Single Night S Rim Hike?

[presidio]

I think I'm at least going to try some trekking poles. What can you all recommend? From looking around on the internet, I think I want light weight, anti-shock and 3 sections so they'll collapse and be compact.

Yep, that's all good stuff, and what you describe is what I have, but any pole will help. I used to use a 1" oak staff. Heavier than the current stuff but it worked remarkably well and was unlikely to bend/break if caught between rocks. It had other uses that a lightweight metal pole just cannot serve. However, I wouldn't go back to one.

I've remarked on this before, but it's still something to consider. You see a lot of people hiking with a pole in each hand. Very trendy but not very practical for a variety of reasons.

First, both hands are full so what do you do when you need a free hand? When the terrain is extremely rough you need a free hand to grab things or fend off brush or rocks. When the terrain is gentle, if you need 2 poles to maintain balance something is amiss. Three points of contact is the rule in climbing, you ought to be able to make it work while simply walking.

Using a single pole cuts whatever the weight is in half. Give the other to your spouse or SO.

The biggest drawback, though, to using 2 poles is that it fosters a deliberation of placement for some strange reason that a single pole doesn't. Watch somebody hike with one pole. They pretty much move along and the pole is used in stride. Add a second pole and quite a few people become very fixated on where the each tip is going to get planted at each step. It is a very pronounced effect in steeper terrain but is observable even in easy areas. They spend more time watching the poles than where they are going.

[Red Hawk]

I often use a long sotol stick (gathered outside the park) for general outside walks and for its lightness especially on descents (but they tend to get shorter with use). But more lately have on many occasions carried two trekking poles. Mostly I use only one for balance. But on ascending steep trails I'll use both. I find I get into a true, efficient 4 footed gait that really takes the weight off my legs, putting perhaps as much as a third of it onto my arms. And two poles help make a dandy tarp tent.   

[mule ears]

But on ascending steep trails I'll use both. I find I get into a true, efficient 4 footed gait that really takes the weight off my legs, putting perhaps as much as a third of it onto my arms. And two poles help make a dandy tarp tent.   

I also find that two on the ascent is like going into 4WD.  On tough descents they really do help take the weight off the knees.  I have done some trips with only one (as I was transitioning from a wooden staff) but when I started using two you could tell a big difference.  Some cold mornings or in the rain, or in difficult places I will not even use them to keep the hands warm or for hand to hand combat.  They are invaluable in setting up my tarp.

[SA Bill]

Hi presidio!
Good point about a persons gate with two poles. I too have hiked with a single staff type pole. Usually I didn't use anything. I just got a pair of very lightweight trekking poles that I'll use as much as possible in the next couple of months to a) get used to them and b) see if they are a help in my opinion. It does seem to me that having them on a steep climb would be helpful both going up and going down   IF   technique is good. That may be the key.

Hi Red Hawk!
I like the idea that a pair of poles, properly used, can take some wear and tear off of the knees!

Hi mule ears!
4WD!   

Yo stingrey!
The Asolo boots arrived today and at first try it looks like I got the size right. Seems like there will be a little break in period but probably not too bad judging from the 10 minutes I wore them around the house. I'll wear them around the house a lot this weekend before I decide for sure about keeping them. I'm 80% sure they'll be okay but I want to make sure.
   Bill

[homerboy2u]

Hey, Professor...which Asolo's did you buy?. Since Peach, i believe brought them up, i kind of gotten interested in them. It would be interested to see your input.

[SA Bill]

Hi Homero!
I bought a pair of these:
http://tinyurl.com/47pop7/

So far...so good. More as I break them in.
  Bill

[jeffblaylock]

I use a single trekking pole. I lack the coordination to operate two. Presidio's description could easily be of me. I also like to keep my second hand free. You'll just have to experiment.

[SA Bill]

Hey Jeff!
Are you left or right handed and which hand holds the pole?

How do you handle your camera? That's an issue I see with both hands "tied up" with the poles. The DSLR will most likely be hanging around my neck so it's right in front and accessable for the bear pics that will no doubt be around each corner of the hike.    Using a ski pole type of grip on the poles, I can let go of them without them falling to the ground. Should work...was just curious if there's a better way.
   Bill

[mule ears]

Using a ski pole type of grip on the poles, I can let go of them without them falling to the ground. Should work...was just curious if there's a better way.
   Bill

No that's it, just let the poles dangle from the wrist straps whilst taking the bear photo, then the poles are at the ready to fend off the charging bears 

[presidio]

I often use a long sotol stick (gathered outside the park)

How do you prove that to the hypervigilant NPS employee who thinks these things grow only in the park? 

[Red Hawk]

Good point. Next time I'll brand it G4 or 4L, or get a Hallie Stillwell memorial bumper sticker to install on my stick. 

[jeffblaylock]

Hey Jeff!
Are you left or right handed and which hand holds the pole?

How do you handle your camera? That's an issue I see with both hands "tied up" with the poles. The DSLR will most likely be hanging around my neck so it's right in front and accessable for the bear pics that will no doubt be around each corner of the hike.    Using a ski pole type of grip on the poles, I can let go of them without them falling to the ground. Should work...was just curious if there's a better way.
   Bill

I am right-handed. I switch hands periodically except when the trail cuts across a slope, in which case my downhill hand holds the pole. I usually place my hand wrist through the strap so I can let go of it without it falling to the ground. Otherwise I will lean it against a tree or brush when I need to use both hands for a task, such as taking a photo.

When I carry a DSLR, it rides in a camera bag attached to my hip belt on the right side. If I am dayhiking, then the camera bag is carried with the shoulder strap around my neck. When I take the PowerShot G9, it rides in a pouch attached to the sternum strap.

[SHANEA]

Sorry.  I'm a proponent of dual light weight titanium walking sticks when backpacking.  I can get a nice cadence  going, really helps when going down an incline more than anything.  Result of a bum knee with cartilage left on he slopes of Steam Boat Vagabond run many years ago.  Day hiking, I use only one walking stick or staff.

[oldfatman]

My Sherlock walking sticks are very important to me when hiking and taking pictures.  Between heart pounding and failing ability to stay steady when standing, the walking sticks became my tool to steady the camera for taking pictures.  They are the only thing between me and a fuzzy due to shaking picture.
As far as I am concerned the proper way to hold a walking stick is put your hand through the loop like you are going to shake hands with the grip.  The loop rides just toward your fingers from your wrist on the fat part of your hand and carries all the weight of your effort.  Your grip only controls placing the stick.  When your hands get arthritic, gripping the stick to hold your weight will not be pleasant. 
My style but not for everyone.  Most important have a style and use it outdoors.

[iCe]

I just turned 50 and I walk/run about 5 hours a week. Last year I hiked up to SW4 and spent the night. I left at sunup and got to camp at around 3pm. I packed more water than I needed (2 gallons), photo gear, and a number of useless things that kicked the pack weight up to 55 pounds (my photo gear is very heavy DSLR, tripod, extra lens). The pack was rated for 30 pounds. I also found out that even though my boots fit fine on flat ground the left one got a little tight once I got into the hike. I ended up losing my big toenail later that year. So... if I was going to give any advice at all it would be to make sure your pack isn't over loaded and your shoes fit right

I did not take my Tarp Tent (saved a little bit of weight but I narrowly missed getting rained on). I took a lightweight air mattress (about 1/2 the weight of a thermarest and very comfortable). I took a lightweight sleeping bag (most of my gear is ultra-light). I used large black trash bags for a ground cloth (because they are lighter than a tarp). I used but probably didn't need my "Bug Bivey". The SW Rim isn't far from camp and I enjoyed a very nice sunset and a gorgeous sunrise. Had I known that I would be able to pump my own water I wouldn't have carried so much. I didn't take a lot of food. Just granola bars and jerky. For a day / night trip it was plenty.

The silence and sense of aloneness up there is memorable.