Non-trekking pole PCT hikers: do you think trekking poles are actually justified in the Sierra?

You don't need trekking poles,..

..until you do.

Nick, what do you use for a shelter?

I see now you were probably not aware of the meaning behind the phrase…no hard feelings here then. For the record my comment was more to get your attention than heart felt. I have no doubt you are capable and I wish you all the best on your adventure. Sorry, I'm having a bad go of it lately. Should have counted to 10.

jimmyb

Dave, my main shelter is a Hexamid. I use a dedicated Ruta Locura 4 section carbon fiber pole for it. Same for my TrailStar.

Thanks Nick

I find a pole is indispensible for

– descending or traversing steep, loose slopes off trail – for safety

– any steep descent, especially with giant steps – to ease impact on your knees

– steep snow, if without crampons or ice axe – for safety

– soft snow (two poles with big baskets better) – not really a safety issue, but postholing is not fun

– major stream crossings, or getting across any streams quickly

I think two poles are detrimental for

– moving >3mph on easy trails

– Class3, where you want at least one hand free

I usually take one Fizan Compact pole, net weight penaltiy is only a couple of ounces because it's my tent/tarp pole; and it packs down really neatly to sit in the side pocket of my pack.

No worries jimmyb.

This has actually been quite educational for me, as I did not know the origination of the phrase before now. Reading the wikipedia page concerning the phrase and its usage has been very enlightening. The following excerpt from that page was more where I was coming from.

The widespread use of the phrase with its current meaning may have begun in the late 1990s. In some cases it began to take on a neutral or even positive light, implying simply great enthusiasm. In 1998, the dictionary website logophilia.com defined the phrase as “To become a firm believer in something; to accept an argument or philosophy whole-heartedly.”

It’s interesting to now learn that the phrase was originally (and still often is) used to denote blindly or mindlessly following something. Now I know!

Learn something new everyday right?