Hiking (1 Viewer)

[AAABatteries]

https://www.rei.com/product/244532/leki-cross-trail-3-carbon-trekking-poles-pair

Best trekking poles I've found. Love the Leki glove/grip system. I've always been a fixed pole guy, but just transitioned to the adjustable.

Do you have them locked in and on the entire time you’re hiking? I get fidgety with poles and put them away often, I’ve been hesitant to try this type for that reason. Are those easy to take off and store on the move?

My Osprey pack has an awesome feature called Stow-on-the-Go. It allows me to quickly and easily store my sticks when I don't need them. When I was fatter, I used my poles almost all the time when backpacking with weight as I didn't feel as stable on my feet. Now that I'm less fat, I still always take them on overnight trips but keep them stored probably 80-90% of the time. They are essential in bad weather though.

 

[Jaysus]

I love poles! They double at tent poles for me

 

[Moe.]

Heading to the Grand Canyon and Zion in early April, looking forward to it. Anyone have favorite trails in Zion? I’ve been to GCNP a number of times (did rim-to-rim last year) but I don’t know anything about Zion. Angels Landing probably wouldn’t be our thing even if we could get a permit, and it won’t be the right time of year for the narrows, so I am looking for recs. Staying at Cable Mountain Lodge, my understanding is it’s right outside the park

Which direction did you go for your R2R?

North to South. North Kaibab to Phantom Ranch. Bright Angel was (still is) closed between Phantom Ranch and Havasupai Garden, so from Phantom Ranch we started up South Kaibab, but then at the Tip Off we hopped on the Tonto Trail and took that over to Bright Angel, then up to the South Rim. In was early November and the weather was perfect, we really lucked out. Can’t imagine doing that in the heat.

 

[Moe.]

https://www.rei.com/product/244532/leki-cross-trail-3-carbon-trekking-poles-pair

Best trekking poles I've found. Love the Leki glove/grip system. I've always been a fixed pole guy, but just transitioned to the adjustable.

I have two sets of poles but neither of them will fit in my suitcase carry-on.

In my research last year I think I determined they were a TSA no go.

Yeah you gotta check trekking poles.

 

[Manster]

https://www.rei.com/product/244532/leki-cross-trail-3-carbon-trekking-poles-pair

Best trekking poles I've found. Love the Leki glove/grip system. I've always been a fixed pole guy, but just transitioned to the adjustable.

Do you have them locked in and on the entire time you’re hiking? I get fidgety with poles and put them away often, I’ve been hesitant to try this type for that reason. Are those easy to take off and store on the move?

My Osprey pack has an awesome feature called Stow-on-the-Go. It allows me to quickly and easily store my sticks when I don't need them. When I was fatter, I used my poles almost all the time when backpacking with weight as I didn't feel as stable on my feet. Now that I'm less fat, I still always take them on overnight trips but keep them stored probably 80-90% of the time. They are essential in bad weather though.

I've had an Osprey Atmos for years. Awesome pack! Great features, and it's very comfortable, and capable for being so light. weight

 

[Terminalxylem]

Just got invited to do Mount Whitney in July. Anyone hiked it?

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

I'm thinking about taking a solo hiking trip to GSMNP in mid-October. I received a forced hiatus from regular employment, so I figured I would get some "me" time in while I can. I haven't been to the Smokies in 10+ years, so I'm looking forward to planning and making it happen. I'm thinking about staying in Townsend, TN. I have tent camped from there before and used it as a base for some day hikes. I'm going to have to check my storage unit to see if my tent is still functional if I still even have it. Need to upgrade my sleeping pad also. And my sleeping bag.

That's peak crazy-tourist season, but hopefully Townsend is far enough away from everything that it won't be too much of a bother. I'm focusing on 10-15 miles/day so I figured once I get 1/2 mile away from the trail head, things will thin out. At least that's what I recall from my last visit.

 

[Moe.]

Just got invited to do Mount Whitney in July. Anyone hiked it?

Did you end up doing it? We’re going to apply for the permits in February, targeting early September 2026

 

[urbanhack]

Have done some pretty epic hikes the last few months. A good friend who has been struggling with life has found hiking to be his guiding light. He's been doing lot's of hikes around Mt. Hood and across the river in Indian Heaven Wilderness in Washington. I've been trying to tag along with him when possible. A lot of the ones we are doing require extra driving to get to trail heads that are much less crowded.

We did this one last weekend. https://i.imgur.com/EeGbAvJ.jpeg
Vista Ridge to Cairn Basin.

Most of these give us clear views to St. Helens, Mt. Adams, Rainier and of course Mt. Hood.

 

[PlayaHata]

Saw this thread was updated and it reminded me of this article I happened across this morning.

26 Of The Absolute Best Hikes In National Parks

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

I'm thinking about taking a solo hiking trip to GSMNP in mid-October. I received a forced hiatus from regular employment, so I figured I would get some "me" time in while I can. I haven't been to the Smokies in 10+ years, so I'm looking forward to planning and making it happen. I'm thinking about staying in Townsend, TN. I have tent camped from there before and used it as a base for some day hikes. I'm going to have to check my storage unit to see if my tent is still functional if I still even have it. Need to upgrade my sleeping pad also. And my sleeping bag.

That's peak crazy-tourist season, but hopefully Townsend is far enough away from everything that it won't be too much of a bother. I'm focusing on 10-15 miles/day so I figured once I get 1/2 mile away from the trail head, things will thin out. At least that's what I recall from my last visit.

Booked to go next week. I have flights booked into Asheville NC (versus TN-side because it was lower # of frequent flyer miles, non-stop and closer to GSMNP) and a rental car. Now I just need to find a place to stay. Been looking at Hipcamp.com to find something that is reasonably priced and already "furnished" so I don't have to worry about bringing too much stuff. There are some pretty cool options available. There is one that looks great, but I need a 4x4 to access it. I can't guarantee a 4x4 Jeep at any of the rental places that's under $100/day. I have a few other options depending on location and how close I want to be to the park.

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

Saw this thread was updated and it reminded me of this article I happened across this morning.

26 Of The Absolute Best Hikes In National Parks

Just looked to see what it had for GSMNP, and it listed Clingman's Dome. Granted, the author indicated it was going to be crowded but I can't think of a worse choice. If I remember correctly, a good bit of the 1.3 mile R/T hike is paved. Lame.

 

[shuke]

Saw this thread was updated and it reminded me of this article I happened across this morning.

26 Of The Absolute Best Hikes In National Parks

Just looked to see what it had for GSMNP, and it listed Clingman's Dome. Granted, the author indicated it was going to be crowded but I can't think of a worse choice. If I remember correctly, a good bit of the 1.3 mile R/T hike is paved. Lame.

Agreed. I think the whole thing is paved from the lot. It's not a hike.