Hiking Thread

[M_Six]

Our local lake has some decent trails around it, but there are parts that get very steep and there are tons of roots and such. I'm thinking of getting a hiking pole because I'm not as sure-footed as I used to be. But they range from $20 to $200. Does anyone here use a hiking pole? Any recommendations? I don't mind spending the money for a good one as the last thing I want is for it to snap right when I need it the most.

[e61it]

I've use one of these for a long time. I have the one with a full handle, the more expensive one. You might want to try different handles based on your specific needs.

https://www.rei.com/search?q=trekking+poles+-+leki

[Tuxedo]

I have used them and in the minority don't like them. if I know I'll be in steep like terrain I prefer wearing gloves and lowering my center of gravity. In long distance hiking I felt I used more calories with poles use.

I had Leki corklite shock absorbing graphite telescopic, gave tnd he loved them to a buddy a he loved them.

[M_Six]

The Leki poles look pretty nice. $100 for two isn't bad either. I may grab a pair.

[BMWCCA1]

Got a pair of Black Diamond trekking poles from Dick's Sporting Goods for my wife and, with various tips, she's very pleased with them. I didn't give it much thought but she researched them before ordering. FWIW

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by BMWCCA1

Got a pair of Black Diamond trekking poles from Dick's Sporting Goods for my wife and, with various tips, she's very pleased with them. I didn't give it much thought but she researched them before ordering. FWIW

That's good info. There's a Dick's Sporting Goods not far from here and I need some good hiking shoes anyway, so a visit may be in order to pick up both shoes and poles.

[chassis]

No hiking poles. My wife and I have hiked several 14k foot mountains in CO, and many miles of trails in VA, PA, ME, UT, AZ and Austria and Italy. We have asked each other several times, "Should we get hiking poles?" The answer is always no. From our point of view we feel they would be a liability more than an asset.

If you are not as sure footed as you would like, slow down or take less aggressive terrain. That's our plan when the time comes.

Regarding hiking shoes, I just got a pair of Salomons from REI that I like, black toenail from descending a 14er notwithstanding! Long steep descents usually cost me a toenail from toes jamming into the the front of the shoe. Each different pair of shoes has a different pressure point, usually it's the big toe or second toe that suffers!

[DenverSteve]

You've decided that poles might be the thing for you - and that's all that matters. There are a lot of different types out there. I would hit up a couple of outfitter stores and REI and see what fits you best. Remember, you can always leave them in your car and use them whenever you feel the need and ignore them otherwise. Better to have and not need than to need and not have. Happy hiking.

[Torgus]

I use wooden Finnish hiking poles my friend makes. Also known as wooden Nordic hiking poles. The problem I find with the performed grip handles is you can't adjust where the grip is. My poles have no handles, you grip it where you want, it has a large area with grip tape on it so you can adjust your grip roughly a foot and a high higher or lower. When you are going uphill for instance your grip is in a different place then going down hill. Or you have to put your arms HIGH up when going up hill vs keeping your arms parallel(which I find more comfortable) because you have an adjustable grip area. They look like this: https://scricfinia.wordpress.com/202...olo-off-trail/

With poles with grips I find they are great for relatively flat areas up steep up or down hill not so useful vs a pole with an adjustable grip area.

Either style you go for I highly recommend poles of some sort.

[M_Six]

Got a pair of Leki Corklite poles on the way. Hopefully they prove useful.

[M_Six]

Went for a hike out at the lake today. Not the best weather, but still a good hike. My hiking poles haven't arrived yet, so I used an aluminum monopod I have. It worked ok, but I'll be glad when the poles arrive.

[M_Six]

Hiked around the entire lake today. 4mi. The Leki pole worked well. There's a long section of the trail along the levee where I didn't need the pole, so it was nice that it collapses to a short staff and is very light. Lots of birds today as well. Saw some bald eagles, but they were too far off to get good shots. Got a nice shot of a GBH, though.

[///d]

I know its been discussed but heres my .02

I always have my poles with me, but I seldom use them.

Places I do use them:

Water crossings for balance and bracing against currents
Long uphill/downhill stretches
Areas that have a lot of high stepping onto rocks and such
Snowshoeing

I also have made the switch to unltralight tents and need them for poles/supports, so theres that.

Trekking Poles when used properly can help take a lot of stress and strain off your knees, but most people don't use them properly or have them the correct length and just swing em all round as they walk.

Also, if you ever do overnights be sure to keep those Leki poles in the tent with you. Critters, especially marmonts, love to chew the cork of handles because of the salt that gets soaked into them.

[M_Six]

I use the poles in similar situations. There's a long section of the trail around the lake here that's flat and even paved in places. At that point the pole gets collapsed and carried. But in the hilly areas and areas with lots of roots, rocks, or slick mud, the poles have been a big help. I should say pole, as I only use one.

[M_Six]

Got my LL Bean waterproof hiking shoes and a Cotton Carrier Skout camera sling today. The weather today and tomorrow is going to suck, but hopefully I'll get some hiking in on Saturday to try these out.

[///d]

I've tried a few different boots and shoes and I found hiking boots are always too stiff and uncomfortable. I have The North Face Hedgehog GTX right now and love them. Super light, waterproof, and don't hurt my feet. Paired with DarnTough socks and no more blisters even on our 10+ mile days with packs.

[M_Six]

From today's hike around the lake.

[M_Six]

Another lake walk. Tail end of the foliage. More birds today.

[M5Rick]

On my 4 miler today I came across this on the pavement, so disposing of it, Did my good deed for the day as don't want some kids finding it to start puffing away.

[chassis]

Forgot to post this at the end of August. My wife and I hiked up Torreys Peak in CO, a 14,000 ft summit we attempted in 2020 but bailed because of wind and snow conditions at the top. This year was sunny and clear. Probably an 8-9mile round trip hike from the parking lot. The 3 mile drive on Stevens Gulch Road from the highway to the trailhead is no bed of roses. Most vehicles can make it up with oil pans intact if the driver is careful with speed and choosing the right line.

[chassis]

Same week this past summer. We hiked up a little-used trail along a creek leading to a waterfall in Telluride, CO. At the base of the falls, Black Bear Pass Road swings nearby, which we used for the descent because light was fading. The skinny trail through the woods would have been pitch dark and we had no headlamps with us. Stunning scenery at sunset.

[chassis]

Has anyone done a glacier tour (Gletschertour) in the Alps in the Austria-Italy area?

I am doing the early planning for this, and the main points I am working on are:

- mountain hut lodging
- mountain guide booking
- gear: crampon compatible boots, pants and pack

The current focus for me is finding comfortable crampon compatible boots that are as light as possible. The issue is no one stocks these in stores because they are a niche product and the online shopping world we live in doesn’t help. I want to try these boots on for comfort and size, and avoid ordering multiple sizes and returning them.

Has anyone used crampon compatible boots from:
- La Sportiva —> looks best to me at the moment.
- Lowa
- Zamberlan
- Asolo
- Vasque
- Scarpa

Or other brands. Top requirement is comfort with crampon compatibility. Thanks!