Lightweight shelter supports

It's becoming increasingly common for the lightest shelters to use trekking poles for support - and why not? Why should you bother carrying extra poles, that take up space and add weight to the pack, when you are already carrying something suitable? Perhaps, there is a very good reason to carry dedicated poles. Some of the lightest poles, particularly those around 200g/pr, might not be suitable for all shelters. The load on a shelter in a storm can be high and not all lightweight trekking poles are not designed for this. Just how much pressure is on the poles? Next time you are out camping in a 30kph wind let down the support pole and try holding the shelter yourself, you will be surprised at the force in even this modest wind. Now, lets up it to 60kph...

Black Diamond Ultra Distance Trekking Z-Poles

I like hiking poles and find them useful on all but perfectly smooth trail. They offer much, they provide additional balance which can increase confidence over rough terrain, they reduce shock and load on the lower body, you can fend off aggressive animals, test the depth of that man-eating bog or stream, hold back stinging or spiky undergrowth and much more. Even on good trail they help pacing after a long tiring hike. As a further bonus, with the right shelter, they can be used as the supports. Hiking poles are the perfect example of multi-use gear and I rarely travel without them.

There are many types of hiking poles but most are 3 section, height adjustable, and made from aluminium. These  can last a lifetime and are relatively cheap but perhaps a little heavy at 4-600g/pr. Some hiking poles have springs to reduce shocks but I see no need for them. Over the last few years lighter poles made from carbon fibre have become more common and these can weigh as little as 200g/pr, but they will not be suitable for all.

An update...

After a prolonged period of panic that everything might not come together in time to allow me to do anything outdoors this year, and which possibly might have even interfered with my planned PCT thru-hike next year, and beyond, things and have settled down nicely in Tramplite’s world. My original plan had been to rent the house out while away travelling but for various reasons, including talking to others that have done something similar, it was clear that selling would be the best option. Like many places the UK property market isn’t great and a similar house over the road that has been for sale for over 2 years didn’t do much for my confidence. However, amazingly I had 2 excellent offers in the first week of sale! 4 weeks later everything is either in long-term storage or has been sold and I can now relax... Just got to sit out my final couple of months in the office but on 14^th Sept I shall go to work for the last time for a while, perhaps ever…

This means I can now fully commit to this years hike. The Coast and Moor route was chosen because it uses an established trail for most of the hike and is very easy to resupply. It was the simple choice that required absolutely no planning and if I was needed back in Scotland at short notice then I could leave the trail for a few days or even abandon without much regret. Because everything has come together quicker than expected it was tempting to take on something more challenging, but with Phil Turners wedding at the end of September and other commitments early next year I shall continue with what will be an excellent UK hike. Train tickets have been booked, along with a hotel for the first night, and I shall setoff  from Poole Harbour on the 25 September finishing in Plymouth sometime in early November.