Hanging some art work last night and I wasn't exactly jumping up on the couch while carrying my art particularly well. Been on the road all summer and despite a steady diet of biking my waistline has still expanded. Rats!

Next week is go time and somehow I had it all pictured differently. I would be svelte, thin, sturdy and in shape. After all, carrying ample fishing gear and groceries for a 24 day trip it would be sort of smart to be physically up to the challenge.

Reality......it has a unique way of prevailing and inserting itself. I had recently done some hiking in the Smokies and admired just how helpful my collapsible carbon fiber trekking poles were in getting me around. Now I am strongly (as in I'm taking them) considering using them when carrying my main Pro Pack. Normally I don the Pro Pack and have a rather heavy Watershed Duffel in each hand and off I go. But I am having second thoughts.........the collapsible trekking poles go down quickly and can be easily strapped on top of my pro pack.

This will mean an extra portage as I will carry the duffels across on a separate trip along with my fishing gear backpack. Which in turn will lighten carrying the boat across. But I have a long time, what's the rush? Better to get across safely and in one piece especially solo.

Trekking poles........I have used them to great effect on many backpacking trips especially in the mountains and they are a considerable aid as well as having kept me upright a few times. They might be a consideration for some folks who like a bit of added security as well as additional aid while walking. Just thought I would throw the concept out there.......if you haven't backpacked out west you might not be familiar with them.

I have never seen it done. A first......30 years from now it will be a common sight. If I could only do it barefoot ;-)

My wife takes one with her in the BW. Big pack on her back, daypack in one hand, hiking pole in the other. It makes a big difference for her. We never shorten it. When paddling it just goes in the canoe. She takes it on day trips too.

In 2012 one of our friends decided my wife had the right idea and found a hiking staff crafted by beaver and company.

I have been using poles for 8 years even for just walks in the woods. They have definitely saved my face from impact with the ground while backpacking. I started using them because of DR.s advice as my hands swell terribly when walking long distances.

Or use canoe paddles.

MT, does this mean you will be quadruple portaging?

AmarilloJim: "MT, does this mean you will be quadruple portaging? "

How excrutiating to have to answer......arrrrrrgh! Yes, indeed that will be the case.

Thought I had it down to tripling which would of been preferred. But a man has to know his limitations I guess.

As the food stores dissipate on the way back, the return journey as it were, (I have a route and not a loop), I expect to be tripling. I have no idea how I will perform. It's been 2 years since I have done a "real" trip, last year doesn't count. My wheels, which have always been my strongest asset, are betraying me. Such is life.......hopefully I will come out with a positive trajectory.

All I know is there is no one around to pick up the pieces if I crash and burn. Better to make an extra trip with some aid (trekking poles) at least until I see how it goes. Who knows, after a few days I may decide I don't really need them. But they are primo......... super light Black Diamond carbon fiber with cork grips, very nice. Better to have them along, just might make the difference in the beginning. I'm sort of surprised the thought never crossed my transom before.

If you're going to bring the trekking poles you should consider substituting a pack for your duffels (or putting the duffels in a pack) so you can use the poles to 3 out of four trips or two out of three. But you need your hands free to use them. I can imagine that the trekking poles could be quite helpful taking some of the stress out of the steep descents.

old_salt: "Or use canoe paddles."

That causes me pain just thinking about someone doing that with my paddles.

old_salt: "Or use canoe paddles."

That causes me pain just thinking about someone doing that with my paddles.

andym: "

old_salt: "Or use canoe paddles."

That causes me pain just thinking about someone doing that with my paddles."

I wasn’t saying he should do it with your or my paddles... Sorry about causing you pain.

Currently, section hiking the Superior Hiking trail, and use them religiously... in the bwca, I don' bring them at all.

Interesting...

Part of it though is the difference of hiking at most 1.5-2 miles at a time vs. 15 miles at a time.

I don't know if you bring a tarp, but having poles along can make set up a little easier, as you can use the poles to adjust heights, tensions, etc.

old_salt: "

andym: "

old_salt: "Or use canoe paddles."

That causes me pain just thinking about someone doing that with my paddles."

I wasn’t saying he should do it with your or my paddles... Sorry about causing you pain."

Your apology is accepted. I just thought this was a safe space for paddles.

And yes, I was kidding.

I have started using a hiking pole, can double to support the middle of the tarp! Really helps with stability on the portages and getting in and out of the canoe! I do not have the balance that I used to have!

I do know of at least one experienced paddler who does use his paddle to help when bushwacking new portage routes.

I used my Expedition plus straight shaft ( spare paddle) once in a particularly dicey deep muck once.

Banks I can't imagine a trip without my watershed duffels. The pro pack and the duffels might have been a bit much right out of the chute. So with hands free why not bring the sticks? Quickly collapse, small and lightweight......it would be tripping malpractice not to do so in my slightly compromised state.

Not sure I follow along using the sticks for tarp. Trekking poles are very handy supports for tents which are not free standing however and the combo performed superbly with my Tarptent. I have a collapsible pole for my tarp (of course i do).

I'm not convinced trekking poles would be very useful on a canoe trip . I do take them on most hiking trips, but can't imagine them being useful while portaging the canoe and if I can manage to haul the canoe over the portage, I'm not sure I would have any more trouble with the packs.

Just thinking out loud here. I should make it clear that I have "zero" experience with trekking poles on paddling trips. If you decide to take a stick or two, I'll be interested in how useful you find them.

In any case your 24 day trip sounds glorious. I'm jealous. Have a great time!

I use them backpacking, but on canoe trips I have a canoe on board every time I cross a portage, so the poles stay at home.

mastertangler: "
Banks I can't imagine a trip without my watershed duffels. The pro pack and the duffels might have been a bit much right out of the chute. So with hands free why not bring the sticks? Quickly collapse, small and lightweight......it would be tripping malpractice not to do so in my slightly compromised state.
"

Yeah I know you love the duffels- If you find some way to carry them hands free (stash them in a pack or something) you can use your trekking poles for two out of the three carries. I think the poles make a certain amount of sense; when you're carrying the canoe the weight is directly above your feet an doesn't mess up your balance or footing- portage packs on the other hand throw your center of gravity askew- the poles could help with that.

I am not following some of the responses. I certainly would not consider, nor am I suggesting, trying to use sticks while carrying a canoe.

Neither would I use them while carrying duffels and don't really envision needing them while carrying duffels as they lend themselves to easier weight management than a big pack.

Rather, I would use them precisely as I do while backpacking........with a large pack. Seems obvious enough. I haven't considered it in the past because I usually have my hands full even with my main pack. I might decide after a day to not even use poles , I don't know. What I do know is they can be extremely useful when carrying a big load (pack) and when you get where your going the modern trekking pole snaps closed via clips into a tight, small and lightweight package very quickly. Seal line pro packs have lash points on top of the pack where poles could easily be strapped into place.

In any event......I threw this out there as a consideration for those who are not quite as nimble as they used to be. Trekking poles might keep you confident and in the game a while longer.

Sorry for my failure to understand MT. Blinded by my own philosophy- I have this hard core rule of portaging: Never carry anything by hand. It's on my back or tied in the canoe; I can't fathom wanting to hand carry two duffels across a Quetico portage.

We usually find a couple of sticks that someone has left along the way at a portage or campsite to use instead of trekking poles.

Banksiana: "Sorry for my failure to understand MT. Blinded by my own philosophy- I have this hard core rule of portaging: Never carry anything by hand. It's on my back or tied in the canoe; I can't fathom wanting to hand carry two duffels across a Quetico portage."

Ha! Interesting how folks differ. I can't imagine walking through the woods without something in my hands! When I ran a trap line I carried a small headed garden spade which doubled as a walking staff and helped in making sets. It also was very helpful when wading across rivers or getting around in beaver ponds.

When hunting my hound I typically had my dog on a leash with my 22 caliber rifle in my other hand along with a several coons slung across my shoulders. Your dog had better be trained how to heel perfectly when trying to get through the wood at night without a trail.

When backpacking out west trekking poles are accepted wisdom.

And I find duffels to be a stabilizing influence on a portage trail. You should have one in each hand however or it will throw you off balance. Should I have an awkward moment the duffels can be thrust toward the ground and I find that they can actually keep me upright instead of having to use my hand (usually then it's to late to prevent a fall).

But to each their own. I suppose it's what you get used to. Many hikers dislike trekking poles but I suspect it's because they don't spend enough time to rewire their brain to their usage. I like the little push I get via arm strength to gain initial momentum and I find a certain cushioning effect as I head downhill......that being you can plant the pole and step a bit more lightly than you would otherwise........And of course the stabilization factor is significant particularly when encountering an especially dicey situation like a signicant elevation change (step down or step up) or when your in a boulder garden they could be helpful provided you don't wedge them.

Old fingers I distinctly dislike using actual sticks for anything camping related except for firewood. I don't like using them for walking, for propping a tarp or propping a tent. Once you use lightweight collapsible trekking poles, complete with pistol grip handles which secure you to the handle via an adjustable strap, you make frowny faces when thinking of grabbing an actual tree branch. Horse and buggy vs a Ferrari.

My wife uses her daypack the way you describe sometimes using a duffel: to balance and support herself against the ground. It’s sort of a second short hiking pole with lunch inside.

I highly recommend them. They won't help with the canoe load but they will help with all the other laps.

Look at a real trail the the AT. EVERY single hiker has trekking poles. They definitely make it easier on your knees and legs. And the new poles weigh next to nothing.

Trekking poles are like 4-wheel drive when going up or down hills using arm strength to help carry a load. The balancing effect of the canoe is similar to a balance pole that a tight rope walker uses.

I used a single pole while portaging a solo canoe a few years ago. I had it when I needed it, and left it dangling from my wrist or shoved into the canoe (not hooked on wrist) when I needed to use my hand to steady the canoe. I used both poles on the other trip of the portage. (No single portage here.) It helped me with stability when I needed it.

Funny you should bring this topic up. I have given it serious thought this year for my solo in a couple of weeks. I have now abandon any hope of single portaging on a solo. That means an internal frame pack becomes an option for the second trip when I am not carrying the canoe. Having a pole while carrying the pack has some real advantage in my mind, at least for me.
I use a pole while hiking in the mountains in Arizona each winter. My knees are pretty shot from being bone on bone in one knee and having a ton of arthritis in the other. The pole helps me a great deal, especially on the downhill. As MT says a good pole weighs nothing and can be attached to the pack or canoe if need be.
I started thinking about it on my last trip a couple of weeks ago. It was a group trip and I carried a pack and a dry bag on top of that. I kept the top bag in place simply by hanging onto it with my left hand and carried an old beat up paddle in my right. After a time I realized I was using it as a pole when going downhill and other times as well. It made me think a pole would be useful.
What to do, what to do.

Granite

I used a single walking staff for many years. Screwed together in 3 pieces, had a wrist strap and was also an excellent monopod for a camera via removing the wooden knob on the top. I found the single good for when you encounter trails which are heavily brushed over.

And, believe it or not, I used a small headed garden spade as my walking staff when I backpacked the max number of nights allowed in Glacier National Park. I had used it many years on the trap line and considered it a valued asset. The slightly weighted head and tapered handle made it an ideal walking staff. Give it a toss forward and the weighted spade would pendulum forward while the tapered handle allowed for the staff the slide forward loosely but snugly. I credit it with possibly saving my life in Red gap pass where I encountered gusts of wind so severe I thought I might get blown off the mountain. I would hear the gusts coming and I would drop low and use the shovel to brace myself against the wind. A few times I thought I would be pitch-poled up and over and tumble the long way down off the trail. My adrenaline was such to get off that in between the gusts I was running with a 60lb pack for fear it would get worse. The small headed spade also had the advantage of making a nice clanking noise against the rock, a definite grizzly bear noise maker........I brought it and checked it on a plane pre 9-11.

I mention this to establish some street cred so I can make an argument. I suggest that you look into getting precisely what I have. The Black Diamond carbon fiber pistol cork grip trekking poles are the cats meow and pleasurable to use in and of themselves. The clips make for more or less instant deployment. They collapse within themselves and make for a compact package indeed while the carbon fiber assures super lightweight. They will set you back about $225.

One staff is OK but 2 is far superior IMO as long as the trail isn't clogged with brush which pushes into the trail. When you encounter such obstacles, and you might, just release your poles and allow them to drag via the wrist straps if for just a short distance. Longer distances of significant obstruction you can carry them at your side.

For whatever reason I cannot visualize using even one while carrying a boat. But then again it's all what you get used to. It might take a little while to wire your brain. Stay with it as they might feel awkward at first. Slow down a bit in the beginning to compensate.

I am sympathetic with the whole debilitating effects of what appears to be arthritis. I am intent on asking the Lord for new parts. He can make all things new. As it is written, "you have not because you ask not.......". He who spared not His own Son, will he not freely give?

I use a pole when carrying an internal frame pack while camping in the mountains. I like having the little extra support. But I do like having one hand free, especially when in the Q where I travel most of the time.
I also don't ever envision a time where I would use a pole while carrying a canoe. Too many years of using both hands on the boat as I portage.

GraniteCliffs: But I do like having one hand free, especially when in the Q where I travel most of the time.
"

As per usual I am a person of strong convictions (opinions ;-) .......not that I am suggesting your wrong in your preferences only that you consider that which you are not used to.

Why do you like one hand free? What advantage is it? I can see little advantage other than pulling the occasional mini Snickers bar out of your pocket. Thru hikers on the PCT trail might spend several months with their hands gripped on 2 trekking poles up to 12 hours per day.

Having used single for numerous years and double for several years I believe I can safely say that if "making tracks" in an efficient manner is the goal then double is far superior. Single is better than nothing but lack the momentum and efficiency of movement that double sticks provide. Single is better for wading in water and slower more deliberate travel which one would find off trail.

You can get a cheaper pair of trekking poles (like I did) and then decided to upgrade (of course I did). At first I looked askance when watching hikers with twin sticks. It took almost a decade before I picked up a pair. Then it was a week of use before I got in the groove. Now it is second nature and I use them even on casual day hikes with only a daypack.

But obviously they are not for everyone......some hikers dislike any staff or stick whatsoever. So, there is no "correct" model. But my advice is > try the doubles, you'll like it........ especially if you have some"issues".

Took my loaded pro pack for a spin around the block last night. I had forgotten how many adjustment points there was for the shoulder straps and waist belt. After fine tuning I flipped the pack up.

After walking a ways with my hands dangling at my side I couldn't help but think back to something I had read while I was down and out from a debilitating back issue ( disk). That being the swinging of the arms while walking was considered proper walking form. Who knew? Another advantage of using dual sticks.

I have decided to use the sticks on my return journey to acquire my Watershed duffels. Another outstanding feature of the Watersheds is the ability to lash objects atop the exterior of the duffel via a quick connect buckle. My chair, collapsible tarp pole and now my trekking poles reside confidently in place.

Just back from a 10 day solo. I have used a single trekking pole the last two trips. I use it when portaging the canoe. It is small enough in diameter to hold it and the gunnel when lifting. My canoe is balanced well enough that I only need one hand to manage it. The pole is in the other and it helps my get down steep places with high steps. Really takes a load off my knees going up and down.

I don't put my wrist in the loop. I was lowering the canoe one time and the pole hit the ground and prevented me from lowering my hand below the height of the pole. Dropped the canoe hard. I just hold the pole with my thump and forefinger, leaving three other fingers to grap the gunnel if I need to. I drop it on the ground or in the water before setting down the canoe.

I don't take it back for the second load. I use my straight shaft paddle on that trip.

Setting the poles aside for a second, I can't imagine quadruple portaging! I doubled with my daughter last May, otherwise it has been single portaging. My base weight is 24 pounds. Add 2 to 8 pounds for reels and tackle and 10 ounces of food per day. Another 2 pounds if I bring leeches in.

This being said, I did enjoy walking the portage without a canoe on my shoulders.

I agree with someone earlier, everything is in a pack or lashed to my canoe. If it didn't fit in one pack(never happened yet), I would carry a second pack.

When I finally do admit that I'm not as good as I once was and I start doubling, trecking poles will be part of my plan. They don't add to my pack weight and will help save my knees.

MT, I hope to see you on the water some day. I really need to see what you drag into the bush.

I don't really need the two poles yet. I like one free hand to swat bugs, itch whatever itches, grab a tree or bush from time to time and most importantly to steady, adjust and hang onto the second smaller pack I carry on top of my main pack on my second trip across the portage. I have used two poles in the mountains but generally prefer only one.