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#135195 - 06/15/10 11:10 PM trekking poles
Jake28 Offline
member

Registered: 02/24/10
Posts: 51
Loc: MN
i got to use my trekking poles on a longer trip than an overnighter finally, and by halfway through the second day my elbows were killing me. i had been using them the entire trip giving my elbows no rest but it was so helpful. is this common or am i doing something wrong? thanks!

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#135196 - 06/15/10 11:28 PM Re: trekking poles [Re: Jake28]
lori Offline
member

Registered: 01/22/08
Posts: 2801
Are you setting the poles at a length that puts your elbows at a ninety degree angle?

I have had a little soreness in the arms after a trip full of steep hills, but no elbow pain.
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"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities. In the expert's mind there are few." Shunryu Suzuki

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#135201 - 06/16/10 01:01 AM Re: trekking poles [Re: Jake28]
Jacobman Offline
newbie

Registered: 03/12/10
Posts: 5
Loc: California
I just went on my first backpacking trip which was 4 days long, absolutely had a blast. But as to your question I did use a trekking pole and had my elbow at about 90 degrees and had no pain throughout the trip.

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#135202 - 06/16/10 01:03 AM Re: trekking poles [Re: Jake28]
Wolfeye Offline
member

Registered: 01/11/07
Posts: 413
Loc: Seattle, WA
I started using one pole myself over a year ago, and I found I had to experiment with different lengths until I got it right. I'd say some initial discomfort is common. Plus, you're making your body do something it's not used to yet; I get the same thing when I try new martial arts moves, and the body gets used to it through good technique and training.

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#135209 - 06/16/10 08:40 AM Re: trekking poles [Re: Jake28]
BarryP Offline
member

Registered: 03/04/04
Posts: 1574
Loc: Eastern Idaho
“…and by halfway through the second day my elbows were killing me.”
“…is this common”

It is not common with lightweight poles. Also, forearm fatigue is not common with lightweight poles (though you didn’t mention it, I just thought I would throw that into there).

I’ve enjoyed my 2.4oz poles from GG: http://www.gossamergear.com/cgi-bin/gossamergear/Lightrek3_Trekking_Poles.html

-Barry

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#135213 - 06/16/10 01:08 PM Re: trekking poles [Re: Jake28]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Helpful info on how to use and adjust them on this site.
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

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#135279 - 06/18/10 03:14 PM Re: trekking poles [Re: OregonMouse]
CWF Offline
member

Registered: 08/22/06
Posts: 266
There have been some pole failures with those GG poles recently posted on BPL.com. I would avoid them if you are over 200 lbs.

With respect to elbows hurting, you may have the poles extended too high. One issue I have found with poles and 40 mile days - soreness in the traps and shoulders.

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#135312 - 06/19/10 08:17 PM Re: trekking poles [Re: CWF]
Jake28 Offline
member

Registered: 02/24/10
Posts: 51
Loc: MN
thanks everyone. im thinking that the problem is the height at which i have the poles set when i go.

ill try lowering them based on the advice from previously listed websites.

jake

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#135321 - 06/20/10 08:22 AM Re: trekking poles [Re: Jake28]
scoutrufus Offline
newbie

Registered: 06/07/10
Posts: 3
Loc: Missouri
I use hiking staffs. I had access to a doweling machine, and the staffs I ended up with were 1 1/16 diameter, and 5' long.
.
At no time are my forearms below 'horizontal' with the trail, and most of the time they are slightly up, allowing some continuous tension on the muscle group.
.
These also allow me to slip the poles through my hands for the poles to rest on a lower surface than the one I am walking on, like I would be alongside a wash. I believe this is more advantageous than leaning over using trekking poles/

They are not, however, collapsible.

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#135328 - 06/20/10 02:49 PM Re: trekking poles [Re: scoutrufus]
aimless Online   content
Moderator

Registered: 02/05/03
Posts: 3292
Loc: Portland, OR
Pictures?

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