[pct-l] Trekking pole snow baskets for Sierra?

[jeff.singewald at comcast.net]

I found that some form of snow basket was essential to have with hiking poles during the 2006 season when snow covered much of the trail.  I used the 4" baskets for the Sierra and found these to work well, while others found the 2" baskets to work well also.  Given that the snow softened up by noon, I could not imagine not having some form of basket to restrict the pole from sinking into the snow that was frequently deep.

Another thought if you are still debating the use of poles.  During 2006 when snow covered much of the trail, sun-cupping was very common.  In fact, there were sections where we encountered sun-cups that were 2 feet deep.  I found these to be much easier to traverse in the early morning with poles as the poles gave much more balance when steppping on the ridges of the sun-cups.

But as always, each person needs to identify what works best for them.

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: robo hiker <robohiker at hotmail.com> 
i've found big baskets to accumulate snow, if the snow consistency is wet the poles become heavy and awkward. this has happened numerous times while cross / back country skiing. i think i have 8"baskets on my poles, it can get annoying. i think it all depends on snow conditions. 




Date: Tue, 5 Feb 2008 07:56:23 -0500
From: vaporjourney at gmail.com
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Trekking pole snow baskets for Sierra?

When I hike, I typically don't hike with the baskets attached to my trekking poles.  They just aren't necessary unless you are in deep mud.  However, I'm wondering if I should attach some of the really wide baskets to my poles for the High Sierra to stop them from sinking in the snow.  I know that Andrew Skurka didn't do this when he went thru there last year, but is he just crazy?  I really can't imagine how deep the snow really gets on the sides of the trail.  Keep in mind that I'm a Southerner who hasn't ever seen more than 3 inches on trails.




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From: robo hiker <robohiker at hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Trekking pole snow baskets for Sierra?
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