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c/backpacking-routesleep33leep331d agoProlific Poster

Old hiker on the AT told me to stop using hiking poles on rocky descents

I was coming down Wildcat Mountain in New Hampshire last October, using my poles like I always do. This crusty guy in his 60s just says 'you're gonna break a wrist doing that, put em away.' I kinda laughed it off at first. But then I hit a loose section and almost face planted, so I stashed the poles and tried his way. My knees took way more abuse, but I didn't slip once. Has anyone else gotten advice that sounded crazy but actually worked?
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2 Comments
nina_butler
Yeah that's solid advice actually... old timers usually know their stuff.
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wesleybutler
You're not wrong, but I'm pretty sure half that "wisdom" is just them flexing about stuff that doesn't even work anymore. Like, cool story grandpa, but nobody's using dial-up to plan their day.
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