Using one walking pole?

[flatfoot]

Do any of you carry and use just one walking pole in preference to two?

Perhaps because I'm a bit unco, I tried using a set of poles but could never really get the rhythm right. They were useful however when crossing creeks and on descents, and many times in this situation just one pole would have been enough for me.

I have since sold the poles I had. I'm thinking of buying and carrying just one pole.

I'm interested if there are any poles that can be quickly and easily collapsed or extended whilst walking. Is there anyone that uses them in this way. I guess there would be the risk of wearing out the mechanisms.

Any lightweight brands that you recommed?

[Bluegum Mic]

I used to always walk with only one as I too found myself unco with two. I eventually realised that the local walks Id only ever tried two on always started with a fire trail before hitting track or going off track. I've discovered that its far easier to get a good rhythm with them on a narrower bush track or off track than on a wide trail. If on a brief section of fire trail i simply carry them both in one hand, otherwise if Im facing a lengthy stint on a fire trail I fold them down and stow them on the front/side of my pack.

[Gusto]

I've just bought Helinox poles. I am yet to use them. The adjustment mechanisms seem simple and very easy to use. Only in time will I know if it's durable.

[Mark F]

I prefer 2 poles to one. One seems unbalanced. On open trails I get a rhythm going which increases my speed and they help a lot on the ups an downs. I don't know whether I have a strange technique, but I usually plant the pole every second step - I see others trying to swing the pole in time with the leg - it looks far too fast a movement for my liking.

I noticed that when I changed from a pair of Komperdels @ 595g/pair to Ti Goat CF poles @ 239g/pair 12 months ago, I stopped using the wrist straps except on steep ascents and descents but I didn't change my swing/step ratio.

I also find that I use them for longer walks or when carrying heavier loads (10kg+) but seem to leave them at home for day walks.

[Strider]

I use one pole, and agree with the "fast movement" comment above.

I find it difficult to maintain any common rhythm/technique when navigating track obstacles such as roots and rocks. I see the pole more so as a "companion" than an "assistant", more so using it to keep balance when negotiating uphill/downhill sections of track. On numerous occassions I have caught myself on the pole when faced with the alternative option of landing square on my *&%$#!! When walking on the flat and/or open trails I too swing every second step.

My pole is a cheap Jacko Super Trekker - bought on sale a few weeks ago for $40, simply to see if I liked it. I have weak knees, and using the pole appears to have helped somewhat. When this one dies (which may take some time, mind you!) I will definitely to upgrading to something lighter/stronger/fancier.

[flatfoot]

I've just bought Helinox poles. I am yet to use them. The adjustment mechanisms seem simple and very easy to use. Only in time will I know if it's durable.

The folding ones look interesting. 38cm packed is nice and compact.

[andrewa]

I normally only use 1, but my main use is off track, and the main use is for an extra balance point when traversing and walking up steep uneven ground, or when desending into and crossing the many small "ravine" like creeks we run into in NZ. I often plant the pole and stabilise my foot against it. On flat ground they don't add much for me. When packrafting, I use the 2 middle sections of my 4 piece paddle, with rubber chair stops on the ends, and forego the walking pole. I do use 2 ski stocks when trotting up or down Bogong on a track, possibly because i normally have 2 with me, but I'd actually rather have 2, especially on the downhills, as they provide braking points. The adjustment points haven't worn out on my 20yo ski stocks, and I think would be unlikely to. Like many things, my requirements vary as to the trip I'm doing.

A

[Lindsay]

I have been a one pole user, but have fairly recently begun use two, still looking for the magical rhythm and coordination two poles are supposed to give. I do find two poles useful when climbing/descending hills or crossing creeks but I often just carry the poles when walking along an easy track.

[Penguin]

I have been a one pole user, but have fairly recently begun use two, still looking for the magical rhythm and coordination two poles are supposed to give. I do find two poles useful when climbing/descending hills or crossing creeks but I often just carry the poles when walking along an easy track.

I have been a single pole user for about six years - tried two and could not get the hang of it. Started using the poles because of dodgy knees. The dodgy knees reduced my balance due to reducing lateral strength and an inability to get down even reasonable steps frontwards. A single pole has been a huge help.

The last two walks I have been on have involved a significant amount of off track walking. I tried two poles again. I found that the skills I had acquired using one pole made two easier that when I first tried them and I feel better coordinated/balanced with two. They are a pain in the backside on duck board, but I bought light poles and so easy to carry.

Using poles in a skill. I should have it mastered in a few years But they allow me to walk on more steep slopes and longer distances than I could without.

P

P

[under10kg]

I use 2 pacer poles. These have a unique grip compared the the normal poles.
There is actually a left and right grip.
I have found that they can take a LOT of weight when decending.
I can jump down half a meter with these poles with no strain on my wrists or knees with a light pack.
The pacer grips really take the strain away on accending and decending.
Decending a track of 1000 vertical meters with the poles makes a huge difference to my knee issues.
I get so much advantabe with 2, I would never even think of taking just one.

[Tofu_Imprint]

I use 2 pacer poles. These have a unique grip compared the the normal poles.
There is actually a left and right grip.
I have found that they can take a LOT of weight when decending.
I can jump down half a meter with these poles with no strain on my wrists or knees with a light pack.
The pacer grips really take the strain away on accending and decending.
Decending a track of 1000 vertical meters with the poles makes a huge difference to my knee issues.
I get so much advantabe with 2, I would never even think of taking just one.

I am considering using 2 poles on longer walks, hopefully to reduce some of the strain put on the body whilst carrying heavy loads.

[Swifty]

I have only ever used a single pole. Most useful for boulder hopping to keep balance.
My preferred brand is Eucalyptus globulus, but any of that genus is generally fine, provided fairly straight, dry and not rotting.
... available from the forest floor nearest you...

[ILUVSWTAS]

I have only ever used a single pole. Most useful for boulder hopping to keep balance.
My preferred brand is Eucalyptus globulus, but any of that genus is generally fine, provided fairly straight, dry and not rotting.
... available from the forest floor nearest you...

+1

I've asked before what the advantage of using a pole is over a stick.. no-one could give me a decent answer though.....

[gayet]

Advantages?
1. Provided you remember to pick the pole/s up as you walk out the door, you always have one.
2. Not always possible to find a stick of appropriate length, width and structural soundness.
3. reduced risk of splinters
4. reduced risk of ant bites
5. generally has a weight advantage i.e. lighter
6. adjustments to length etc to suit terrain and conditions are not permanent

[Lizzy]

I also use a single (Black Diamond- with flick lock)) as I like to have a free hand for map etc and would probably be too unco with 2
I love it especially when crossing a stream or on a steep descent- gives that extra stability and takes some pressure off the knees. Nice and easy to shorten when going uphill or lengthen when going down or crossing streams. 2 are probably better but the advantage of 1 is good enough for me.
lizzy

[andrewbish]

I'm with LIzzy on the benefits of a single pole and sort of with Swifty in regard to found poles. One thing you don't get with a stick collected on the trail is a wrist strap, which can reduce a fair amount of the load strain.

My pref is to use a tall bamboo staff - strong, light-weight, easy to hold (smooth, with knuckles). I have added a wrist strap and camera mount and have wound on a few strips of tape (for general maintenance). I can also use it as a tent pole.

...but my most favourite thing about my staff is that I get to indulge my Gandalf fantasies. Let's face it - it just wouldn't sound right to be banging your high-tech, state of the art dual poles into the ground whilst shouting "You shall not pass!"

[Nuts]

Dogwood (Pomaderris Apetala) is the Go!, one walking pole is better, two is best.

[johnw]

I've asked before what the advantage of using a pole is over a stick.. no-one could give me a decent answer though.....

Your hands stay clean

[Orion]

One pole for me. I have used two as well but prefer just one in most cases. I wish I had the knees to use zero... I used to.

[ILUVSWTAS]

I've asked before what the advantage of using a pole is over a stick.. no-one could give me a decent answer though.....

Your hands stay clean

While bushwalking??....

[north-north-west]

Single Black Diamond cork handled carbon fibre flick-lock pole. Using two gets too awkward when you're trying to take photos. My knees would secede if I stopped using it.

[tas-man]

I have had the LEKI SEIRRA treking pole for 9 years now and have used it for day and extended walks since then. I originally purchased it for the camera mount facility to use as a monopod, but have certainly found it worked for me as a combination treking pole and monopod. As a walking pole I have gone for the firm setting and not worried about the "shock absorbing" setting. It has saved my balance many times and I am happy to be a "one pole" walker. Perhaps as my knees age, I might be tempted to try two.

[flatfoot]

I think you've all convinced me to give poles another shot. I might try one at first. I do agree that looking after two poles when taking photos can be fiddly.

I'm leaning towards the new folding Helinox TL series poles. Can anyone share there experiences with these on the track? Do they feel as sturdy as traditional poles?

[johnw]

I've asked before what the advantage of using a pole is over a stick.. no-one could give me a decent answer though.....

Your hands stay clean

While bushwalking??....

Yes. Stick = Dirty, Pole = Clean (usually).
You must be doing it wrong Mark . Of course I'm thinking of walking along easier tracks or open terrain where you can use poles properly and stay clean-ish. Crawling around on your hands and knees through SW Tassie will mostly produce different results .

[Tofu_Imprint]

Your also less likely to get blisters when using a walking pole.
Sometimes the stick offerings aren't the best, as much as I've used them before.

[flatfoot]

I've just bought Helinox poles. I am yet to use them. The adjustment mechanisms seem simple and very easy to use. Only in time will I know if it's durable.

The folding ones look interesting. 38cm packed is nice and compact.

I've just received two sets of these. One set is for myself. The others will be shared by my sister and her husband (they are each intending to use one pole for occasional bushwalking).

The poles are really light! They are much lighter than the alloy pacer poles I did have. They fit perfectly in my daypack. One nifty feature is that the velcro strap used to secure them when they are collapsed.

Norman from Helinox gives great customer service. One thing he did suggest was that he tucks them into a pocket in his cargo pants when both hands need to be free for scrambling.

[buggeriamold]

I've just received two sets of these. One set is for myself. The others will be shared by my sister and her husband (they are each intending to use one pole for occasional bushwalking).

The poles are really light! They are much lighter than the alloy pacer poles I did have. They fit perfectly in my daypack. One nifty feature is that the velcro strap used to secure them when they are collapsed.

Norman from Helinox gives great customer service. One thing he did suggest was that he tucks them into a pocket in his cargo pants when both hands need to be free for scrambling.

I have been looking at a set of these, just wondering how easy / practical is it to fold them up whilst on the move? I have previously borrowed a set of extendable poles & the bigest problem I found was how hard to colapse whilst on the move they were.

Mark

[flatfoot]

I've just received two sets of these. One set is for myself. The others will be shared by my sister and her husband (they are each intending to use one pole for occasional bushwalking).

The poles are really light! They are much lighter than the alloy pacer poles I did have. They fit perfectly in my daypack. One nifty feature is that the velcro strap used to secure them when they are collapsed.

Norman from Helinox gives great customer service. One thing he did suggest was that he tucks them into a pocket in his cargo pants when both hands need to be free for scrambling.

I have been looking at a set of these, just wondering how easy / practical is it to fold them up whilst on the move? I have previously borrowed a set of extendable poles & the bigest problem I found was how hard to colapse whilst on the move they were.

Mark

My initial assessment is that it is easier than the telescopic poles. These often have multiple twist-style mechanisms. With these poles their is a single lock at the base of the handle, it then folds / collapses like corded tent poles. Because they are fixed length, you don't have to worry about unfurling it to the right length. I'll have a better idea when I try using the poles on some rough tracks in the Blue Mountains. I'm planning to use one pole but may switch to two in the future.

[sailfish]

I use a pole from time to time but I don't carry it. I just use it and throw it away when I'm done but wherever I am, when I want it again, it's right there beside me ready to use again and again. It isn't collapsible, not telescopic but then doesn't need to be. It is not made from exotic materials that poison the earth and cost a small fortune. In fact it has never cost me anything at all and if it breaks, I throw it away and pick it up again whole, sturdy and ready to use once more. It has eased the pain of a steep descent, helped me balance across rough unsteady rocks and held me secure against swift waters. It has got me out of a quick sand bog and kept me dry under a wet tarp. Best pole I ever had!

Regards,
Ken

[Jeff78]

I use 1 pole if the terrain is generally hilly anf flat.
2 poles for WA, mountainous terrain.