walking poles

Do you use walking poles during photo-tours, trek/hike?
I have bought a pair and not sure if I should take it for our alps-trek. I can either take one and carry tripod in the other hand, or carry two and keep tripod in the backpack.
What do you suggest?

If you carry a pack of any significant weight over steep terrain they make a big difference in both comfort and safety. I always use mine with packs 35-40lbs or heavier.
If you plan to hike in/over deep/steep snow you may also want to look into a mountaineering axe.

Guy

Thanks Guy,
I was about to send you an email and saw your reply.
Well, my pack weighs around 12Kg and I tried to walk a bit with and without. I also find it is more comfortable with poles. I can always get my tripod out if I want to make an image.
Thanks.

We tried several, and through trial and error settled on the MSR Overland Carbon model. Very light, and collapse to compact size for easy stowage when not in use. Removeable baskets, too. Though I carry the pair, I generally only use one. It's a help on rough or loose terrain even when loads are light. As a rule of thumb, the tripod and spare pole stay on my pack till needed, while the collapsed second pole dangles from my wrist or belt when not in use. Lately when using the tripod rather than stowing, I've taken to attaching the collapsed pole to one tripod leg using a couple of strips of velcro. It's out of the way but handier than on the pack for short moves when I don't bother to stow the tripod.

The real benefit is not when walking on flat/even terrain but when going up/down steep trails (or no trails) - the poles allow you to control and break your descent or to use your arms for extra leverage when ascending. They are also great for maintaining balance when crossing streams or narrow bridges, going over fallen trees etc.

Guy

I don't use poles as often as I should, and I often regret not having them. Like Guy said, when you are moving over rocks and rough terrain, or up and down slopes, they are a big help. Especially if you are carrying a lot of weight on your back.

Eight years ago I slipped and fell on a solo hike, tore up a bunch of tendons in my hand and broke my thumb. That evening was the worst night I ever had in the woods. Since then, I don't go trekking w/o poles. I also have MSR Overlands.

I just bought my first pair of poles this year and really like them. Though they were slightly more pricey than the standard models, I went for the carbon fiber construction (REI). They add a lot of stability on loose terrain and are also helpful for stream crossings. On routine trail they take some stress off the knees especially on steep downhill where you can brace your steps some by planting the poles in front of you. The carbon fibers weight about a pound so are not a huge thing to folkd up and slash to a pack for slat walking. To be honest, they seem to take a little bit of the freedom and zen away from the walking pleasure, but I have creeking old kness and am not the most coordinated person, so do not mind the trade-off. They seem to help with both issues as well as general walking stability..

You will notice the benefit of using poles at the end of long day on the trail. You will be less tired, your feet and (especially) your knees will be much less painful. I have a set of Black Diamond poles that I find to be indispensable, whether or not I am hiking with a load.

As Guy said, if you plan on moving over steep snow, an ice axe will be very handy; perhaps essential. I suggest an axe that is 'cane' length, and with a high quality leash. Don't let some salesman sell you a high-tech ice climbing tool! These are specialized tools for steep ice, and are too short for general mountaineeering use.

Safe and correct use of an ice-axe requires training and practice. There have been many unfortunate, and sometimes tragic accidents resulting from lack of skill or poor technique with this essential mountaineer's tool. I strongly encourage you to find someone who knows their stuff, and is willing to teach you.

While the mountains are wonderful places to make photographs, they are most unforgiving. Safe movement over steep terrain not trivial: learning mountaineering/alpine skills and putting them to use will make for a safer and more enjoyable trip.

-PB

Another vote for the use of trekking poles. I used to carry my tripod in my hand and invariably would arrive at my destination with sore knees, arms and shoulders. I bought a pair of Leki poles and can't believe the difference in how I feel during and at the end of a long hike. HIghly recommended.

Prashant - I bought my poles a couple years ago before I did my Kilimanjaro trek. They were a life saver. Especially for the downhill climb because they saved my knees. The basically give you 4-wheel drive. I don't even go on a very short hike without them now. Not to mention they have lots of other uses (ie - good to dry socks or gloves on, push long grass out of the way or low hanging cobwebs, extra tent peg in a pinch ) I highly recommend them!

Rick D, Jack B, and I recently did 6 days backpacking in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming. We all used trekking poles. I generally don't use them on day-hikes with a lighter pack. But with an overnight or multiday weighted pack, trekking poles really help reduce fatigue and improve stability.

I forgot to put mine in the truck before picking up Scott. Fortunately, he had an extra set and as everyone here has indicated, they were much needed. Our trip took us over very rocky terrain, and very steep. Losing balance or trying to control a steep descent with a large pack is very different than when dayhiking with a small pack. They're definitely worth bringing along.