[pct-l] trekking poles ? make you weaker

[Michael Chamoun]

I have always hiked with trekking poles but on this PCT hike I'm not going
to unless there is steep downhill/sketchy terrain or fords I need to cross.
I feel more "human" walking without them.  My head and body posture feels
more upright and it feels like I'm walking in the wilderness not just trying
to "hike." I absorb more of what's out there. Not sure if anyone has the
same experience, but I'll keep mine folded up until I need them.

Nano

On Tue, Jan 20, 2009 at 12:55 PM, GARY HEBERT <hikerfedex at gmail.com> wrote:

> I have been a trekking pole convert since preparing for AT thru hike in
> 2006. The heavier the pack the more helpful they are. They are a highly
> effective crossing streams, descending, saving your butt/head/etc for those
> unexpected slips and momentary loss of balance, power walking, maintaining
> a
> slightly faster pace,etc.
>
> That said I too have at times felt almost addicted to leaning on my poles
> when fatigued. No doubt it would be better to be stronger and walk on your
> much stronger legs, and more toned torso - better balance and instinctive
> reactions to loss of balance. Just like skiing. But no matter how tone or
> strong you are you may always slip or lose your balance. And you'll always
> get fatigued at some point. That's when their most functional.
>
> I'm not sure they "make" you weaker, though I suppose you could make a
> similar argument as using boots keeps your ankles weaker vs. converting
> carefully to low trekking shoes. When I switched to trekking shoes even
> with
> a full pack, eventually my ankles definitely got much stronger and I became
> far more balanced/sturdy on my feet (like skiing hard builds up your
> quads,etc);
>
> But even with strong legs & ankles, once fatigued higher boots would
> provide
> at least somewhat better ankle support. Similarly trekking poles help more
> once fatigued. Like skiing late in the day your fatigued muscles respond
> sloppily, the poles regularly planted do help and also offer the
> possibility
> of catching your balance before you're too far gone.
>
> just my unscientific experience
>
> FedEx
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