Photos Blades on Hikes

I love this thread! I think there is one similar in the Traditional subforum, so I think I'll cross post.

I'm in New Mexico this week and getting in a bit of walking. Now who was the BF member way back who swore by an Opinel and a multitool solving all his problems? A N°10 and a SOG Paratool are working for me right now!

UQxxYAW.jpeg


Zieg
 
Last edited:
The Zieg said:
I love this thread! I think there is one similar in the Traditional subforum, so I think I'll cross post.

I'm in New Mexico this week and getting in a bit of walking. Now who was the BF member way back who swore by an Opinel and a multitool solving all his problems? A N°10 and a SOG Paratool are working for me right now!

UQxxYAW.jpeg


Zieg
Click to expand...
More NM . . .

Oq3ib7l.jpeg


EsHIS44.jpeg


RuQbYxC.jpeg


Zieg
 
The Zieg said:
I love this thread! I think there is one similar in the Traditional subforum, so I think I'll cross post.

I'm in New Mexico this week and getting in a bit of walking. Now who was the BF member way back who swore by an Opinel and a multitool solving all his problems? A N°10 and a SOG Paratool are working for me right now!

UQxxYAW.jpeg


Zieg
Click to expand...
I'm not a multitool guy... yet. If I keep hanging around here, I'm sure that day is coming.
BTW, beautiful place, hope to visit NM some day!
 
dogstar said:
I'm not a multitool guy... yet. If I keep hanging around here, I'm sure that day is coming.
Click to expand...
My multitool use comes and goes but give one a try and you'll be pleasantly surprised. I usually only carry it around the farm so I can get small tasks done quickly. This was mostly an homage to that BF member whose name I've forgotten.

Zieg
 
Knives&Lint said:
Good point. I really should, but I haven't yet. Well, that is to say I don't bring poles, I do often find a stick to use while I'm out there and shave it down for a single walking stick. So I do see the benefit of them, especially when heading back down steep terrain. I'm considering going out this week (plans still up in the air) to a spot that's already snow packed and will undoubtedly also be icy, and I've already decided that I'm gonna finally bring some poles along for that one just for good measure.
Click to expand...
Some chit chat about poles....

There was a time where the so called trekking poles (the colapsible ones) were a rare sight in the outdoors and mostly only related to heavy hauls between camps during high altitude expeditions (Hymalaya) or polar exploration requiring pulling pulkas on skis or snowshoes.

However, things have changed for the better (IMHO) and now you can see them all over the place. Wooden poles are ok if you plan on smacking wild creatures on the head with them or pole-vault-jump style stunts. For anything else, trekking poles are vastly supperior. They are lighter, lengh adjustable, comfortable grips and include a leash (not all models) and baskets (smaller for summer, bigger for winter/snow).

They allow you to use your upper body strength when carrying a heavy pack, save your knees when going downhill and are a must when in deep snow (snowshoes or skis).

The only two situations when I don't carry them is when approaching a climb if I am coming down a different way (so I don't have to carry them in the pack while climbing) or when I carry basically nothing (only a Camelback) because I will probably be in trainners and running.

I strongly suggest them for anyone who wants to go outdoors. And you don't need to get uber technical when choosing them. It is easy to get lost between two section / three section, aluminum/carbon fiber, adjustable/fixed length, etc... And you can spend as much as you want.

Mikel
 
Poles rule. I used to be 'no ploes' but read about weight distribution and other positive effects.
Poles make hiking much easier/safer/faster, especially when you're going downhill.

I got a pair of Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z poles, they weigh around 9.8oz/280g

Screenshot_20221214_122101_Gallery.jpg

Favorite knife for hiking is my trusty Fred Perrin neck bowie.

Screenshot_20221214_122204_Gallery.jpg
 
Mikel_24 said:
Some chit chat about poles....

There was a time where the so called trekking poles (the colapsible ones) were a rare sight in the outdoors and mostly only related to heavy hauls between camps during high altitude expeditions (Hymalaya) or polar exploration requiring pulling pulkas on skis or snowshoes.

However, things have changed for the better (IMHO) and now you can see them all over the place. Wooden poles are ok if you plan on smacking wild creatures on the head with them or pole-vault-jump style stunts. For anything else, trekking poles are vastly supperior. They are lighter, lengh adjustable, comfortable grips and include a leash (not all models) and baskets (smaller for summer, bigger for winter/snow).

They allow you to use your upper body strength when carrying a heavy pack, save your knees when going downhill and are a must when in deep snow (snowshoes or skis).

The only two situations when I don't carry them is when approaching a climb if I am coming down a different way (so I don't have to carry them in the pack while climbing) or when I carry basically nothing (only a Camelback) because I will probably be in trainners and running.

I strongly suggest them for anyone who wants to go outdoors. And you don't need to get uber technical when choosing them. It is easy to get lost between two section / three section, aluminum/carbon fiber, adjustable/fixed length, etc... And you can spend as much as you want.

Mikel
Click to expand...
I agree that trekking poles are better than single poles for making the miles easier on your body. However, the single staff is not without its merits. A walking staff is as old as time. I made mine out of a replacement broomstick from the hardware store; it weighs 9.3 oz. That is carbon fiber territory. You can snap it over your knee, but for its intended purpose, it is plenty strong. There are no locking joints to break. As a solid piece of wood, I don't worry about whacking aside branches encroaching on the trail. I use mine to set up a tarp as well.

In terms of physical benefits, you still can engage your upper body to push yourself along. I regularly switch sides unless one leg is more fatigued or injured. It also keeps my hands from getting numb on a long hike because they are holding onto something. You can place your hand anywhere along the staff to adjust for uphill and downhill. You can also change the cadence of your plant, from the natural 1-2-3-4, to 1-2-3, or 1-2. I increase the cadence as the hill gets steeper. For really steep hills I use both hands and "paddle" myself uphill. It's amazing how much push you can get. If you are really bored, you can see what I'm talking about here:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top