[pct-l] Poles and pole locks

[Tortoise]

I have a pair of Leki titanium trekking poles I got back in 2000.
They have angled (ergonomic) grips and straps with a break-away fastener to 
prevent the type of situation Jeffery describes. I've had a strap break 
away once or twice because of excess load. Don't know if this would prevent 
all possible accidents, probably not. But still it is a great idea.
Unfortunately I think Leki no longer makes/sells poles with such a grip. :-(

Tortoise

<> Because truth matters! <>

On 08/26/10 15:50, Jeffrey Olson wrote:
>    I started using poles three years ago.  I have the twist-lock kind and
> they have never failed when I've needed them.
>
> However, I advise NEVER put the straps over your wrists when going down
> anything dicey.  This summer on a steep, cross-country descent into the
> middle fork of the san joaquin river I slipped on some of last year's
> leaves.  I put my hand down to catch myself, and the pole thrust my
> hand/arm/body out into space and I did a 180 down the little cliff,
> landing on my back/pack.  Without having the strap on I would have
> stopped my slide and grunted a bit.  As it was, I was miles from a
> maintained trail and thought about what had happened.  I was a bit
> spooked.   I keep the straps off now when hiking on anything steep, up
> or down...
>
> Jeffrey Olson
> Martin, SD