If there may be one fixed in backpacking it’s this: Fewer issues are higher than extra issues. There are in fact exceptions. Extra Bitter Patch Children are all the time, all the time higher than fewer Bitter Patch Children after a 15-mile day on the path. That could be the one exception now that I give it some thought. So, yeah, usually, you’re going to need to keep away from doubling up on stuff you actually solely want one among.
Alongside these strains, a current discovery of mine is paring down trekking poles to only the one pole when on a backcountry journey. That is clearly an idea as previous as strolling itself however additionally it is one which many backpackers have apparently forgotten. No less than young-ish, gear-obsessed backpackers. I’m not speaking about carting alongside a knotted wizard employees like Gandalf on the path (although that’s very cool if it’s your factor) and even shopping for a flowery carbon mountain climbing employees. You have already got what you want.
Until you’re balancing 70 kilos whereas strolling over unfastened scree I’m not likely positive why you’d ever really need two poles
The idea is sort of easy. As you’re packing for a backpacking journey, pull out your trekking poles after which—right here’s the essential half—put one among them again. Simply deliver the opposite one. Straightforward, proper?
I noticed this made much more sense than bringing two poles on a backpacking journey final summer season once I broke one of many nuts that tightens the telescoping motion on one of many poles halfway via the primary day’s hike. (I’m a very large fan of those cheap and sometimes sturdy Cascade Mountain Tech poles—the breakage was my fault for tightening the nut with my multi-tool). At first, I used to be extraordinarily bummed that my pole was busted and, for a time, I attempted to make use of a department as a alternative in order that I’d nonetheless have the soundness of a four-legged animal that two poles present. However that rapidly obtained previous, and I pitched the department.
Shepherds have been utilizing simply the one pole (employees) for 1000’s of years. Perhaps they’ve been on to one thing. Photograph: Eshtiaghyi
Seems although, one pole is loads. Until you’re balancing 70 kilos in your again whereas strolling over unfastened scree I’m not likely positive why you’d ever really need two poles. One supplies loads of help and stability.
River crossings are almost as simple with only one. Actually, fly anglers only one to to maintain themselves upright in thigh-deep, fast-flowing rivers they usually’re simply superb. When climbing or descending steep rocky sections of a path you should use each fingers as leverage on the one pole and it really works almost in addition to having each. Plus you’ve got one hand free to seize your telephone for a photograph, to drag out a map or GPS, to bandana sweat off your forehead, or to stuff your face with a snack (Bitter Patch Children, hopefully). It’s additionally simpler to faux you’re a foil-wielding fencer with simply the one.
Are you utilizing a tent that requires two trekking poles to arrange? You possibly can simply deliver a small tent pole, like this light-weight carbon fiber pole from Easton, folded up in your bag. Or transition to a tent that requires a single pole solely. Or, in the event you’re mountain climbing with two, both use your companion’s poles in the event that they’re stubbornly insisting on utilizing two, or convert them to the Church of the One Pole and mix your poles to erect the tent.
As nice as trekking poles could be, it’s fairly nice to have one hand free on the path. Whether or not you simply stick it in your pocket or gesticulate wildly at the great thing about nature, you’ll be stoked on the freedom and unburdened of 1 extra piece of fancy camp gear.
