Walking Poles
Posted: Fri 10 Jul, 2020 1:02 pm
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.
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.