Re: Hiking/trekking poles? Yay or Nay?

"Siskuwihane" <Siskuwihane1@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message 
news:40dad8cb-7bd5-415b-b6af-334ca64d5fff@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Do you use them? Only one or a pair? Purchased or home made? Wood or
> metal? Do you just pick up a stick along the way?
>
> Mine is purchased, aluminum and only used occasionally in the warmer
> months, always used in winter. Just curious what others use  (or
> don't).
-
A smarter class of people use two hiking poles  :)  Well, maybe the class
of 
people with bad or sensitive knees.  I think they are great for
maintaining 
balance, and can also be used for a "rest while standing" when
backpacking. 
I do drop down to one pole when the trail is known to be relatively flat.

I use a pair of telescoping metal poles, so that they fit in luggage for 
travel.  Also, I like rubber tips, so I cut the end of the poles off, drop
a 
metal washer into a crutch tip, and set the end of the pole into the
crutch 
tip with epoxy.  When the tip wears off, get out the hacksaw and repeat
the 
process, ending up with a total extended pole length of 1- 1 1/2 inches 
less.  They last a long time.

I have also used a wooden closet rod from Home Depot, and there are at
least 
two sizes to choose from.  To do a deluxe job, stain the wood and finish 
with varnish.  Then drill a hole in the end for a hand strap (leather or 
rope).  You could do something with the tip, or just let it wear down. 
When 
it gets completely rounded, do a quick touchup with a saw or even your 
pocket knife.   :)

YMMV