markr1963

Cheers guys and gal

Where's the best(cheapest) place to get them from?

Mark

[Edited by markr1963 - 8/1/2003 12:24:33 PM]

ChrisB

Not sure of where to go in Derby these days, but if you have a independant outdoor pursuits shop that would be a good place to start. My local shop is great for good advice as all the staff are walkers, climbers etc so know what works.

Cotswold offer a few, so you can get an idea of price before going shopping.

Field & Trek also have a good selection. If this link doesn't work, search for Trekking Poles.

Choice of carbon fire, Ti or alu. Some have anti-shock dampers built in

HTH,

Chris.

[Edited by ChrisB - 8/1/2003 10:22:33 PM]

worley

If you're looking for some good shops in Derbyshire, try Bakewell or Hathersedge - plenty of shops to choose from and always friendly with a bit of advice.

Nik

Spelling

[Edited by worley - 8/1/2003 10:36:20 PM]

markr1963

Anyone use them? Doing a walking holiday in the Canaries at the end of September that, by my standards, is fairly intense.

So, are they any good? If so, any recommendations?

Feeling de-mob happy already

Mark

uksti

I used 2 Leki for the Inca trail - thousands of steps, yet I could still walk (and bend my knees) afterwards.

Takes a bit of getting used to but great for leaning on going up or down (could take a bird for this but they're easier to pack )

or you could get a bamboo pole - much cheaper and a friend used it on the same trail.

Puff The Magic Wagon!

iTrader: (2)

Used Lekis on reverse Coast - Coast & very happy with them, they do help

Used one only but some lads walking roughly our route (nicknamed the Four Horsemen Of The Apocolypse ) were running 2 each & sounded like large spiders clacking along!

Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

Another vote for Leki's here. They do a handy little rubber bit that you can fit on the end of the pole for use on hard surfaces like tarmac which is very useful if you have to well, er walk on tarmac

MarkCSC

If you have a pack they really help. Takes so much weight off your back. Best to get two. You look like a pleb but you'll feel better at the end of a long hike.

T_Bird

uksti - he is taking a bird with him and she needs to get up and down!

Any specific recommendations about what to look for in a set of poles and price expectations?

Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

I got mine in Millets, look under accessories

markr1963

Thanks again chaps & chap-ettes

I've just checked out the sites. Choice is a bit bewildering

Mark

MarkO

When we did Ben Nevis about 3 weeks ago, I saw loads of people out with trekking poles (and a fair number with ski poles who clearly thought they'd do the trick ).

I have to say, I really can't see the point?!

I can manage to walk perfectly well without the use of poles, and the light-weight ones that a lot of people had were visibly flexing, so weren't exactly going to take their weight if they leant on them.

When I'm walking, I prefer to keep my hands free, particularly on uneven ground. I just got the impression that a lot of people had the trekking poles (walking sticks? ) to be pretentious, and to look the part. i.e., All the gear, but no idea.

Seems like a total gimmick to me...

T_Bird

Unfortunately I've been in the position of not being able to walk (properly) by the end of a walk. And before you say I shouldn't have taken on something I wasn't able to finish, I can assure you that I thought all my bits were working and fit for a moderate walk. I now know better, and will be taking poles, to take the strain off my knees,etc, in the hope that I don't get left behind on any walk or end up in pain - I'd hate to spoil a great holiday.

ozzy

Like Mark, I've never used them as I don't like carrying stuff in my hands just in case I take a tumble. Knowing my luck I'd land @rse first on one of them anyway

They certainly aren't a gimmick and take a heck of a load off your knees. Just how much you need them depends on the state of your knees, muscle development in your legs, technique climbing or descending and how much weight your carrying in a Bergen/Rucksac.

When I first started bagging munros last year, my knees took a pounding, but I was doing 1-2 each weekend so that quickly got my legs used to it.

I'm planning on bagging 36 munros over 4-5 days this weekend and since I'll be carrying all my gear, I'm seriously considering trying them out.

Edited to say, like everything there's a technique to using them. I imagine some walkers have them coz they've got all the rest of the gear, but if you learn how to use them properly they will help.

Stefan

[Edited by ozzy - 04/08/2003 15:38:55]

blueE9

used them on Mt Blanc and definitely felt the benefit, esp with a pack. i wouldn't stress too much abt what sort you get tho, they're all pretty much the same.

ozzy

yeah, like most activities manufacturers will have spec sheets as long as your arm about something as simple as a trekking pole.

There's no need spend £100+ just coz it's made of carbon fibre. You'd be better of ditching any unnecessary gear from your pack first before trying to shave 50g off the pole.

Just get ones that feel comfortable and are easy to adjust for your height.

Stefan

flat4

Mark, i did an ad for Yeomans (on the spot in Derby) recently for an offer on walking poles, i had them in the office to photograph and they seemed ok to use - adjustable, rubber feet you could take off and i don't think they were that expensive, something like 10-15 quid


kev

T_Bird

Thanks to everyone for their helpful advice, especially Stefan. I've now bought some poles from Outside at Hathersage. A pair of Leki Ultra lite Ergos - should be the bee's knees. £70 for 2. I'll let you all know how they go when we test them out in the canaries.

T

T_Bird

I had a test walk around Carsington on the weekend. The bees knees, and I enjoyed the fuller body workout. I'll be trying something hillier before we get to the Canaries.