Pole straps: yay or nay

~Gotama~

~Gotama~

Member
I've heard that pole straps can be a hazard when skiing in avalanche terrain because they limit your ability to "swim" if caught in a slide. However, I'm wondering if removing the pole straps makes it more difficult on the uptrack since you lose the vertical support and loose grip offered by the straps. Obviously making sacrifices for the sake of safety is just part of the game, but I'm curious what the experts think about it.
 
I think the idea is that if you're using your poles to the point that you need to straps for support then you are probably doing something wrong . Personally I never use them If I am touring . It's not often i loose my poles anyways . Also before I had my shoulder fixed, I had my shoulder come out when my pole basket got caught in alder.
 
I never use pole straps..not shure why you would need polestraps on the uptrack..

I use a bit longer poles with really long grips..on the uptrack and even on steep faces I can place my hand on a comfy possition left and right and keep the poles on the same side after a turn/kickturn, just grip at new possition..
 
Never. I don't cut them off cause they have their purpose, but I don't use them touring or inbounds.
 
This is super weird, my computer is randomly stickying threads.

Anyway, I don't really use them, basically never on the up and on the down it depends on where I am.
 
I have definitely read somewhere that people caught in slides have felt things they are attached to (such as poles/skis/rucksacks) getting sucked down like you said, and therefore if you are wearing them it is worth taking pole straps off whilst travelling on obvious avalanche terrain.
 
I generally don't use them in the backcountry but I didn't cut them off either. They came in really useful that one time I skated out 100 miles on a road after the sled broke down. (maybe it was only a 1/2 mile but who's counting?)
 
NEVER. There is no correct way to wear them if they get snagged on a tree. where i ski we have lots of trees, shrubs, bushes that could easily snag and break a thumb or wrist. only ever use them going up. no professional guide will ever get caught wearing them...
 
13297325:Bakerpow said:
NEVER. There is no correct way to wear them if they get snagged on a tree. where i ski we have lots of trees, shrubs, bushes that could easily snag and break a thumb or wrist. only ever use them going up. no professional guide will ever get caught wearing them...
Click to expand...

Ah, you see we don't have trees, shrubs or bushes where I ski.
 
When I poleplant I push against the strap to help me balance or take some weight off my step. I am pro straps though I just lost a pole in an avalanche and had to skin out with one pole it sucked.
 
13298276:Casey said:
When I poleplant I push against the strap to help me balance or take some weight off my step. I am pro straps though I just lost a pole in an avalanche and had to skin out with one pole it sucked.
Click to expand...

Just brake a branch off a tree next time. I've lost a few poles on pow days in bounds and found a good stick replacement for the rest of the day.

Makes you feel like a mountain man as well when you're skiing around with sticks for poles. the more moss the better!
 
don't do it. You get caught in a tree well with the straps on you could be fucked if your poles get caught on something
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top