Is That A Trekking Pole You're Packing...
... or are you just very nervous? At last a pole that should fit in just about any pack from the men at Montrail
Posted: 9 October 2002
by Jon
Recent research by the Outdoors Psychological Profiling Bureau
shows that the ostentatious display of walking poles while not in use
is a major cause of anxiety and stress for many
walkers.
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Richard Want shows off his
modestly-proportioned
pole at Harrogate
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Okay, we made that up, but let's face it, when not in use, poles are
a pain to store and none of the major rucksac manufacturers has come
up with a convenient stowage solution, so most of us are still
struggling with variations on ice-axe loops and compression straps /
wand pockets. And they're a pain in the butt to transport on public
transport as well.
Well, while wandering through the halls of debauchery, aka the Go
Outdoors show, we came across a neat solution to the problem.
Footwear specialists Montrail have come up with the Quad, a four-part
pole with 7075 alloy tubes which slide down to a tiny 52cm when
packed down, but still extend to 120 cm in use, enough for most
walkers, though six-footers and above may need more pole,
particularly on descents.
There's an extended soft grip handle for easy traversing, an esy
to adjust wrist strap and the weight is 500 grammes. And yes, they
should fit easily into your rucksac, saving you the embarassment of
being an obvious paid-up pole carrier... Price will be approximately
£30 per pole and they should be in the shops in the next few
weeks.
Stockist details from Lyon
Equipment, telephone: 015396 25493 or by e-mail.
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