The Disabled Hiker, Feeling Earth, Part 11

Episode 4, Feeling Earth

Part 11, On the Way Home

As the final installment in the Feeling Earth episode, it is my wish to get a little personal with my audience by finally discussing My Life With Invisible Disability.

This past August I had the amazing opportunity to attend the US Pain Foundation Ambassadors Summit, in Parsippany New Jersey. While there, one of the many things I learned was the importance of sharing our own pain story. Advocating to the community and our legislative officials can have a huge impact on the way those living with debilitating illness are viewed and often stigmatized.

As a person living with invisible disability, and understanding that added pain is inevitable on my hikes, over the years I've crafted what I like to call My Back-Home Recovery List. However, as these six ideas are basic in nature, it is essential to consider adding to them and making your own Back-Home Recovery List.

I know a great many of my followers are very inspired by the things I do. And I am so grateful and humbled by this. Which is why I feel it is so very important to let you in on a few things about the filming that goes on behind the scenes. If for no other reason, for safety sake alone.

This year's episode, Feeling Earth, was filmed over the course of three separate hiking trips to the same location. During which I film as much as I possibly can depending on my pain and mobility issues at that time. At the end of the filming season, I chose one of these filmed excursions as the narrative for the episode itself and then added scenes from the other two trips to make sure everything gets included.

The safety of my viewers is of the utmost importance to me so that none of them are injured in any way trying to do as it 'appears that I have done. But I stress that this is an appearance only. And it is my profound wish that by imparting this knowledge about how the episode was created, that it will encourage you to slow down, take as long as you need, only go as far as you can, carry only what you can, and above all else... Come home safely.

In closing, I would like to thank my many subscribers and followers, as well as a long list of wonderful people who helped make Feeling Earth possible.
(Please check out the list in the credits, as all these beautiful people are listed there.)

Until next time my friends,
Happy Hiking.
Terry Craig
~ The Disabled Hiker ~




Check out these other great links from

THE DISABLED HIKER.

The Disabled Hiker on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3kjY2wAfE8uq_1gwYihVog

The Disabled Hiker on G+
https://plus.google.com/u/0/114850936977149697861/posts

Terry Craig on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/terzhc

The Disabled Hiker on FaceBook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/175962465784239/

The Disabled Hiker on Twitter
https://twitter.com/TheDisabledHike

The Disabled Hiker on  Instagram
https://instagram.com/the_disabled_hiker/

The Disabled Hiker on Pinterest
http://www.pinterest.com/disabledhiker/

The Disabled Hiker on ReverbNation (music)
http://www.reverbnation.com/terrycraig?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav

The Disabled Hiker on SoundCloud (music)
https://soundcloud.com/terry-craig-2

<<<<<<<---------------->>>>>>>

>>>>><<<<<

<<<<<<<----------------------------------->>>>>>>

The Disabled Hiker, Feeling Earth, Part 10

Episode 4, Feeling Earth

Part 10, The Human Quadruped

Few backpacking tools hold the status that walking sticks and trekking poles do with me when it comes to getting me back out on the trail again. But giving up my old set of walking sticks was no easy task. However, once I hit the trail with the Apex Trekking Poles by Outdoor Products, I started wondering if I would ever return to my old set.

Affordable and lightweight, there seem to be nothing the Apex trekking poles couldn't do that the more expensive models could. Except perhaps empty out your wallet of course.

But as a person that can suffer dexterity issues on extremely high pain days, I found a set of household kitchen items that can restore much of your grip on things again.

Wrapping up part 10 is a small feature on adjusting your trekking poles to the proper height. Proper height adjustment can make all the difference when traversing the ups and downs of many wilderness trails.

 Check out these other great links from 

THE DISABLED HIKER.

The Disabled Hiker on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3kjY2wAfE8uq_1gwYihVog

The Disabled Hiker on G+
https://plus.google.com/u/0/114850936977149697861/posts

Terry Craig on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/terzhc

The Disabled Hiker on FaceBook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/175962465784239/

The Disabled Hiker on Twitter
https://twitter.com/TheDisabledHike

The Disabled Hiker on  Instagram
https://instagram.com/the_disabled_hiker/

The Disabled Hiker on Pinterest
http://www.pinterest.com/disabledhiker/

The Disabled Hiker on ReverbNation (music)
http://www.reverbnation.com/terrycraig?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav

The Disabled Hiker on SoundCloud (music)
https://soundcloud.com/terry-craig-2

The Disabled Hiker, Feeling Earth, Part-9

Episode 4, Feeling Earth

Part 9, Hanging around for Night Two

A few years after I started hiking, I switched out my tent for a hammock for the first time. For years after, on any hiking trip that was accompanied by exceptionally warm temperatures, I would immediately pull out the backpacking hammock and off I'd go.

Unfortunately, after my surgery, the gathered or whipped ends on the standard backpackers hammock turned this easy and lightweight alternative to a tent, into somewhat of a torture device by crushing my shoulders together and causing me added pain.

Looking to get back some of the freedom that my old hammock once provided, Warbonnet Outdoors LLC came up with the perfect answer to my problems.  ie, the Ridgerunner hammock.

Although there are no knots to tie when hanging the Ridgerunner, the height adjustment buckles could give some with hand and dexterity issues a few problems. But not to worry. I came up with the perfect solution with a little how-to segment entitled, Make a Ridgerunner Adjustment Key. This easy to make and attach tool will make adjustment of the Ridgerunner a breeze, while adding less than 3 grams to the weight.

Hammocks are one of the lightest and easiest ways to access the backcountry. So I am greatly indebted to the folks at Warbonnet Outdoors for helping to returning this wonderful freedom to me.

 Check out these other great links from

THE DISABLED HIKER.

The Disabled Hiker on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3kjY2wAfE8uq_1gwYihVog

The Disabled Hiker on G+
https://plus.google.com/u/0/114850936977149697861/posts

Terry Craig on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/terzhc

The Disabled Hiker on FaceBook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/175962465784239/

The Disabled Hiker on Twitter
https://twitter.com/TheDisabledHike

The Disabled Hiker on  Instagram
https://instagram.com/the_disabled_hiker/

The Disabled Hiker on Pinterest
http://www.pinterest.com/disabledhiker/

The Disabled Hiker on ReverbNation (music)
http://www.reverbnation.com/terrycraig?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav

The Disabled Hiker on SoundCloud (music)
https://soundcloud.com/terry-craig-2

The Disabled Hiker, Feeling Earth, Part-8

Episode 4, Feeling Earth

Part 8, Applying Nature to Nature

 

After developing an allergy to DEET, I found myself looking for alternative methods to deterring mosquitoes and ticks from turning me into a smorgasbord. Receiving my S.O.S., the good folks at Turtle Moon Health were quick to respond with an all-natural alternative that was child and pet friendly too. And without all the heavy chemicals that insect repellents often contain. 

After Turtle Moon Health saved the day, and having deterred the insect air and ground war for the moment, I turned my attention to a rather old and repeated request.

"How do you build a Rock Cairn Fireplace?" 

After featuring the Rock Cairn Fireplace in episode one, I'd had many requests over the years to demonstrate its construction. Unfortunately however, with only my hiking dog to help me, this demonstration seemed highly unlikely. But thanks to my good friend and one-man film crew, professional artist Larry Deitch, joined me to help move the stones and rebuild the Rock Cairn Fireplace on-site.

Check out these other great links from 

THE DISABLED HIKER.

The Disabled Hiker on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3kjY2wAfE8uq_1gwYihVog

The Disabled Hiker on G+
https://plus.google.com/u/0/114850936977149697861/posts

  

Terry Craig on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/terzhc

The Disabled Hiker on FaceBook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/175962465784239/

The Disabled Hiker on Twitter
https://twitter.com/TheDisabledHike

The Disabled Hiker on  Instagram
https://instagram.com/the_disabled_hiker/

The Disabled Hiker on Pinterest
http://www.pinterest.com/disabledhiker/

The Disabled Hiker on ReverbNation (music)
http://www.reverbnation.com/terrycraig?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav

The Disabled Hiker on SoundCloud (music)
https://soundcloud.com/terry-craig-2 

 

The Disabled Hiker, Feeling Earth, Part-7

Episode 4, Feeling Earth

Part 7, The Earthing Earthling

 

Due to my spiritual beliefs, I think I've always known about earthing. Partaking in the traditional Inipi or sweat Lodge ceremony, the healing powers of the earth were not a matter of debate but a proven fact among my traditional teachers.
Insulating our feet and body from the ground has done wonders to help keep us warm. But these insulative materials have had a serious side effect as well. Such as blocking the electronic and magnetic field of the planet from reaching your body. A field that is now known to have both healing and pain relieving qualities by the scientific community.
Doctors are unsure of how it works. But they also cannot refute the evidence that the Earth's electromagnetic fields seems to have a direct effect in reducing pain levels in many chronic pain patients, and enhance the mood and overall psychological outlook in many others.
However, when combining earthing with music... It can easily double the effect by emotionally helping to soothe that angry, raging beast within. But this is only one of the reasons I came up with The Disabled Hiker Musical Spotlight. There are a lot of wonderfully talented people out there living with handicaps. And some of them just can't help but to create art in all its many forms and despite how bad things can get.
Therefore it is my sincere hope to help shine a spotlight on at least a small portion of these beautiful people who are often dismissed as handicapped or disabled, and therefore useless. But despite this presumption, my fellow artists and I would like to point out that we are living proof that we are artists and people first and above all else.
The handicap thing... it's just life.
So join me as we listen to the first installment of The Disabled Hiker Musical Spotlight, with my friend Mad Mdm. Em, of PLIKE Music, with a song from her first album (47th Helen) named, Lucy.
You can purchase the song Lucy, as well as other music by PLIKE Music, at the following link.
http://www.plikemusic.com/

Check out these other great links from 

THE DISABLED HIKER.

The Disabled Hiker on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3kjY2wAfE8uq_1gwYihVog

The Disabled Hiker on G+
https://plus.google.com/u/0/114850936977149697861/posts

Terry Craig on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/terzhc

The Disabled Hiker on FaceBook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/175962465784239/

The Disabled Hiker on Twitter
https://twitter.com/TheDisabledHike

The Disabled Hiker on  Instagram
https://instagram.com/the_disabled_hiker/

The Disabled Hiker on Pinterest
http://www.pinterest.com/disabledhiker/

The Disabled Hiker on ReverbNation (music)
http://www.reverbnation.com/terrycraig?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav

The Disabled Hiker on SoundCloud (music)
https://soundcloud.com/terry-craig-2

 

The Disabled Hiker, Feeling Earth, Part-6

Episode 4, Feeling Earth

Part 6, The BANBA Camp Stove

&

TaSunka's First Bear Encounter

My love of primitive wood stoves made me the perfect candidate for testing out the BANBA by Four Leaf Gear Company. Used as both a wood and alcohol stove, the BANBA offers an incredibly flat and pack friendly design yet has the stability associated with less compact stoves. 

 However, shortly after beginning my second cup of coffee, the resident neighborhood water thief paid our food Camp one last visit. Giving TaSunka his first eyes on lesson in what an apex predator is.

Check out these other great links from

THE DISABLED HIKER.

The Disabled Hiker on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3kjY2wAfE8uq_1gwYihVog

The Disabled Hiker on G+
https://plus.google.com/u/0/114850936977149697861/posts

Terry Craig on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/terzhc

The Disabled Hiker on FaceBook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/175962465784239/

The Disabled Hiker on Twitter
https://twitter.com/TheDisabledHike

The Disabled Hiker on  Instagram
https://instagram.com/the_disabled_hiker/

The Disabled Hiker on Pinterest
http://www.pinterest.com/disabledhiker/

The Disabled Hiker on ReverbNation (music)
http://www.reverbnation.com/terrycraig?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav

The Disabled Hiker on SoundCloud (music)
https://soundcloud.com/terry-craig-2

The Disabled Hiker, Feeling Earth, Part-5

Episode 4, Feeling Earth

Part 5, Backwoods Boudoir

let's take a bit of time to address a major concern for the physically challenged who are trying to get back out into the wilderness again. 

"So umm... Where's the bathroom?"

But of course being The Disabled Hiker I have a few tricks up my sleeve to not only make the experience possible, but comfortable as well. 

Starting out with a review of the Appleby Toilet-Tree, I continue the conversation by showing why the primitive surroundings and using primitive tools can help you to simply relax and enjoy the view from wherever you are.

Check out these other great links from 

THE DISABLED HIKER.

The Disabled Hiker on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3kjY2wAfE8uq_1gwYihVog

The Disabled Hiker on G+
https://plus.google.com/u/0/114850936977149697861/posts

Terry Craig on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/terzhc

The Disabled Hiker on FaceBook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/175962465784239/

The Disabled Hiker on Twitter
https://twitter.com/TheDisabledHike

The Disabled Hiker on  Instagram
https://instagram.com/the_disabled_hiker/

The Disabled Hiker on Pinterest
http://www.pinterest.com/disabledhiker/

The Disabled Hiker on ReverbNation (music)
http://www.reverbnation.com/terrycraig?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav

The Disabled Hiker on SoundCloud (music)
https://soundcloud.com/terry-craig-2

The Disabled Hiker on MeWE

https://mewe.com/join/the_disabled_hiker

 

The Disabled Hiker, Feeling Earth, Part-4

Episode 4, Feeling Earth

Part 4, That First Restful Night

Being physically challenged, I find himself in a constant, never-ending search for lighter weight hiking gear. But as far as lightweight lighting systems for around camp, I may have just reached the pinnacle of that expectation. 

In the meantime, while giving a 'Disabled Hikers Shout-out,... a disturbance outside the tent would reveal 'A Thief in the Night when lit by the morning light. Presenting a 'New Day with a Slow Start.

Check out these other great links by

The Disabled Hiker

 

The Disabled Hiker on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3kjY2wAfE8uq_1gwYihVog

The Disabled Hiker on G+
https://plus.google.com/u/0/114850936977149697861/posts

Terry Craig on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/terzhc

The Disabled Hiker on FaceBook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/175962465784239/

The Disabled Hiker on Twitter
https://twitter.com/TheDisabledHike

The Disabled Hiker on  Instagram
https://instagram.com/the_disabled_hiker/

The Disabled Hiker on Pinterest
http://www.pinterest.com/disabledhiker/

The Disabled Hiker on ReverbNation (music)
http://www.reverbnation.com/terrycraig?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav

The Disabled Hiker on SoundCloud (music)
https://soundcloud.com/terry-craig-2

 

The Disabled Hiker, Feeling Earth, Part-3

Episode 4, Feeling Earth

Part 3, A Great Camp (TaSunka's trail)

My hiking companion TaSunka, kicks off part three with his own personal opinion and our review of Bison Designs, Bison Bowl. A lightweight and compatible food and water dish great for dogs on the go.
 

However, when comparing the weight of human food to dog food, I must pose a significant question. "Do they make dehydrated meals for dogs?" 

Understanding how a bears mind works is part of setting up a good, clean, camp. And by "Using a Food Camp" and a "Bear Bag Zip Line System"... keeping the big and burly at bay gets a little bit easier.

Check out these other great links from 

THE DISABLED HIKER.

The Disabled Hiker on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3kjY2wAfE8uq_1gwYihVog

The Disabled Hiker on G+
https://plus.google.com/u/0/114850936977149697861/posts

The Disabled Hiker on FaceBook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/175962465784239/

The Disabled Hiker on Twitter
https://twitter.com/TheDisabledHike

The Disabled Hiker on  Instagram
https://instagram.com/the_disabled_hiker/

The Disabled Hiker on Pinterest
http://www.pinterest.com/disabledhiker/

The Disabled Hiker on ReverbNation (music)
http://www.reverbnation.com/terrycraig?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav

The Disabled Hiker on SoundCloud (music)
https://soundcloud.com/terry-craig-2

Terry Craig on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/terzhc

The Disabled Hiker, Feeling Earth, Part-2

Episode 4, Feeling Earth

Part 2, A Long Hike In (The 2nd Half)

Part 2. A Long Hike In (The 1st Half)

The second half of "A Long Hike In" begins with a look at the use of hiking carts and  a review of the Dixon Roller-Pack. 

Following this review, we'll get a little insight into one of my newest camera tricks when filming The Disabled Hiker with one of my own inventions, a DIY camera rig I like to call the Go-Hobo. 

And finally, what makes a great campsite? And how safety can play a major role in choosing the right place to pitch your tent.
So come join me as I roll with part two of Feeling Earth.

 The Disabled Hiker on G+
https://plus.google.com/u/0/114850936977149697861/posts

The Disabled Hiker on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3kjY2wAfE8uq_1gwYihVog

Terry Craig on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/terzhc

The Disabled Hiker on FaceBook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/175962465784239/

The Disabled Hiker on Twitter
https://twitter.com/TheDisabledHike

The Disabled Hiker on  Instagram
https://instagram.com/the_disabled_hiker/

The Disabled Hiker on Pinterest
http://www.pinterest.com/disabledhiker/

The Disabled Hiker on ReverbNation (music)
http://www.reverbnation.com/terrycraig?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav

The Disabled Hiker on SoundCloud (music)
https://soundcloud.com/terry-craig-2

The Disabled Hiker, Feeling Earth, Part-1,

Episode 4, Feeling Earth

Part 1, A Long Hike In

 

Its so great to be back.

Part 1, A Long Hike In (The 1st Half)
Join me as I begin episode 4 by embarking on yet another backpacking trip with my dog TaSunka and a pack full of new, Disabled Hiker friendly backpacking gear, trail advice, and much more.

Besides the usual antics of TaSunka and his little friend in the opening credits, part one begins with TaSunka and I being dropped off on Ashfield Road, in Slatington PA, near the Appalachian Trail, to begin yet another episode of The Disabled Hiker. Despite the chronic pain, depression and anxiety, I continue to do my best to hold onto and reconnect as often as possible too the one thing that brings the most piece to me. The wilderness.
And so begins part one of Feeling Earth, A Long Hike in.

The Disabled Hiker on G+
https://plus.google.com/u/0/114850936977149697861/posts

The Disabled Hiker on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3kjY2wAfE8uq_1gwYihVog

Terry Craig on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/terzhc

The Disabled Hiker on FaceBook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/175962465784239/

The Disabled Hiker on Twitter
https://twitter.com/TheDisabledHike

The Disabled Hiker on  Instagram
https://instagram.com/the_disabled_hiker/

The Disabled Hiker on Pinterest
http://www.pinterest.com/disabledhiker/

The Disabled Hiker on ReverbNation (music)
http://www.reverbnation.com/terrycraig?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav

The Disabled Hiker on SoundCloud (music)
https://soundcloud.com/terry-craig-2
 

 

OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, APEX TREKKING POLE Review, by Terry Craig-The Disabled Hiker

Putting aside the obvious approval of my hiking companion TaSunka, if I had to choose one tool that was pivotal in allowing me to continue my adventures, I would have to say it is the walking stick, and more specifically, today's trekking poles. After my lung surgery, I began to use a single walking stick whenever I would hike or backpack. I had noticed other hikers using two walking sticks but always figured it would be more of a hindrance than a help. Until I tried it that is. 

On one particular outing, a friend had asked me to hold his walking stick while he ducked behind a tree to relieve himself. I agreed and told him I would walk up the trail a few yards and wait for him.
The second I put the pair of sticks to work as a third and fourth leg, the advantages became instantly clear. Suddenly I went from feeling like the typical biped to feeling like some giant four-legged spider, stretching its long front legs out to test the environment around him.

I was amazed at the stability and the quickness at which I could recover

when I stumbled even though I was not putting my full weight on any one of the hiking sticks. I felt myself using all four of my limbs instead of only the two that lie beneath my torso. And although was a silly thought, I felt like I could go anywhere.

Before I knew it, I had walked several hundred yards while experimenting and testing out my new found legs, leaving my hiking companion far behind. I found myself very disappointed when the first thing he asked for after catching up to me was his hiking stick back. From that moment on I knew exactly what I had to do. Find my own fourth leg.

Using one hiking stick always felt somewhat like I was using a crotch or a cane. But somehow using two walking sticks suddenly elevated me to the status of quadruped instead. I had to ask myself, how did this occur. How did using two walking sticks turn a crotch into an extra set of legs?

As the Internet was not such a big thing in those days, I set about doing my own research on the physics behind the single vs. double walking stick, question. I started calling it the three-legged dog theory, as I noticed that dogs who had lost the use of one front leg exhibited the same lopsidedness to their gate as I had using only one walking stick.

Another thing that became apparent was that I was doing myself no favors in the balanced department and adding significantly to the amount of pain I would have to deal with during and after my hike. Like a three-legged dog, that small amount of forward weight transfers to the ground like the front leg of a dog supports its forward weight.


Granted, the dogs forward weight is much greater than a bipedal backpacker puts on his walking stick. But we are talking about forces significant enough to notice right off, especially when that weight is ill

TaSunka comforts our lil Chante after a bad fall. Jan, 2015

distributed across your body. It literally becomes the difference between a steady limp and a steady gate. I.e.: The three-legged dog theory. And it still seems to apply despite our bipedal nature.

From that time on, the use of two trekking poles soon became a staple on all my expeditions. So when Outdoor Products agreed to send me their Apex Trekking Poles for review, I could hardly wait to hit the trail with them. But I must admit to a few reservations. Mainly because as most humans are, I am a creature of habit. 

Previously, I had always relied on one solid wooden hiking stick for my right and stronger side, and paired it with a collapsible trekking pole that I used for my left and weaker side. I had found that particular trekking pole back in the 90s after I had my three-legged dog epiphany. But my recent research found it would cost me nearly $180 (three times the original's cost) to purchase a matching pole.

I always had it in my mind that the heavier wooden walking stick could support my weight better should I fall. However even early on it was apparent that this logic was inherently flawed as it relied heavily on me only falling 50% of the time and only when the right walking stick was touching the ground.

Despite this flawed logic, I felt true apprehension when first putting aside that heavy wooden walking stick. Replacing both of my trusted walking sticks for the incredibly lightweight and matched set of Apex Trekking Poles, seemed almost wrong somehow. What if they weren't strong enough? Falling is a major fear for me out there, and reliable equipment is always a great concern to me. 

Deciding to take them out on a few day hikes to build confidence, the Apex trekking poles did not disappoint. The benefits of using two well matched and lightweight trekking poles over the heavier unmatched set became instantly apparent. Stumbling over the uneven ground, I instantly became aware of how much faster the reaction time was over the older and heavier set.

I've always kept a sort of priority list in my head of the items that I felt I should spend the most money on when it came to equipment. Knowing full well how many wooden walking sticks I had broken within those three-legged dog years, I realize that replacements were not only inevitable, but

Two of my old walking sticks gluing back together for display

because of their short lifespan, also held a very low position on that priority list. So spending a lot of money on trekking poles really didn't set well with me.


So it was pretty clear I was going to have to look at this product through a different set of expectations. i.e.: as a valued, trusted, rugged, yet easily replaceable piece of equipment.

Despite my initial skepticism, I must award the Apex Trekking Poles by Outdoor Products with a full complement of five stars. 
Well done Outdoor Products. For not only making a product we can rely on, but that we can also afford as well.

Take a look at what I found.

SPEC'S
~ Carry weight –  0.74 lbs. each/or 1.48 lbs.
~ Products Weight capacity – NOTE, product not meant to bear full weight of user.
~ Length – collapsed min: 26 inches, extends to a max: 53 inches

1. Initial appearance and impressions upon delivery –
* Appears to be in perfect condition and all moving parts functioning.

* Love the little grass boots for the tips.
 
2. Comparative price –
* The price is very reasonable when compared to other trekking polls of similar design and strength.
* In fact, the retail price was low enough where I actually considered purchasing a extra set in anticipation of the inevitable need for replacements. (Pennsylvania is extremely rough on trekking poles and walking sticks.)

3. How easy is the product to set up and use? –
* Set up was easy, again when compared to other trekking poles of similar design.
* NOTE; I would highly recommend that those with arthritis or dexterity issues in the hands get help adjusting, locking, and periodically checking the twist locks before setting out. [See number 8 for a great work-around idea]

4. Product Pros –
* Regardless of the condition or disability, the stability and dependability of our trekking poles is an absolute necessity. However, creating that while maintaining a reasonable price for the consumer, including those on a low or fixed income is a beautiful and all American thing to do. (Hats off to Outdoor Products on this one)

* The three different types of tips, two of which came separately with the Apex Trekking Poles, help to maneuver through a wider variety of ground textures. Nice touch.

* The ergonomic design of the handles fit very well in the hand. The materials chosen to make the handle seems spot on and in spite of hot weather conditions has a sure grip feel without feeling sticky or tacky. The

ribs on the back of the handle were adequately designed to help keep the palm of the hand cool as well.

5. Product Cons –
* As I tend to use the straps on a trekking pole to help give my hands a break, I did notice a buckle on the strap slipping the more I relied on the strap. However I realize that this was due to the newness of the material and as the strap aged the buckle easily bit into the material.

6. Possible medical concerns – 
* I could find no medical concerns with the Apex Trekking Poles, save one. And PLEASE NOTE, it is inherent of all collapsible trekking poles. 

As Clearly Stated in the Manufacturers Instructions; it is your responsibility to make sure that all parts are securely locked into position before taking that first step. So PLEASE do not take this warning lightly.
I cannot over-stress the importance of inspecting all collapsible trekking poles from top to bottom, collapsible joints and straps, not only before starting out, but after each and every break along the way as well. 
A loose telescoping joint could lead to an unexpected and catastrophic failure of the trekking pole and the possibility of a serious injury from the resulting fall. So please note that you inspect your trekking poles often and confirm all joints are tightened securely.

7. Medical benefits of the product –

* Adds stability, balance, as well as supporting posture, all of which culminates in added safety and unexpected enhancements of speed as well.
* The above enhancements to stability and balance, etc., help to create a renewed sense of independence for the disabled. Especially when in a wilderness setting.

8. Clinical Observation & Innovations–
* Arthritis/hand & arm pain Note; You might consider carrying a pair of jar lid grippers in your pocket (i.e.; the flat pieces of rubber used for opening jars around the kitchen) in order to get a more secure grip and twisting motion when locking the trekking pole joints.
* Will I be hanging up my wooden walking stick for good now? 
I don't know. For the moment, I am intrigued and swept up in the lightweight trekking pole movement. But as I stated previously, I'm a creature of habit. So only time will tell what new habits I'll form, and what habits I returned to.
But in the meantime, just as I'm sure you will, I'm enjoying the Apex trekking poles and making every mile count.

Till next time, happy hiking.

~ The Disabled Hiker ~

Apex Trekking Pole review  

by Terry Craig -The Disabled Hiker  ©2015



Photos by:
Larry Deitch,
Dawn & Terry Craig

 

 Check out outdoorproducts.com by clicking this link

Does your company make a piece of backpacking or hiking equipment that you feel would help the physically challenged to enjoy the wilderness with more confidence and ease? If so, I would love to review your product for my audience. We all deserve a little piece of the wilderness, and The Disabled Hiker is committed to helping everyone find that peace and tranquility that only the woods can provide. If you would like to help, please e-mail me, Terry Craig - The Disabled Hiker, at thedisabledhiker@gmail.com

Check out these other great links from THE DISABLED HIKER.

 The Disabled Hiker on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3kjY2wAfE8uq_1gwYihVog

The Disabled Hiker on G+

https://plus.google.com/u/0/114850936977149697861/posts
 

The Disabled Hiker on FaceBook

https://www.facebook.com/groups/175962465784239/
 

The Disabled Hiker on Twitter

https://twitter.com/TheDisabledHike

The Disabled Hiker on  Instagram
https://instagram.com/the_disabled_hiker/

The Disabled Hiker on Pinterest

http://www.pinterest.com/disabledhiker/

Terry Craig on YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/user/terzhc

The Disabled Hiker on ReverbNation (music)
http://www.reverbnation.com/terrycraig?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav

The Disabled Hiker on SoundCloud (music)
https://soundcloud.com/terry-craig-2

Disabled Hiker Rule, #4, Research trails...

Interview With A Thru-Hiker

Dennis 'Octopus' Plato, 

of The Bus Question blog 

 

Interview by Terry Craig- The Disabled Hiker

 

 rec: July 27, 2015, in Wind Gap, Pa.

I got to know Dennis Plato after watching one of his video equipment shakedowns on YouTube early this year. Dennis was already well into the planning stages to begin a complete hike of the Appalachian Trail, starting in Georgia and ending  on Mount Katahdin in Maine.

I had been looking for someone to follow on the Appalachian Trail in the hopes of meeting up with them here in Pennsylvania for an interview about their experiences. Dennis, who had not yet been given the trail name "Octopus" as of yet, seemed to be the perfect candidate.

Only a small percentage (est, 20% each year)  will actually finish the entire hike from Maine to Georgia. But I've got a funny feeling our friend Dennis 'Octopus' Plato will be among them.

I would like to take a moment to thank our friend Dennis Octopus Plato of The Bus Question blog

for stopping by to talk with us. 

We'll see you on the other side of Mount Katahdin.

Good luck my friend.

Terry

~ The Disabled Hiker ~
©2015

Check out Dennis Octopus Plato's blog at the following link
The Bus Question blog

 Check out these other great links from THE DISABLED HIKER.

Terry Craig on YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/user/terzhc
 

The Disabled Hiker on YouTube 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3kjY2wAfE8uq_1gwYihVog
 

The Disabled Hiker on MeWE.com

https://mewe.com/join/the_disabled_hiker
 

The Disabled Hiker on G+

https://plus.google.com/u/0/114850936977149697861/posts
 

The Disabled Hiker on FaceBook

https://www.facebook.com/groups/175962465784239/
 

The Disabled Hiker on Twitter

https://twitter.com/IgmuTanka5

The Disabled Hiker on Pinterest

http://www.pinterest.com/disabledhiker/
 

The Disabled Hiker on ReverbNation (music)

http://www.reverbnation.com/terrycraig?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav
 

The Disabled Hiker on SoundCloud (music)

https://soundcloud.com/terry-craig-2
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~