Trekking Poles for idiots....

[TannerS]

With constant/consistent step-ups in the stadium, I would shorten the poles slightly for the up to avoid the tripping issues and take the baskets off the tip, if they are there. The biggest challenge I have getting back on the sticks is I don't normally walk or hike with the arm movement I do when I'm running. Trekking poles require your arms to be closer to a 90 degree bend at the elbow, which isn't a normal arm position for walking.

They are definitely beneficial for training, especially with a heavy pack, plus it's good training for muscle memory in the mountains.

 

[njdoxie]

I don’t use while working out as I want it to be hard, makes the hunt seem easier.


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[Torrey in Tahoe]

I think they will work well for you once you're out in the hills.

 

[YouDoYou]

Haha... same boat. Been athletic my whole life, but these poles make me wonder if i'd be better off leaving them in the truck. I probably have to agree above that we are training at a much faster pace and that is what makes it most difficult.

 

[toadmeister]

Just got back from a 11-day hike at Philmont Scout camp, NM with my son's Boy Scout troop. We did 66 miles and 6 mountain peaks.

Could NOT have done it without trekking poles! Especially the downhills which were often treacherous ankle demons from hell

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[LonesomeDove]

Curious if anyone uses trekking poles in steep terrain while chukar hunting? I've wanted them before, but my hands are holding a shotgun at the ready so it would make it very difficult.

 

[Okhotnik]

Curious if anyone uses trekking poles in steep terrain while chukar hunting? I've wanted them before, but my hands are holding a shotgun at the ready so it would make it very difficult.

I chukar hunt quite a bit

I use them climbing up and climbing down, shotgun on a sling on my back.I started using them after falling and breaking shotgun stock

Tough keeping balance on super steep mountain sides, where chukar hang out, loose basalt rock. Yep, have missed a few shot opportunities but have saved me from falling. I throw in pack once get up to the top where they typically hang out

 

[Randonee]

I find that I’m better off just using one pole unless I’m carrying a lot of weight and moving slowly. I too find using two poles is a bit awkward, especially on a narrow trail. I’ve used poles for about 3 decades on a regular basis in all types of terrain, and I try to use as few as possible (including none), given the terrain.

 

[Plantedtao]

I need to get back to poles... or at least a pole after tearing my patellar. It's been a year but I really need to reduce the stress on my knees even tho my legs are stronger now than they were before the injury. Knowing that you can reduce pressure on the knees up to 25% is a definite motivator.

 

[ZuluSierra]

Losing 10 lbs is roughly the equivalent of decreasing 30 lbs of axial stress on the individual knee per step. The same concept can be flipped and stated with each 10 lbs of gear/meat in your bag, your adding 30 lbs of equivalent stress on your knee per step.

Using trekking poles is essentially helping each knee share that axial stress rather than bear it individually. They’re an incredible tool and can increase the longevity of your hunt and your knee cartilage if you’re an avid backcountry hunter.

 

[Jimss]

I use trekking poles on a regular basis in super steep, rocky sheep, mtn goat, elk, and muley hunts. They are especially nice when packing meat and camp. I don't use them as often while actually hunting because the clanging on rocks can be heard for miles.....just a word of warning! In fact, a hiker with trekking poles spooked the living daylights out of a herd of rams I was stalking this year. I heard the hiker before I saw him! It took me 3/4 of a day to find the rams again!

 

[ramses342]

I have tried them quite a bit in SE Alaska but it’s so darn thick I end up using my hands to climb half the time anyway. Next year if I do a goat hunt or something I might bring them but I really have not figured out how to use them here yet.

 

[Elk Horn]

After age 50, trekking poles are the only way to go when packing in/out a base camp or packing meat out of the mountains. They save major wear and tear on the knees and help aviod unwanted falls. Training like you hunt will help.

 

[deadi]

+1 for Vaultman

 

[rusty25]

Never used poles until last year on hiking trip with heavy pack. They are your friend on steep inclines.

 

[lacire]

After age 50, trekking poles are the only way to go when packing in/out a base camp or packing meat out of the mountains. They save major wear and tear on the knees and help aviod unwanted falls. Training like you hunt will help.

My son uses a pair of Leki poles and recommended them to me. Used them this year in Mexico on a sheep hunt, now, I wouldn’t leave home without them.

 

[MattyWight]

I never leave home without mine.

I rarely use them when I'm actually hunting but getting to and from camp (when backpacking) and especially when packing out (even for day hunting) they are always with me. The legs just feel so much better.

As said above I probably wouldnt train with them and I think they would be awkward on stairs.

They tend to be awkward for the first half day or so you use them in the hills then they just become subconscious.

 

[Nossback]

I feel stupid every time I use them but well worth it.


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[gexpro]

Trekking poles are definitely a must, especially with hauling meat or heavy loads out. It might look weird, but those who use them never go back!

 

[CoffeeGoat]

Came across these guys in another thread: https://www.wiserprecision.com/products/quick-stix

They're a little gizmo to turn your trekking poles into a set of attached shooting sticks, I'm definitely picking up a set before this years hunts.