I Lived next to Glacier national Park for 20 years. Most of the time I just carried one pole when the hike was relatively easy or I was scrambling on a steep slope. I like having one hand free for many reasons. Coming DOWN a trail, having two sticks can be bice to help reduce the "impact" on your knees. I was 69 for the climb below. And yes putting your hand through the loop is a good idea---maybe life saving. I was climbing Reynolds Mountain in Glacier National Park one day with a very experienced climber. We were traversing a VERY steep section on the SE side of the mountain where two sticks was very good to have. We did this section right after lunch. I had looped left hand, my downhill hand, but forgot to loop my right, uphill hand. The trail was barely a foot wide and was mostly fine scree where footing was sketchy. At one point I needed to use my right hand to put on the rock wall and so I just dropped my stick!☹ I watched it go down the mountain. So I had to ascend the rest of the way up and come down with just one stick. NOT fun. So use those loops.
Thanks for the comment! There definitely is an advantage for using the sticks that is for sure. Sometimes we have to learn the hard way to see the benefit of the little things like loops, at least that’s the route I generally take 🤪. - Lance
Plus the tracking elastics on the pole 🧐lol. For me, one pole and small cone basket (doesn't get hung up in the bush). It's a third leg for small creek crossings and such. That and short strip of flagging tape on the strap, makes it easier to spot at night. When your gathering up to head back, left a few behind over the years when carrying a stretcher lol.
I used to be anti-trekking poles because I thought they were dorky and made me look weak. Then...I used them. I found myself making my own in the woods anyway by picking up a limb and using it, but since I hunt so much, that got tiresome. Now, I don't go into the woods without them. What used to take me half an hour trekking into one of my hunting sits, I know easily do in 10 minutes without no fear of tripping over anything in the dark of the pre-dawn 5:00 mornings. On top of all that, I noticed that I'd feel far less fatigued when I'd arrive at my hunting sit. I cross creeks much faster with them and me being responsible for the safety of anywhere from a dozen to over a hundred men on my sites, I feel smarter using them nowadays. We're taught that 3 points of contact are always safer than 2 points of contact. 4 points of contact are even better. I highly recommend them. I use Cascades' poles which offer the best bang for the buck.
Great comment, Thank you for the encouragement of using poles. I should use them more than I do! I agree that they play a big part in limiting overall fatigue and give a confidence boost on tricky ground. Thanks for the comment! - Lance
It took about two years of trial and error before I ended up realizing that one pole is perfect for me. Every individual is different and you have to do what works for you. - Joe
Hey guys new to the channel and love it so far! Where you guys located at and are you looking for another guy for help? I also have a TW. From Pittsburgh PA
I Lived next to Glacier national Park for 20 years. Most of the time I just carried one pole when the hike was relatively easy or I was scrambling on a steep slope. I like having one hand free for many reasons. Coming DOWN a trail, having two sticks can be bice to help reduce the "impact" on your knees. I was 69 for the climb below.
And yes putting your hand through the loop is a good idea---maybe life saving. I was climbing Reynolds Mountain in Glacier National Park one day with a very experienced climber. We were traversing a VERY steep section on the SE side of the mountain where two sticks was very good to have. We did this section right after lunch. I had looped left hand, my downhill hand, but forgot to loop my right, uphill hand. The trail was barely a foot wide and was mostly fine scree where footing was sketchy. At one point I needed to use my right hand to put on the rock wall and so I just dropped my stick!☹ I watched it go down the mountain. So I had to ascend the rest of the way up and come down with just one stick. NOT fun. So use those loops.
Thanks for the comment! There definitely is an advantage for using the sticks that is for sure. Sometimes we have to learn the hard way to see the benefit of the little things like loops, at least that’s the route I generally take 🤪. - Lance
Plus the tracking elastics on the pole 🧐lol. For me, one pole and small cone basket (doesn't get hung up in the bush). It's a third leg for small creek crossings and such. That and short strip of flagging tape on the strap, makes it easier to spot at night. When your gathering up to head back, left a few behind over the years when carrying a stretcher lol.
Awesome suggestions! You are absolutely correct when you say a third leg, creek crossing can be tricky. Thanks for the comment! - Lance
Yeah - I forgot to talk about the tracking elastics on the pole. I've mentioned that in another video though. Shame on me.....Joe
I used to be anti-trekking poles because I thought they were dorky and made me look weak. Then...I used them.
I found myself making my own in the woods anyway by picking up a limb and using it, but since I hunt so much, that got tiresome. Now, I don't go into the woods without them. What used to take me half an hour trekking into one of my hunting sits, I know easily do in 10 minutes without no fear of tripping over anything in the dark of the pre-dawn 5:00 mornings. On top of all that, I noticed that I'd feel far less fatigued when I'd arrive at my hunting sit.
I cross creeks much faster with them and me being responsible for the safety of anywhere from a dozen to over a hundred men on my sites, I feel smarter using them nowadays. We're taught that 3 points of contact are always safer than 2 points of contact. 4 points of contact are even better.
I highly recommend them. I use Cascades' poles which offer the best bang for the buck.
Great comment, Thank you for the encouragement of using poles. I should use them more than I do! I agree that they play a big part in limiting overall fatigue and give a confidence boost on tricky ground. Thanks for the comment! - Lance
It took about two years of trial and error before I ended up realizing that one pole is perfect for me. Every individual is different and you have to do what works for you. - Joe
Hey guys new to the channel and love it so far!
Where you guys located at and are you looking for another guy for help? I also have a TW. From Pittsburgh PA
We are on the Oregon coast. Thanks for watching! TW200 are awesome little motorcycles! - Lance