Bad knee: Trekking poles, worth it?

jaguigui

New Member
Jun 23, 2015
16
0
Hey everyone,

Just had arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus about 3 weeks ago. I'm wondering whether trekking poles would be a good investment to aid in the stability when hunting/packing out here in Montana.

Thanks!


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badgerbob

Active Member
May 18, 2015
396
72
Eastern Oregon
Hey everyone,

Just had arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus about 3 weeks ago. I'm wondering whether trekking poles would be a good investment to aid in the stability when hunting/packing out here in Montana.

Thanks!


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I was watching "Sheep Shape" on the outdoors channel and there were a couple of guys with artificial legs hunting in Alaska. They were using trekking poles and were doing quite well. You might be able to use them. I wouldn't push it, it would be too bad to re-injure your knee. Better to miss one season than chance loosing many more. Just my thinking.
 

WapitiBob

Veteran member
Mar 1, 2011
1,385
58
Bend, Orygun
They're a no brainer regardless of physical ability or terrain, especially when packing out. Get one with a 1/4-20 thread and leave the tripod behind too.
 
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coastalarms

Active Member
Trekking poles are practically a must for me (the VA rates my knee at 40 disabled). The assistance they give in stabilizing in rough terrain and control in steep terrain are where I find I need them the most. For me, its a no brainer.
 

sneakypete

Veteran member
Aug 9, 2011
2,821
275
Oakdale Ca.
I agree with all they are especially helpful while packing out game and going downhill. They work as a great leaning post while resting while standing.
 

jaguigui

New Member
Jun 23, 2015
16
0
Thanks everyone. Just scored some carbon ones of camofire for 1/2 off!


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ceby7

Active Member
Feb 21, 2011
177
1
Laurel, MT
I'm thinking trekking poles would be good for me. Are there any specific brands/models that are made with the hunter in mind?
I've got the Easton carbon ones and they've been great for 2 years. I don't think you can go wrong with anything from Black Diamond or Leki either.
 

genesis27:3

Member
Mar 12, 2015
139
0
North Carolina
Keep an eye on Camofire. They have the Easton's at 50%+/- off sometimes. I just bought a set for a great price this week.

Add on: while reading through the thread, I realized jaguigui has already used Camofire. I should have read more thoroughly.
 
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AT Hiker

Very Active Member
Aug 2, 2012
638
0
Tennessee
I used poles way back when only "yuppies" used them and drove Subarus. Im glad they are "manly" now, Im also shopping for a good Outback. So soon I will be hunting out of a Subaru and trekking with poles, my pocket book will be thicker and my knees will not suffer. Even if my buddies think I vote blue it is still worth it!


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Dos Perros

Member
Jul 1, 2015
128
0
Thanks everyone. Just scored some carbon ones of camofire for 1/2 off!


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I had originally bought some Komperdell's off REI Outlet, but I saw those Easton's on Camofire and "pulled the trigger." At 12ish oz per pair it was a no brainer.

I, too, believe that trekking poles are a "must have" for anyone going far enough to overnight, or through rough enough terrain even during day hikes. There is a study you should read:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100602121000.htm

Additionally, there is the option to acquire tents or shelters which rely on trekking poles, thereby eliminating the need for additional poles, which means even more weight savings.
 

Dark Mavis

Active Member
Mar 6, 2015
237
17
Vernon Parish, LA
I have a tall sturdy mono-pod that I use on just about every hunt I go on. It's threaded on top with the padded V gun rest, so I can shoot quickly off off it, use my spotter on it if I have to, or mount my camera on it to take old school selfies. Just a good, dependable, all purpose stick.

I read a few years back that using trekking poles is like going from a 2x4 truck to a 4x4. It's true. I highly recommend getting some if anyone doesn't have them. Mine has kept me from landing on the rocks on more than one occasion.
 

RICMIC

Veteran member
Feb 21, 2012
2,016
1,796
Two Harbors, Minnesota
I recently upgraded to the Black Diamond aluminum. I went with al. instead of carbon because they will generally bend where carbon can break. I had fallen on my old set of cheapies and was able to straighten them out enough to finish the trip.
 

ivorytip

Veteran member
Mar 24, 2012
3,768
50
44
SE Idaho
I love my poles. the guys I hunt with think im crazy for using them, I have extra ones and always offer up to them but they say they don't need them. dropping off the face of a steep mountain last year to retrieve a deer, he was happy as can be when he finally took one of them. they save so much energy and your knees!