[pct-l] [John Muir Trail] Hiking sticks.

[Dennis Phelan]

I used to use twist-lock poles, a pair that I got with my snow shoes, but
bought a pair of cam-locks becasue I found the twist-locks were too hard to
adjust the length especially if your hands were wet.  I use my poles for
tent supports and I find the cam-locks allow for quick adjustments to get a
tight pitch.  I do agree with Chuck though about wanting a pole that will
collaspe rather than bend.  the cam-locks are hard to set so they do this
while the twist-locks are easier to do this with.  So far I have been lucky
and haven't bent a pole.

Dennis


On Mon, Mar 4, 2013 at 10:18 AM, Brian Lewis <brianle8 at gmail.com> wrote:

> "After running our own tests of twist-lock poles vs. cam-lock poles on our
> video-instruction tour of the southern JMT in early May, June, and July of
> 2010, we were thoroughly disgusted with twist-locks and raved about the
> cam-locks. "
>
> Ned, I always wonder if you're using the royal "we" ...   :-)
>
> "So, buy poles that will stay put and not collapse just when you need them
> the most! Cam-locks are the best!"
>
> I did fine with my twist-locks on the PCT, but then the same poles began to
> slip in a way that I couldn't seem to field repair along the AT.  And then
> I
> slipped on ice and snapped one of the (carbon fiber) suckers, but that's
> another issue.
>
> So I generally agree that a flicklock is a better option all things being
> equal.
>
> Note, however, that there's now a third option --- MSR trekking poles use
> what they call a "surelock" system with little holes at fixed intervals on
> the outer and a push-in pop-out locking unit the holds the pole in place.
> My wife has a pair of these, and I like them --- pretty light and very easy
> to get to exactly the same length each time, albeit within the limits of
> where the pre-existing holes are.  Here's an image of this simple locking
> mechanism:
> http://static.shop033.com/resources/5F/6495/Image/poles_surelockInfo.jpg
>
> What I don't know about these is how durable they are.  A good set of
> trekking poles should IMO last at least a couple of thru-hikes, apart from
> replacing pole tips.   If anyone does a thru-hike with either of the MSR
> options available, please post your results afterwards.
>
>
>       Brian Lewis / 'Gadget'
>
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