trekking pole lengths?

[Elizabeth Young]

Currently I am borrowing a pair of Black Diamond poles with flick locks.
I am considering some BPL Light Stix (fixed length poles) because they
are very light and I am not sure I actually need adjustable poles.
In reading some reviews and comments on these poles, I realized that
when I don't bother to adjust my poles for length during a hike I keep
them set at an apparently quite short 105cm. That height eliminates any
shoulder fatigue from repeatedly lifting the poles higher than my arm
swing normally goes and works fine up hill, perfectly on the flat, and
is acceptable downhill.
Now that the time is coming to actually order some poles, I'm getting
all nervous about only having one length available to me (so maybe these
are not the best choice for me).

Anyway!

I thought I'd ask the list members about their trekking pole use:
Do you use fixed length poles? Adjustable?
What's the most common length you use?
When do you adjust your poles on the trail: uphill, downhill, flat?
Your height (if you are comfortable sharing that).
What do your poles weigh?

I'll start
I use adjustable poles set at 105cm. I used to set them longer for long
downhill sections, but once I no longer trusted my twist-lock poles to
stay locked in place I stopped adjusting the poles and have hiked easily
with 105cm poles. My borrowed poles are 20 ounces.
I used to use (and still have) a single hunk of wood that is quite a bit
longer than 105cm. It weighs 19 ounces.
I'm 5' 11" (180cm) tall.

thanks,
liz young

[Cara Lin Bridgman]

I'm 5'3" or there-abouts.  I use one of two poles (225 g or 295 g--the
latter can be a camera monopod) that I tend to keep short (39 inches or
about 1 m).  Sometimes I bother to lengthen it for the downhills.  What
I tend to do is adjust my grip--holding from the top like a walking cane
when on flats or downhills or when climbing from the side like ski
poles.  This adjusts the working length of the pole.

Where collapsible really comes in handy is when you have to do a
scramble and need both hands.  Then you can fold up the poles and tie
them to the back of the pack.

CL

Elizabeth Young wrote:

> Now that the time is coming to actually order some poles, I'm getting
> all nervous about only having one length available to me (so maybe these
> are not the best choice for me).
>
> I thought I'd ask the list members about their trekking pole use:
> Do you use fixed length poles? Adjustable?
> What's the most common length you use?
> When do you adjust your poles on the trail: uphill, downhill, flat?
> Your height (if you are comfortable sharing that).
> What do your poles weigh?

[James D. Marco-2]

Liz,
        I use a single homemade pole. I believe John O has some instructions
on the groups web site. They typically weigh in at about 5.5oz, with a few
modifications. I am 5'9", the actual staff is about 43" long made from a
panfish fishing pole.
        1) Use a longish piece of climbers web as a strap.
http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/product/product.asp/imanf/BlueWater/idesc/1%2Dinch+Climb%2Dspec+Webbing/Store/MG/item/640108/N/0
        2) The bottom gets a wrap of about 2-1/2: of 1/16" nylon chord. Then clear
        epoxy over it all to prevent fraying.
        3) I use a 1/4" bolt, rather than a lighter bolt, on the top web to mount a camera.
        (I use it down, through a metal shield for mounting the strap, turn it over to mount
        a camera. Match the bolt to your camera, they are all pretty standard.)

        The webbing gets twisted to adjust the length. In it's untwisted position, it allows the
pole to be about 36" long...perfect for climbing. Basically "rolling the pole over my hand",
(well, not really, but that's what it looks like when I get done twisting) allows me to hold the
pole on top, at full length...good for down hills. You are a couple inches taller, soo, this
might be a bit short. You might consider a longer pole to start with.
        The nylon wrap on the bottom strengthens the bottom and tip area. I just use a 1/8"
bolt, but you could get regulation carbide tips and fit these. Epoxy or superglue works
pretty well for attaching the tip.
        I have made a half dozen or so for several people. They work well, are strong and
very light.
        I do not use the handles...to much like hanging on to something. Though, I typically
have to lift it. Excess weight....
        The BPL people go the other way. They put handles, but not straps, as I remember.
I think Gossamer Gear does this too. It all works. WIthout the strap, GG gets the weight
down to about 3.5oz or so, as I remember. Lightest I have seen.
        Anyway, single length poles are fine. Depending on how you handle the strap, you
can adjust them between 36" and 43". This seems good enough. Don't be afraid of them.
As you have found, constant adjustment can be bothersome. Easier to just put an extra
twist or two if you need it a bit longer.      
        My thoughts only....
                jdm    
At 07:40 PM 11/2/2009, you wrote:

>Currently I am borrowing a pair of Black Diamond poles with flick locks.
>I am considering some BPL Light Stix (fixed length poles) because they
>are very light and I am not sure I actually need adjustable poles.
>In reading some reviews and comments on these poles, I realized that
>when I don't bother to adjust my poles for length during a hike I keep
>them set at an apparently quite short 105cm. That height eliminates any
>shoulder fatigue from repeatedly lifting the poles higher than my arm
>swing normally goes and works fine up hill, perfectly on the flat, and
>is acceptable downhill.
>Now that the time is coming to actually order some poles, I'm getting
>all nervous about only having one length available to me (so maybe these
>are not the best choice for me).
>
>Anyway!
>
>I thought I'd ask the list members about their trekking pole use:
>Do you use fixed length poles? Adjustable?
>What's the most common length you use?
>When do you adjust your poles on the trail: uphill, downhill, flat?
>Your height (if you are comfortable sharing that).
>What do your poles weigh?
>
>I'll start
>I use adjustable poles set at 105cm. I used to set them longer for long
>downhill sections, but once I no longer trusted my twist-lock poles to
>stay locked in place I stopped adjusting the poles and have hiked easily
>with 105cm poles. My borrowed poles are 20 ounces.
>I used to use (and still have) a single hunk of wood that is quite a bit
>longer than 105cm. It weighs 19 ounces.
>I'm 5' 11" (180cm) tall.
>
>thanks,
>liz young
>
>
>------------------------------------
>
>
>+-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+
>BackpackingLight Mailing List
>To unsubscribe, send a blank message to:
>BackpackingLight-unsubscribe@...
>
>Post messages by E-mailing them to:
>BackpackingLight@...
>+-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

James Marco
Computer Operations Manager, Desktop Support
Biomedical Engineering and
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Cornell University
B78A Olin Hall,
Ithaca,  NY  14853
Office: 255-7312

[Gerry Brucia]

Liz,
I own a pair of BPL Light Stix and they are great.  However, I bought 125's the calculated right size.  After a year of use, I should have bought 120's.  But frankly, if I were to do it again, I would buy the adjustable Gossamer Gear LT4's.  The convenience of an adjustable pole is just too great.  A few weeks ago I used my Light Stix to hold up the front of my tarptent and it was way too long...almost could not make it work.  Lesson well learned.
Gerry

--- In BackpackingLight@..., Elizabeth Young <lizyoung@...> wrote:

>
> Currently I am borrowing a pair of Black Diamond poles with flick locks.
> I am considering some BPL Light Stix (fixed length poles) because they
> are very light and I am not sure I actually need adjustable poles.
> In reading some reviews and comments on these poles, I realized that
> when I don't bother to adjust my poles for length during a hike I keep
> them set at an apparently quite short 105cm. That height eliminates any
> shoulder fatigue from repeatedly lifting the poles higher than my arm
> swing normally goes and works fine up hill, perfectly on the flat, and
> is acceptable downhill.
> Now that the time is coming to actually order some poles, I'm getting
> all nervous about only having one length available to me (so maybe these
> are not the best choice for me).
>
> Anyway!
>
> I thought I'd ask the list members about their trekking pole use:
> Do you use fixed length poles? Adjustable?
> What's the most common length you use?
> When do you adjust your poles on the trail: uphill, downhill, flat?
> Your height (if you are comfortable sharing that).
> What do your poles weigh?
>
> I'll start
> I use adjustable poles set at 105cm. I used to set them longer for long
> downhill sections, but once I no longer trusted my twist-lock poles to
> stay locked in place I stopped adjusting the poles and have hiked easily
> with 105cm poles. My borrowed poles are 20 ounces.
> I used to use (and still have) a single hunk of wood that is quite a bit
> longer than 105cm. It weighs 19 ounces.
> I'm 5' 11" (180cm) tall.
>
> thanks,
> liz young
>

[James D. Marco-2]

Liz,
        Yeah, if the money is not too much for you, the GG's are looking like
the way to go. Lighter by an ounce or two, depending on the strap.
 The adjustment is seldom used, 'cept for long downhills and uphills. But
for a tent pole, it does make sense to have it expand. My setup is for a 42"
peak height. Soo, my pole, at 43", works OK, for the most part. Last
year I got a different tent soo, I no longer use it for that purpose, but, a
little leaning works as well as a little digging when I was using it that way.
Depends on where you set up, I guess.
        My thoughts only . . .
                jdm
At 07:08 AM 11/3/2009, you wrote:
>Liz,
>I own a pair of BPL Light Stix and they are great.  However, I bought 125's the calculated right size.  After a year of use, I should have bought 120's.  But frankly, if I were to do it again, I would buy the adjustable Gossamer Gear LT4's.  The convenience of an adjustable pole is just too great.  A few weeks ago I used my Light Stix to hold up the front of my tarptent and it was way too long...almost could not make it work.  Lesson well learned.
>Gerry

[Roleigh Martin-2]

Elizabeth, if you want ultralight poles, go with Gossamer Gear's, as they
are adjustable.  Their are reasons you want for flexibility such as: (a)
dual purpose for tarptent use, (b) fitting into luggage, (c) use in crossing
waters where you want the poles longer, (d) and use on off-trail use on
hills where one side has to be longer.

As for myself, I have the flick locks Black Diamond and the extra weight
does not bother me, as I consider the use of these to be an upper body
workout device as well, and I have never been bothered on even 23 day hikes
with the weight of the Black Diamond poles.  I just don't factor in this
weight at all.  My arms don't get tired throughout the day.

On Mon, Nov 2, 2009 at 6:40 PM, Elizabeth Young <lizyoung@...> wrote:

> Currently I am borrowing a pair of Black Diamond poles with flick locks.
> I am considering some BPL Light Stix (fixed length poles) because they
> are very light and I am not sure I actually need adjustable poles.
> In reading some reviews and comments on these poles, I realized that
> when I don't bother to adjust my poles for length during a hike I keep
> them set at an apparently quite short 105cm. That height eliminates any
> shoulder fatigue from repeatedly lifting the poles higher than my arm
> swing normally goes and works fine up hill, perfectly on the flat, and
> is acceptable downhill.
> Now that the time is coming to actually order some poles, I'm getting
> all nervous about only having one length available to me (so maybe these
> are not the best choice for me).
>
> Anyway!
>
> I thought I'd ask the list members about their trekking pole use:
> Do you use fixed length poles? Adjustable?
> What's the most common length you use?
> When do you adjust your poles on the trail: uphill, downhill, flat?
> Your height (if you are comfortable sharing that).
> What do your poles weigh?
>
> I'll start
> I use adjustable poles set at 105cm. I used to set them longer for long
> downhill sections, but once I no longer trusted my twist-lock poles to
> stay locked in place I stopped adjusting the poles and have hiked easily
> with 105cm poles. My borrowed poles are 20 ounces.
> I used to use (and still have) a single hunk of wood that is quite a bit
> longer than 105cm. It weighs 19 ounces.
> I'm 5' 11" (180cm) tall.
>
> thanks,
> liz young
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
>
> +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+
> BackpackingLight Mailing List
> To unsubscribe, send a blank message to:
> BackpackingLight-unsubscribe@...
>
> Post messages by E-mailing them to:
> BackpackingLight@...
> +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+Yahoo! Groups
> Links
>
>
>
>

[Ken-120]

I am 5' 11".
I use the poles at 115 - 117 mm. I've tried them shorter, but I don't like
it there
The ones I have are Black Diamond elliptical. I don't know the model, but
the bottom locks in only when fully extended (not adjustable). So, the
middle is the only adjustable section.
I got the long version, up to 140 mm, so it will work with my Six Moon
Designs tents. 120 is too short to hold the tent up. I usually have it
extended to 140 for ventilation. I don't use it in cold weather, so I don't
know the length for the tent lower to the ground.
I like them, they are stable, secure, and easy to adjust.
I have only had to move the screw adjustment once in the 4 years I've had
them.
I have a light weight pair of REI carbon fiber poles. I set them to the same
length. I only use them when I know for sure I won't need the stability the
BD's provide.

[Bill-182]

I've got Black Diamond Contour poles (not the elliptical ones).  They
have the "binary" adjustment on the bottom section; it just snaps to one
position.  All the adjustment is between the top and middle sections.

I also use them to hold up the side tie-outs of the tarp over my
hammock, to form the back of my Tyvek field chair (similar to the Kifaru
Field Chair), and (when tenting) they form the A-frame at the front of
the tent.  So I definitely need adjustable poles.

I'm six feet tall, and I hike with them set between 125 and 130 cm;
mostly near the 125 end, but changing things around distributes the
fatigue to different places at different times.  Making them taller
lifts my diaphragm a bit; then when my arms get tired of raising the
poles I'll shorten them again.

Sometimes I lengthen them on downhills, and then set them back when I'm
on the level, but usually I just move my hand up or over the top.  I
don't shorten them on uphills.

Looks like BD has discontinued them and I can't find the official specs
posted, but I just weighed one at 9.6 ounces.  The newer elliptical ones
also spec out at 19 ounces per pair.  Mine were about $60 on Ebay.

I really like the cam-action "flicklock".  The Outdoor Products poles
available at WalMart also have the cam lock.  The grips are too
plasticky, but the price is attractive at $12 each.

Bill


Elizabeth Young wrote:
>  
> I thought I'd ask the list members about their trekking pole use:
> Do you use fixed length poles? Adjustable?
> What's the most common length you use?
> When do you adjust your poles on the trail: uphill, downhill, flat?
> Your height (if you are comfortable sharing that).
> What do your poles weigh?
>

[Edwin Morse]

OK, I will play the game.
I use 125 cm BPL Stix. Before I ordered them I had used BD poles for well over 10 years. I determined what length to order by measureing my Black Diamonds after several hikes. Most men I know use much shorter poles. I like to reach high when climbing hills.
I'm 5, 8"
I think the BPL Stix are 4 oz each, my old Black Diamonds were 10 oz each - that is 3/4 lb weight savings that I no longer lift with every step.
I frequently use the poles to help tie open the vestibules on my Tarptent. I have no problem tieing any height I want.

Ed Morse

--- In BackpackingLight@..., Elizabeth Young <lizyoung@...> wrote:

>
>
> I thought I'd ask the list members about their trekking pole use:
> Do you use fixed length poles? Adjustable?
> What's the most common length you use?
> When do you adjust your poles on the trail: uphill, downhill, flat?
> Your height (if you are comfortable sharing that).
> What do your poles weigh?
>
> I'll start
> I use adjustable poles set at 105cm. I used to set them longer for long
> downhill sections, but once I no longer trusted my twist-lock poles to
> stay locked in place I stopped adjusting the poles and have hiked easily
> with 105cm poles. My borrowed poles are 20 ounces.
> I used to use (and still have) a single hunk of wood that is quite a bit
> longer than 105cm. It weighs 19 ounces.
> I'm 5' 11" (180cm) tall.
>
> thanks,
> liz young
>

[GARY HEBERT]

I'm 5'4" ~135lbs so I tend toward shorter length of my poles, normally
around 115cm or about 45"; I never adjust the length for climbing,
descending, side hilling, stream crossing;  although it only takes a few
seconds to adjust it just doesnt seem to matter that much, I just adapt.
Footing/walking for prolonged sidehilling is more of an issue than pole
length for me.

I DO adjust my rear pole for my tarp most nites.  I can/have used fixed
length poles for this by simply wrapping the end lines around the pole at
the appropriate height (slightly upward angle of the line to the pole) with
good succes.

The real benefit of adjustables is the ability to stow them easily outside
my pack; It's is farely rare but very helpful 1) when ascending long wicked
steep climbs [requiring use of my hands to climb] when poles are useless
[for short sections I just deal with them or toss them up/down to the next
landing where I pick them up] or 2)when using mass transit to/from hikes or
occassionally during long roadwalk sections on thru hikes when I sometimes
stow my poles. [full length poles dragging or sticking up beyond my pack
height snagging branches, hitting me in the legs sucks! been there done that
- didn't like it, personally]

Just got back from a 500+ mile trek Canada/NH border to New Haven, CT thru
The Whites & lots of wet cold days, including some snow. My first real trek
with my new GG Lighttrek 4's - I love them. Super light, strong, easy to
adjust. MUCH better than my REI/Komperdell Carbon Fiber UL adjustables which
failed repeatedly despite multiple returns.

I've considered BPL's and other SUL fixed length poles but the weight
savings over GG LT4's is miniscule vs. the option to adjust them, which for
me far outweighs in practical terms during the hike and commuting phases.

G

[Elizabeth Young]

Elizabeth Young wrote:
>  I thought I'd ask the list members about their trekking pole use:

Thanks for all the great replies - I have a lot more information now
upon which to base my decision.

liz young