Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Re: considering trekking pole...

I have had two scopes to my left knee. The most recent this past April. Training was going great until this past Saturday. I won't bore you with the details, but let's just say I had a set back...

My question - is one trekking pole more trouble than it is worth? I have read much on the merits (and the cons) of two poles, but what about one? I will have my bow in the other hand. It would seem that even using just one would take some of the pressure off my "bad" knee.

Anybody have any experience in this department?

Nimrod,

I usually use just a singe trekking pole when hunting. Works great!

Ed T, got a brand you recommend? Or do you just wanna give me the one you're not using

I used a hiking staff when getting into rough vertical country. I've never used trecking poles, but find that one hiking staff makes a huge difference on the steep decents.

Mike.

I used one last year in Co. I had never had problems with my knees before. I had to borrow a friends set of Black Diamond poles and they made a world of difference. I used just one mainly but at times used them both. I have since bought a set of the Black Diamonds for myself for this years trip. Lightening my pack weight by about 15 lbs should help also.

Thanks guys.

One "expert" commented that poles take 10-12% of the weight off your knee. Of course, that is transfered to your upper body and you subsequently use more energy. With the shape that my knee is in, I think I'm willing to transfer what ever weight I can to my upper body. I've got to baby this thing if I'm going to continue our anual pilgrimige to the mountains for the next 30 years.

Time to start shopping for another piece of gear. When will it end....

I think poles help a ton while packing weight up hill. I started out using just one now I use two when I use them. Otherwise I have them strapped to my pack.

I think Black Diamond make the best ones with the flick lock system. Way better then the twist lock. And stay away from anti shock. They make a lot of noise.

I've had 5 knee surgeries in the last decade so I can certainly feel your pain.

I typically use one pole when packing a gun, unless it's really ugly steep then I'll use two.

I always use two poles when packing game and not packing a gun.

I do like the ones that you can adjust for height and I've used the Leki brand and liked them and have had them from Cabela's (blue in color) and have liked them.

Either way it's one of the things I won't leave camp without anymore.

Best of luck to ya!

Dober

Through injury, my left leg is weak. I purchased a pair of Black Diamond Spires. They work great. I collapse the lower leg extension, loop the straps and it's the perfect height for shooting sticks from the sitting position.

A single full length trecking pole then might be the best option.

I use a Kifaru Gun bearer so both my hands are free. I can then use two poles. Two poles really help me in steep country for going up hill and down. My knees aren't in the best shape, and either are my feet. Poles really help take the weight off. They do require more energy though, so it's a trade off. But in steep country, carrying heavy loads, I'm a big believer.

If you use a floorless tent or tarp for a shelter, you might be able to use trekking poles to replace your tent supports. If so, you've just shaved several ounces from your pack. Win-win.

What tuf and 222 rem said.
I use tyhe kifaru longhunter and 2 poles, makes a big difference. Then the poles get used in my kifaru para tipi or floorless golite tent when I get to base camp. If my day hunts are still hunting or not to taxing I dont use them from base camp each day. If I do use them and keep base camp set up some temporary sticks cut to aprox length work to hold the tent up while the poles are being used. I would never pack meat up or down hill without them. Good luck. Dean

I only use one trekking pole. My wife and I share a set basically. I find they get in the way when beating the brush even uphill with a heavy pack they are more trouble than they are worth in the brush. But once I break out of the brushline I unstrap them from my pack and we each use one while uphill. On flat or moderate hiking I don't use one as I only use it for the 3 points of contact on the hills. I don't see much value in 2 myself as I just switch the pole to the hand that needs that point of contact the most. I tried two before, but on the hills and climbing in the rocks I still like having that other hand free so I can him pull myself up by grabbing onto the rocks.

I like using just one pole for hunting. Keeps one hand free for quick glassing, eating, drinking etc on the move.

Black Diamonds are very good and my new recent favorites are the Gossemer Gear Litetrek 4's. The GG's are really spendy though, a bit over $150 a pair.

I do have a Komperdel 3 section Guide Staff thats like new. It doesn't get used so if you are interested you can have it for $30.
http://www.rei.com/REI-Outlet/product/749463

I also use 1 trekking pole when mountain hunting, wished I'd have started sooner in my hunting life. I bought a pair of the Leki Makalu Titanium poles and gave one to the wife, best hiking investment I ever made.

I need two poles as i tarp camp.
They are a great investment.

I never leave home w/o at least one trekking pole whenever I'm hunting big game or scouting for same.
If I'm back packing or carrying a heavy load, I carry two.
"Carrying" doesn't necessarily mean I'm using it. Often it/they are simply attached for those areas where I'll need it. But "areas where I'll need it can mean any steep climb and always a steep downhill. Snow and ice are other conditions where they are needed.
With a bad knee, I would not just carry at least one, I'd probably use two. E

Thanks for the offer Ed T, but you guys are making a pretty strong case for going with two. The ability to use them for the tarp is another advantage.

So if I'm going to go with two, what to do with my bow? I'm comfortable with the scabards/gunbearers for a rifle. But for some reason I just insist on having my bow in my hand.

I use a Granite Gear Flatbed and typically lash my tent and sleeping bag to the outside of it. Doesn't leave a lot of room for lashing a bow. I guess I could move the tent and bag into the load sling...

Anybody try the bow holster from Eberlestock? Looks like Kifaru discontinued their bow bearer.

Thanks again!

Why don't you strap the trekking pole to the side of your pack where it's easy to get too? I've never had the use for 2 poles but I always camp in a free standing tent, not a tarp.

I've done staff's, trekking poles, ski poles etc., over the years. Some years back I tried a cane as was amazed at what an outstanding hiking aid it is... I far and away prefer it over anything else I've used. My modest goal is to convert the entire hiking world to THE CANE!