam into GSMNP. We were also at Newfound Gap and it was open north and south there. Just not sure about the far eastern part, especially with I-40 being closed. Hopefully it will be in better shape as you come south. You could always bypass the parts in VA and TN and hopefully finish up the Smokies and then head south.
Dude, you are so at peace out there hiking. Im heading up to the Appalachians this weeked north of the smokies to backpack. Cant wait to experience what you have been for your journey. Cheers!
I am loving watching your videos and seeing all the places I have hiked, I remember hiking by the trekking pole house, didn’t stay though. Amazing hike you are having. Hike on. Otter🦦🦦🦦🦦
Good info on the trekking poles
Hiking is a very personalized sport. I took some of my worst spills when I used 2 poles. Now I don't. But HYOH
I am so proud of you
You are doing awesome ❤
Those warm clothes look really nice and warm. Going to have to look them up. My husband is always cold.
Hubby go's in for a long and very difficult surgery.
Maybe clothing like this would help to keep him warm.
You looked like you were walking different in the last video. Took a second to realize what the difference was .
No poles. You looked stronger .
I also don’t use poles . I like to keep my hands free . I have found way less injury also without the poles.
I noticed you weren’t using the poles on the LT! Glad it’s working out for you. I have been debating using them on my next hike because I feel like they make you a lot louder on trail… they scare away all the wildlife! Have you noticed that you see more wildlife without the poles rather than with them?
I’ve never used 2 poles and not sure I would want to. The only time I use a pole is if there is a lot of ascent. From the videos I’ve watched this year, not sure why hikers keep them out while bouldering. They are just in the way. Good explanations! Love your videos!
I’ve averaged near 2K miles a year for near decades and never use poles. Everyone nowadays thinks they’re required (exactly like big hiking boots in the 80s).
They’re a perfect tool for those that need it, absolutely use them, but most people aren’t even using them properly and don’t even need them. It’s a tremendous waste and damage to trails.
Be careful hiking with your hands in your pockets, you have no way to catch yourself if you fall. You might bust your face, be careful!
That's what my husband says too! We hike with one pole each and I have a camera going. I don't use a pole on the flat. But my husband always uses one because he fell and broke his leg in 2021 and he's convinced if he had been using a pole he wouldn't have fallen. We are also twice your age!