Bushwalk Australia

Hi
I finally succumbed to Walking Poles.
Too many choices
Carbon or Aluminium
Collapsible or Z fold
Adjustable length
Weight vs strength

After discussions with other users I wanted a Aluminium (stronger?) Z fold (smaller space and packed inside pack and not too heavy.
I ended up choosing a Black Diamond Distance FLZ Trekking Poles . They can vary from 105-125 cm length and weigh 445gm

My first trip was to Turon Gates along the Turon River. My first part of the walk was about 5.5 km along a fairly level route. I encountered walking through Lamandra about knee high, traversing steep slopes, crossing the river and level open walking. I started using one pole and that worked successfully. I kept my balance and didn't trip on any hazards like fallen logs or the Lamandra. On the return journey we decided to head up a steep ridge, no track and plenty of loose rocks. I brought out the second pole and headed up the ridge (approx 300m climb). Two poles certainly assisted in climb and helped me maintain balance. Along the top of the ridge I continued with two poles.

Next came the descent and again steep with loose rocks or gravel. The poles assisted me in maintaining balance and took load off the knees and calf muscles. I finished off with a 2 km road bash again using poles to maintain momentum. the walk was over 16km with total ascent and descent of over 600m.

The next day, after doing a walk like this I would have very stiff leg muscles and sore feet. With the poles my legs were feeling a lot better than normal. The only issue I had was I thought I was developing a blister in the palm of my hand from the descent and hold poles tight. That didn't eventuate. Gloves may help.

For a walking pole I am very happy that I decided to get some. The type that you want will suit your needs but I am happy with the Black Diamond Distance FLZ Trekking Poles.

A pole can mean the difference between falling over and hurting your self or twisting a knee
or not falling over at all. I have made few over the years out of broomsticks, pvc pipe etc,
but my favourite one and super light weight and totally indestructible is a Number 3 Wood golfing iron
with the head cut off, its already been tested with the don't slip down the cliff test.

hehehehe

wmholgate wrote:The only issue I had was I thought I was developing a blister in the palm of my hand from the descent and hold poles tight.

Good info on poles. I tend to carry just one for descents and I wished I had bought that can fit inside my day pack to keep it out of the way.

For the blister thing, I have seen people with blisters on their hands from gripping the handles (someone doing the Oxfam 100 kms came into a checkpoint at the 88 km mark and needed their hands bandaged). Using the straps for the main support it better.

Having used alloy and CF poles, I’d take CF pole any day, except if one needs it to also act as a tent support for CF poles tend not to be length adjustable. The reason for CF is it’s light weight which dramatically eases the swing phase while staying strong. Whilst it has a little more flex (Black Diamond Z-pole), it’s more than stiff enough and is used as per skiing, to just dab and support. Further, CF can take an incredible load and flex while alloy just snaps dramatically at an earlier load. Yes, the additional cost is a consideration but well worth it.

Blisters? Poles should never be held in a death grip. Use the wrist strap as for ski poles and used in a similar fashion.

I saw a guy recently who also had blisters on his hands from hiking poles. They had nice soft cork handles too.

A few months on and I remain very happy and satisfied with my Helinox Ridgeline LBB135 poles. I gave the old LEKI Terrano poles to my niece who will be walking the Camino trail later this year. I will write a review of these when I have reached the 6 month point of ownership and real-world useage in many conditions.

There are so many trekking poles out there! The Helinox are the priciest I have bought, but not the priciest on the market, with some I noticed worthy of a laugh over a good look, then move on, particularly those espousing the benefits of carbon, which requires 4x-plus density to equal anything offered by aluminium. The search for poles that fitted my criteria was inordinately drawn out and forensic; I didn't want to make the same mistake of buying poles that looked OK, but were irksome in some way in active use. Realistically, you cannot make a valid, informed judgement hopping around the shop on a polished wooden floor! I used years of prior experience of the places I go and the terrain I traverse to inform how suitable the poles would be, and the features I most desired.

I wear cycling mitts to provide added grip and protection, but especially security against things like stinging nettle, which I have an allergy to, and any unforeseen fall that could abrade hands.