in the Marines we would go on humps/hikes with 80lb packs. they would make us go up long steep hills at a constant rate and when you fell back you would get punished for it. the person leading the hike would make everyone go at his/her pace and it was hard to maintain that pace while staying in line. people would often yell at you if you did not perform to their standerd. we were never allowed to use hiking poles as we had to maintain control of a rifle that was hard to keep on your shoulder.
I was on Ft Bragg and the same. We had to do 12mile rucks to USASOC standards. Don't miss that. Man trekking poles were a major discovery for me when I began hiking as a civilian! Love 'em now.
good video! one thing though - the plastic caps that a lot of poles come with aren't meant for trekking use. they are almost always just meant for stowing your poles. if soft tips for hiking are desired, you'll have to pick them up separately (for around $5 per pair).
My poles are great.They make it possible for me to walk further and on more difficult slopes .However I found my fingers and palm of my hand get very sore sometimes producing blisters-any tips?
