Oh No!! Not Trekking Poles!!
Elk
Contributors to this thread:
Sad but true! Looks like my left calf that was torn last elk season is going to be a slow healer! I've been advised to consider trekking poles to help ease the discomfort. (putting it mildly) Not sure if those will even do it but I need some assistance & I will do whatever it takes to get two elk hunts in this year.
My question to those with experience with the poles is what is it do I look for? Length, strength, adjust-ability, etc. All help is welcome, thanks!
ElkNut1
I don't hunt without them and I'm spry and fit. Depends on conditions whether I actually use them during final stalks, but depending on terrain I'll often use one during a stalk (sheep, ibex, etc.) and wouldn't hesitate to use one for elk if conditions warranted.
I prefer carbon, because when you inevitably accidentally bang a carbon pole on a rock or wood it sounds fairly natural, not like the metallic aluminum ring from aluminum poles.
You're headed to the dark side! What's next a crossbow and lighted nocks?
All kidding aside, no idea why anyone would hunt steep, mountain terrain without them.
REI has some petty nice ones in their garage. Easton makes a nice pair that break down into three or four pieces and are shock corded together. Once you learn how to use them properly, you will probably kick yourself for not using them sooner! The mountaineering guys did studies and say they make you a high percentage more efficient, like 35% or something, heck you might not of had anything to heal up from if you had been using them already
Just bought a pair of Ascend Lone Pine Quick Lock at Bass Pro. They're carbon fiber and weigh 6.5 lbs. They are 3 piece, collapse to 24" and extend to 54.They are tough to use in thick grass,but in open ground work really well. I hump a 40lb pack a mile up in my field every other day, and they've made quite a difference. Can't wait to use them in the mountains.
$25 at Costco. CF and cork handles. Use em for a bit and learn what will and what won't work for you. Just like a pack. My cheepies are working fine 2 years later.
Interesting thoughts! You guys are probably right, I'll wonder how I ever got around without them once I try them out! (grin)
My heavy loads won't happen this year, Doc has said no more than 40# for remainder of year, I think that's Doc talk for 60# right! (grin) Thanks for the input guys!
ElkNut1
Fashion minded Roy Roth used walking or trekking poles all the time. He took an old cross country ski, took a Skill saw to it splitting it down the center. He then used duck tape to make grips on the handle ends.
He even used one to jam into the ground, placed his decoy hat on it, and killed the buck when it came to investigate. As I recall, that night in the cabin he called the new technique, "doe on a stick". Roy was very unique.
Paul, they will be great for you I'm sure. I just bought some Black Diamonds myself! Been scouting some and using the ol broken limb for a walking stick the last couple months. Just remembered using a buddies trekking poles last December and how nice it was.
Have a great hunt!
Some good lookin poles 8pt.
I've done the "hat on a pole" trick too.
No doubt trekking poles are a great tool. When hunting (and not packing a load) mine is the Elk Mountain system with the big elk butt slip. Hiking support and an instant decoy. As I get older I find my balance isn't quite what it was when I was more nimble, and a pole has saved me from slips many times.
As Adventurewriter says, poles make you into a "four-legged animal..
Been using pole for many years. I bet I've have 4 or 5 pair over the years. High end and low end ones. Yes you do get what you pay for most of the time.
Most guy cover just about everything.
Yes get cork handles.. Carbon is liter and stronger and quitter. But cost more $$ as guys have said. High end $200 a pair low end $20 a pair.
I like the one with the shock springs inside.
The last pair I got was cheap ones and I do like them. 3 years and still working fine.. I think I paid about 40 bucks for them.
Also make them longer going down hill and shorter go up hill.
Look on ebay so you can see all the diff types on there to get ideas.
I like the "ergo" angled grips too. Cork is nicer when things get sweaty and sticky. Got my BD ergos like new for about $45 on ebay.
Side hill make em long and short.... =D.
Been said many times and the best way I've heard it put.... poles are like going from 2WD to 4WD.... I've found they aren't much for improving ground clearance though....
So I assume you are strapping your bows to your packs or using a sling while trekking with the poles?? I bought a pair at the end of last season and have yet to use them...looking forward to seeing the advantage Thx Kip
Just looked on ebay and there are more options for trekking poles than there are for arrows. Can some one recommend good options. Less expensive the better. Would be great if they fit in a pack to pull out when needed.
Is there a 50 dollar pair out there that will work for Joe average elk hunter?
the are gold in many ways two legged stability vs four legged stability...and you can use some upper body strength to help push your self up and slow support your way down..
Those costco poles look pretty decent for the $. I'd take a hard look at'm Joe, I am.
If I don't find some decent carbons I'm just going to take along my ski poles and grab them after the first load along with my hauler.
The Leki poles my wife and I used during our 192-mile hike across northern England in June this year saved us on many occasions, both ascending and descending
Paul,
I have had cheap sticks and have quality issues with them. Black Diamond aluminum flip locks without the shocks absorbers are tough as heck and take the abuse. I like the longer 140 mm sticks even though I am 5-11 and shrinking. Pitches the tarp up an extra 15 mm (6") when I use the hiking sticks as tarp poles. Otherwise the 125 mm size works fine. The one caution is they are noisy if you use to them while actually hunting.....so I don't. I use them for packing in and out and would not pack meat without them.
"For packing meat, sticks can't be beat, Side hilling and climbing in the heat, sticks are a treat. When you are old, sticks will keep you hunting until you mold."
Go get 'em. Shoot straight. Good luck.
Kurt
They were a life saver packing Caribou meat 2.5 miles across the tundra!
I've used an old pair of ski poles for years (never hike without them). Cost: $0.
Wow guys! Thanks a ton for the advice & suggestions! I'm interested in fold up or models that telescope I guess is the word. I want to be able to put them in my pack as suggested when not needed as I hunt. I'm a short guy so don't need them too long! Thank You!
ElkNut1
Teeton's Link
The cam locks are Strong, quick to adjust, and more trouble free, but cost more.
The twist locks are ok and that's what you most likely get with cheaper poles. If you get twist locks don't over tighten them or you will have problems. On most twist locks there's a lock nut if you take the poles apart on the twist lock.. Them nuts work loose (that's what I found) What I've done is take that lock nut off (on day 1) and put lock tight on the treads and put the nut back on. I've never had one come loose after that.
Here is a cheap pair with cork handles that I do have that's on ebay. They weigh in at about 16/18 oz, I think. I got them for friends that want to hike with me when I hike the ski resort by my house. They have been working from me, (glue the twist lock nuts as I stated above) their 5 or 6 years old. Find out if you like the removable rubber tips that come with them and if you do, glue them on or they will be gone. When/if you put the rubber tips off there's a carbide tip under it. They also come with a screw on baskets for snow. If you glue the rubber tips on you won't get the basket on.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Pair-2-Trekking-Walking-Hiking-Sticks-Poles-Alpenstock-Adjustable-Anti-Shock-/272299437148?hash=item3f664fac5c:g:8bgAAOxyVLNSy7z5
Ed
ohiohunter's Link
Here are the costco poles at regular price.
Teeton's Link
Paul, I don't like the fold up's. I like the ones that slide up and down.
Here's a utube link to choosing trekking poles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCDeiLFW4Lg
Go to utube and type in choosing trekking poles. You'll get lot of info on poles.
Ed
Most good ski shops now use telescoping poles for rentals to accommodate people of different heights. You could probably pick up a used pair of those for 5 or 10 bucks. I usually just use one. Three points of contact is worlds better than two and it leaves your other hand free. It's also really handy on wet days to knock water off the bushes before you walk through.
Other then light weight and durable, they need to be adjustable. I set them shorter for going up hill and a little longer for down hill with a load. I use them for prevention as well as "they work". Have not used them on the stalk or while hunting, but they may / will be in the pack.
I prefer telescope or folding.
Couple things not mentioned previously that I feel is a HUGE benefit with poles:
Less fatigue in your legs because you are more stable and aren't constantly having to tighten muscles to catch yourself.
Ability to look around a LOT MORE, because you are more stable and will quickly find that staring at the ground to pick out each foot placement is not necessary, even on pretty rugged ground, so your head is up, eyes spend more time looking for game even when on the move.
I echo that the $$$ to go to carbon over aluminum simply for weight is not justified; however, IMO carbon is MUCH quieter and doesn't clank unnaturally when inadvertently brushed against stones, trees, etc.
One last item: weight isn't as crucial as you would think. As a cheapskate, I initially tried some extremely heavy military surplus 1960s ski poles from my dad's shed to see if I'd like trekking poles. Because for the most part their weight is supported on the ground (granted you lift them each time you step) I found that even using those lunkers wasn't remotely an issue as far as weight was concerned.
Carl
Just bought a new set for my self off of amazon! Gave my old ones to my son who is elk hunting for the first time this year. Amazon has a ton too choose from at good prices!! Good luck Paul this year Paul!
I like Alu tube lever locks with cork handles- black diamonds
That calf injury is a biotch....I stretch mine 5x a day.
One other thing to consider with the carbon vs aluminum decision is the terrain you'll be crossing. I've used a ton of different types and models over the years, and while I love the weight of the carbon models, they are much more susceptible to damage from rocks. If you're boulder hopping or working through very rocky conditions, it's amazing how many scratches you'll quickly accrue, which with carbon can affect the integrity of the pole. I hope you wouldn't shoot a carbon arrow with a significant gouge on the shaft. The same principle applies with the poles--using a damaged pole, and carrying a heavy load, turn wrong and use pole to catch yourself and watch out!!!
I have been using the Walmart $20 alum twist lock poles for years without an issue. As stated above, do not over twist/lock. They have a metal spike on the end but it can be covered with an additional rubber cap. I tape the cap on so it will not be lost.
I applied some red tape for more visibility when I lay them down so I will not forget them.
I keep them at the truck for haul out only.l wouldn't do it with out them.
Thank you for the suggestions guys! I'm going to go with a sub 60.00 pair & see how I like them! If I feel they are helpful I may entertain a different pair, but I will start there & see if they are for me! Thanks a ton for all the responses & PM's!
I'll let you know what I think! (grin)
ElkNut1
Other than the fact that trekking poles are adjustable for length, I can see no reason to spend hard earned dollars for any of them when you can make your own for nothing.
I use a carbon fiber hockey stick handle that someone broke the blade off of and threw it in the trash at the local ice rink. It is strong enough that I could pole vault over an obstacle without fear of it breaking.
Good choice paul, use an inexpensive pair to see what features you prefer and go from there. I don't use mine as much as I should but the cheap costco ones have every useful feature and have lasted for a years at least. Lots of choices out there.
Get good ones, REI is where I got my Leki's. You will love them.
Black Diamond Lever Lock with Cork Handles. Worth every penny.
Paul at the Fort - Where did you get that carry-along bow case? Looks like just what I need.
>>>---WW----> On a pack-out sure - just don't use the hockey stick for your every day walking. If it smells like any of the equipment from guys on my team - the hockey glove smell will cover a mountain face in a couple hours!
JK good idea I'm going to pack one with for pack-outs.
I like that Paul is sporting 4 different camo patterns. No brand loyalty there:)
I got a Costco pair for my wife to help her out with her knee pain while hiking. I ended up using them a lot for horn hunting this last year. The Costco ones I got were the cam lock ones and I cant make them slip no matter how hard I try. They are carbon fiber and fairly light weight. I think I paid less than 30.00 for them. I just saw a add for Cabelas that had some trekking poles for under 20.00 on sale. They looked very similar to my Costco ones. I sure felt like I had a lot more power and energy going up hills and it also gave me a lot of stability during the times when I would usually find myself looking for a tree branch or trunk to grab on to when I lost my balance. The pole was right there to catch me every time. I just don't know how I would use them caring my bow. I like to have my bow in hand at all times while hunting.
New Poles will be here tomorrow! Can't wait! I bought two sets, one for me & one for my son, man we are going to be spoiled! (grin) Also picked up a 24' Toyhauler & Razor 800 while I was at it! (grin)
ElkNut1
So what did you end up getting.
Over a decade of using poles and I swear by them. They can give you stability, saving you from falls. They can act like a pair of canes relieving stress from your knees, or in your case your calf muscle.
I have a pair of aluminum ones from REI. They were fine. Then I bought a pair of Black Diamond graphite poles - they are even better.
The advantage of graphite is that they are much quieter.
I picked up the Cascade cam lock, cork handles & composite construction poles.
Dave! LOL!!
ElkNut1
I use mine on almost every trip. One trick I learned from a mountaineering guide I met years ago...buy some hockey tape (that grippy cloth tape) and put a few wraps on the upper section. It makes a grippy area lower on the pole so it's easy to move your hand down onto that section quickly on a steep (but short) side hill without stopping to shorten the pole for just a short distance. And for hunting it quiets the the twigs when they bang into them. I use that feature quite a lot. Some poles actually have foam grips that extend further down for the same reason.
ElkNut1,
I use one (only) for mountain hunts...makes a big difference as described above. Paul's idea of red tape is a great one...Ideally 10 or so rounds of red Gorilla tape (if they make it in red)!
Good luck this fall!
Mark
Great idea with the tape for grip, thanks, tips like that can go a long ways!
Thanks Mark, good luck to you too!
ElkNut1