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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,571
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,571 |
Thanks for all the imput! I can see from all that carry alot of weight that you all say it makes a big difference. I won't be worrying about carrying that kind of weight!!! Lucky I can still get help from family members. Just looking for more stability, up,down, and side tracking. Most weight 20 to 25lbs counting the rifle. And it seems they will definitely be an asset to own.
Take care, Willie
Cry to the heavens and let slip the dogs of war. For they must feed on the bones of tyranny. In order for men to have freedom and liberty.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,529 Likes: 24
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,529 Likes: 24 |
It's not just weight, it's the angle. Particularly when coming down a steep hill, they can take a lot of strain off your knees.
βIn a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.β β George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 13,860
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 13,860 |
Another reason is to enable you to stay on your feet. 2 days of rain followed by a cold front and a trail full of icy rocks and about 4 thousand vertical feet of gain and loss can be a tad dicey, even with microspikes.
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 12,244 Likes: 12
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 12,244 Likes: 12 |
I've learned 2 poles is like having 4 wheel drive in many places. Helps tremendously especially when carrying something heavy on uneven ground. +1 ... Just started using trekking poles last year. Did all of my practice hikes with two poles. So, when it came time to hit the mountains for elk, using two poles felt natural. Another vote for Black Diamond with Flick Locks...
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,575
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,575 |
+10 on all the positive posts. Trekking poles are one of the top outdoor products I've used in 50 years. right there with quality boots. The load they take off and the increased stability in rough country must be felt to be believed. I have a $50 Cabela's set and they have been through hell and back. I don't plan to be without them.
Double the above if you're over 45 ...
I do not entertain hypotheticals. The world itself is vexing enough. -- Col. Stonehill
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,263
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,263 |
Did it for over 20years without good poles, just a branch every so often. Poles kick ass. Wish I'd had known how helpful they were years ago. Good ones (carbon $$) are necessary, if you don't want to bust them, and be able to quickly adjust for the incline. Also, light is better as who wants to carry otherwise useless crap around..
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,037
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,037 |
Love my Stoney Point Monopods. http://www.stoneypoint.com/products/mp_explorer_monopod.htmlThey have been very reliable. Tough. usually use two to pack into hunting area. Then one supports my shelter qand the other one goes hunting and doubles as a shooting and binocular rest. Never met anyone yet that can out glass me. Adjust Mono Pod to desired height while sitting to glass. Y yoke make an excellent bino rest. One glassed for 6 hrs and produced a dandy 180+ inch Muley Buck. Would have never seen him hqad I not been so comfotable glassing. Even the use of just one hiking staff is a tremondous help packing out meat. Provides excellent ballance and rest ability. I never hunt without at least one. And two always go on overnight trips.
Your Every Liberal vote promotes Socialism and is an attack on the Second Amendment. You will suffer the consequences.
GOA,Idaho2AIAlliance,AmericanFirearmsAssociation,IdahoTrappersAssociation,FoundationForWildlifeManagement ID and MT.
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 24,384 Likes: 16
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 24,384 Likes: 16 |
saved my ass many a time hiking on loose shale, wet branches and rocks, icy conditions.
Shot a buck in MT this year deep down in a big break. By the time I got him boned out rain and snow moved in and getting dark. Those who hunt the MT breaks know how slick they get in the rain. BD hiking poles helped me pack that buck out of the slick and wet breaks.
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,037
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,037 |
Mine slipped this year, but only when wet and some serious pushing on them.. I'm sure I could just tighten it a bit and it wouldn't budge. They slipped when climbing with this.. ~130lbs of meat alone. Probably the heaviest pack I've ever carried. I used a nice pair of Lekis this summer for a while, abused the hell out of them and they held up. Like the Black Diamonds el. carbon contours better though. ![[Linked Image]](https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/182084_4111826752977_1910907_n.jpg) But a better couple photos of the Black Diamonds.. ![[Linked Image]](https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/r270/31034_4150812887606_1869297634_n.jpg) Greenhorn, Is that a Stone Glacier pack that goat is in?
Your Every Liberal vote promotes Socialism and is an attack on the Second Amendment. You will suffer the consequences.
GOA,Idaho2AIAlliance,AmericanFirearmsAssociation,IdahoTrappersAssociation,FoundationForWildlifeManagement ID and MT.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,529 Likes: 24
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,529 Likes: 24 |
I've posted this pic before for other reasons, but it also applies to poles. Coming off that steep thing, a pole is invaluable for several reasons...not the least of which is that white lead llama. He has a habit of hanging his head over my shoulder and pushing me coming down. I use the pole to whack him on the legs to back him off. ![[Linked Image]](http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n267/rockchuck/llamas2LR.jpg)
βIn a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.β β George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,575
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,575 |
Good to know! Llama-whacking abilities can probably be expanded to other species. I frequently vex rattlesnakes with mine when a better photography position is needed.
I do not entertain hypotheticals. The world itself is vexing enough. -- Col. Stonehill
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,716 Likes: 1
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,716 Likes: 1 |
Black Diamond Boundary: only one length adjuster per side, and large tubes. If you take the time to cut what you don't need off the end of the lower section, you make them quite short, certainly short enough to not extend past the top of a pack when strapped on.
Price is right too.
If it's steep snotgrass or hard shale chutes, then you want an ice axe. 100CM works for me both as an arresting and walking aid, and you can get one from SMC.
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,418
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,418 |
I don't care what anyone says, I think they're a waste of money. Use a walking stick? For sure. Cut the damn thing in the woods. If necessary, cut it at home & then take it with you. Bear in Fairbanks
"Unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes." Amazingly, I've lived long enough to see a President who is worse than Carter. And finally, Gun control means using two hands.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,575
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,575 |
I know carbon fiber ones are the bee's knees, but the aluminum ones are good, too. Would rather have cheap aluminum ones than a cut stick.
I do not entertain hypotheticals. The world itself is vexing enough. -- Col. Stonehill
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 24,384 Likes: 16
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 24,384 Likes: 16 |
hard to find a cut walking stick with ergo cork handles and straps.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,575
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,575 |
My point exactly. The grip angle means everything. I also like the shock absorber type of pole.
I do not entertain hypotheticals. The world itself is vexing enough. -- Col. Stonehill
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,082
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,082 |
I have a pair of Black Diamond Trail Shocks with flip locks. Yeah, I know, a lot of folks think the shocks are just a gimmick and I wouldn't argue one way or the other. But, I like the fact that they are quiet and adjust out to the length of a walking stick which I probably use 50% of the time (packing the other pole). But when I'm climbing, it is hard to beat 2 sticks. Talus is correct, the grip angle is important especially when climbing and/or descending.
Start young, hunt hard, and enjoy God's bounty.
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,327
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,327 |
I don't care what anyone says, I think they're a waste of money. Use a walking stick? For sure. Cut the damn thing in the woods. If necessary, cut it at home & then take it with you. Bear in Fairbanks You've mentioned this several times. Why don't you go to Wallyworld, gamble $15 and try them out. If you hate them, give 'em to the local boy scouts, heck you're out $15 and proved your point. If you REALLY try them out I bet you'll soon be shopping for some "better" ones.
Gloria In Excelsis Deo!As far as gear goes.. The poorer (or cheaper) you are, the tougher you need to be. gpopecustomknives.com
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,327
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,327 |
Every time I look at this photo it makes me smile!
Gloria In Excelsis Deo!As far as gear goes.. The poorer (or cheaper) you are, the tougher you need to be. gpopecustomknives.com
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8,210 Likes: 1
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8,210 Likes: 1 |
Black Diamond. Can't remember the model. Elliptically shaped. Designed for heavy guys like me. Used them since 2007. Great poles.
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