NEWS
Feb 08
Testimonial of the month
For the past 7 years I've worked as a guide and national park ranger on the Overland Track in Tasmania. I walk literally thousands of kms carrying heavy packs every year as part of my jobs and have used and have trialled a wide range of different pack makes and models. I've just returned from an eight-day ranger shift trialling Effortless Rhythm with Balance Pockets and a set of aluminium Pacerpoles. I'd come across your packs and had been very impressed with them. After trialling them myself, both the pack and poles have far, far surpassed my expectations.
I was carrying around 30kg for the first couple of the days and was truly impressed by the comfort and freedom of movement allowed by the pack - the Effortless Rhythm is aptly named!
The Balance Pockets are an excellent innovation, of which I was skeptical to begin with. Initially I found the pack slightly awkward to put on with these full, but soon got used to it and found the benefits far outweighed any slight inconvenience. Having the weight central to the body meant the pack felt like it was part of your body, walking as if I wasn't carrying any weight at all, and were great for balance.
The Pockets also meant that I could have all my essentials and equipment close at hand and could do so much more on the move.
With the weight in the pack neutral to the body even with large weights I found I conserved so much more energy and there was much less strain on my body. I have not tried found or used any other pack that could match this.
The design of the poles was similarly impressive. Walking using poles with hands in a neutral position is excellent. My hands stayed comfortable after using the poles all week and they were far more energy efficient than other poles I have used.
From the first day all I could do was rave and I have had many people over the week, both guides and other walkers, express interest in both the pack and poles. I can't recommend this equipment highly enough and it would be a privilege to trial and recommend you equipment to clients and other walkers
Nick Tyson , Cradle Mountain National Park, Tasmania
Jan 08
Quantifying a body centered load
"I surmise that your packs are an underappreciated great leap forward in the world of packs"
Mark Woods, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Mark Woods is currently writing a book on optimising load carrying. While he was conducting his own experiments on a counter balanced load, he discovered our bodypacks which improved on his experiments by balancing the load on the front and back of the hips, and by improving visibility. He is currently trying our bodypacks and will report on his findings in his book. He has made many useful suggestions on marketing the innovations and how to quantify a fully counterbalanced load. He calls this pack neutrality while we have been calling it a body centered load. His suggestions for quantifying counterbalance are below.
Premise Ideal
Counterbalance = Packweight Neutrality = The energy efficiency of optimal packweight distribution as established in the study of African women bearing loads of up to 20% of bodyweight balanced on their heads while walking without expending additional energy (and other relevant studies).
Key Metrics:
- Percentages, expressed in terms of both weight and volume, by which the packload fails to achieve front-to-back counterbalance or packweight neutrality—e.g. # pounds or liters back of counterbalance (packweight neutral)
*this metric can then be compared across brands
*this metric can be translated measurably into energy efficiency
*this metric also translates into injury prevention and mitigation.
- Relative Lower Density of Backpack Contents Necessary to Offset Lesser Volume of Frontpack in order to Achieve Counterbalance.
*this enables you to measure and select the items to place in the Balance Pockets and the backpack.
- Counterbalance Deficiency Expressed as a Percentage of Total Pack Volume;
*this metric useful for favorable comparison with other brands of packs
Key Variables:
- Front-Back Pack Volume Configuration
- Strategic Front-Back Allocation of Pack Contents by Density as a Means of Compensating for Front-Back Pack Volume Discrepancies
Derivations:
Note: Marks original example assumed that water is carried in a hydration bladder in the pack. Our recommendation is that water is carried in the stretch pockets on the front of the Balance Pockets. We have therefore modified his sums for
this optimum style of packing, using as an example 2 models from our range.
Balance Pocket Volume
2 Expedition Balance Pockets = 18 Liters
Backpack Volume:
Peak Aspiration S Backpack = 35 Liters
Total Bodypack Volume:
18 Liters + 35 Liters = 53 Litres
Counterbalance Deficiency by Volume
35 Liters = Backpack Volume
- 18 Liters = Frontpack Volume
= 17 Liters = Counterbalance Deficiency by Volume
= # Liters Back of Counterbalance or Packweight Neutrality
Relative Lower Density of Backpack Contents Necessary to Offset Lesser Volume of Balance Pockets in order to Achieve Counterbalance
18 Liters = Frontpack Volume
÷ 35 Liters = Backpack Volume
= 51.4% = Relative Lower Density of Backpack Contents Necessary to Offset
Lesser Volume of Frontpack in order to Achieve Counterbalance;
With contents of backpack 51.4% less dense than the contents of the
frontpack, there would be counterbalance despite volume discrepancy.This can be achieved by packing compact items like food, water, fuel etc in the Balance Pockets, and light bulky items like tent, clothing foam matt and sleeping bag in the pack.
Counterbalance Deficiency Expressed as a Percentage of Total Net Pack Volume
17 Liters = Counterbalance Deficiency by Volume
÷ 35 Liters = Total Pack Volume
= 48.9% = Counterbalance Deficiency Expressed as a Percentage of Total Net Pack Volume;
*metric useful for comparison with other brands of packs
We thank Mark for sharing his deep thinking on achieving the most efficient load carrying system.
Dec 07
Environmental responsibility scheme announced.
In choosing which brand your purchase, the impact on the environment is important. Our aim is to adopt the cradle to cradle principles developed by William McDonough and partners (see www.mbdc.com). The main principles are to change the material cycle from cradle to grave to cradle to cradle using 100% recycleable materials; to eliminate any toxic materials from the cycle; and to replace non biodegradable materials with biodegradable ones as they become available. To achieve this our policy is:
1. To make our products last as long as possible, with our product lifetime guarantee on materials and workmanship, and our low cost repair service.
2. To recycle all materials used in the business, rather than sending them to landfill.
3. When the product has finished its working life, we ask you to return it to Aarn Design, rather than sending it to landfill. We will dissassemble it and recover all reusable materials. These will be recycled in various ways.
4. As biodegradable materials become available which meet our performance and durability criteria, we will adopt them.
Nov 07
Quote of the month.
"I initially purchased the Sport Balance Pockets, but once I had seen the attention to detail and quality build I was convinced to put aside my 'leading name brand' pack and move to an Aarn Bodypack. I purchased the Effortless Rhythm to complete the system and the first impression was that this system was designed by people who had spent a lot of time thinking about carrying loads. The pack is a clean highly functional design with everything knitting together to make a complete highly efficient system. All other packs you may haul on your back, but this one you wear like a coat it is so comfortable. This system is the only one that I have found that truly allows you to get a 'perfect fit'. When wearing the body pack I was outright amazed to have no pain in the shoulders, back, or hips even after hours of hard tramping. Couple this with a huge increase in walking efficiency and the advantages of this system really come into their own. I have been tramping for over 30 years, carrying loads around 35 - 40kgs at times. I have been involved in Search and Rescue in the Nelson area for several years and I have tried a wide range of different gear over that time. Nothing at all that I have seen, tried, or owned previously comes anywhere close to the quality, design, and outstanding common sense system that Aarn delivers."
George Turner. Nelson, New Zealand
Oct 07
Aarnbassador Club Program launched in NZ
This month we introduce a program for Tramping and Climbing clubs in NZ, where we do not have a stockist in your area, to make our packs more easily available to enthusiasts. There will be a discount for products purchased through a club member, the club member will receive a commission, and the club will also receive a donation. See full details on our Buying page, under Mail Order.
Aarn also is happy to do presentations to clubs on the Sports Science findings on load carrying, and give members the opportunity to try out the worlds first body centered load carrying systems. We also run a free tester program, where you can try a pack out on a trip before you decide whether to purchase one.
Aarnbassador International Program launched.
This month we also introduce a reward scheme for international mail order customers. If you interest a friend to buy a product from us, you will receive a discount on future purchases. See full details on our Buying page, under Mail Order.
Sept 07
Design of new Earth Glider travel pack finalised.
Aarn finalised the design of the new travel pack on his trip to the factory in Qingdao, China this month. It breaks new ground with its lightness, retractable wheel system, waterproof liner, optional Balance Pockets/daypack etc. Full details
coming up on the products page soon.
August 07
Robert Jarvis wins Atacama Desert Crossing using Marathon Magic 30
Christchurch runner Robert Javis has won the Atacama desert crossing in Chile using a customised Marathon Magic 30 pack. This race was one of the 4 desert series. Details of these races , held in some of the harshest environments on earth can be found on www.4deserts.com.
Aarn worked closely with Robert fine tuning the pack to Roberts specific race needs in the months before the race, as Robert tested and trained in the NZ Alps.
Here is Roberts report after the hardest day:
My aim for the race was to be competitive enough to, hopefully, finish inside the top 10. You can imagine my euphoria when I found myself actually leading at the end of stage one!
The whole event turned out to be everything that we had hoped it would be:-
1) Brutally tough - we like a wee challenge and the tougher the challenge the greater the rewards.
2) An opportunity to meet a group of fantastically motivated, enthusiastic people from all corners of the globe.
3) An opportunity to see a different culture.
4) An opportunity to see/experience some remarkable scenery and terrain.
As you could all glean from the coverage everything appeared to fall into place for me with a small extension of my lead on most of the stages. As expected, the race boiled down to the long stage, Stage 5, over 73km. What you can´t see in the results is how that unfolded.
STAGE 5
Stage 5 was 73km made up of 6 legs. I started the day with a lead of 29 minutes over John. The top 20 competitors had a late 10:30 start time instead of the usual 7:30am.
Everything was going reasonably well until the 3rd leg which was through the hottest part of the day. Even though I was pouring fluids and food in, the heat seemed to suck the life out of me and I grovelled my way into checkpoint 3, dehydrated, and feeling hungry and completely drained of energy. I was 23 minutes behind John for the stage at that time but knew that I needed an extended rest at the CP if there was to be any chance of me completing the remaining 30-35km.
I spent 10-15 minutes at the checkpoint. The time was spent very slowly trying to force myself to eat an OSM bar (90gm muesli bar), some nuts and to consume copious amounts of fluid. My lead evaporated during this time and suddenly I found myself in 2nd place and chasing with a broken body devoid of energy.
The 4th leg was down a dry riverbed for 13 or so km and the wind was getting up. The afternoon was wearing on so the day was cooling. Slowly I could feel my shattered body recovering a little. I shuffled into CP 4 at dusk to find that I was 33 minutes behind John - now in 2nd place overall by 4 minutes!
I set off on the 5th leg (8.5km down a hard packed dirt road) determined to try and regain the lost time. Unfortunately I was pretty shattered by this time and had reached the stage where will power alone was driving the body. Some of the support vehicles went past during this short 50 minute stage and they commented later that my face was drained of colour and emotion ... I was looking like a ghost! The gradient of the road was gently down hill and I was finding that I could extend my stride a little ... almost enough to actually get up to a running pace instead of a crippled shuffle! I arrived at CP 5 in pitch darkness emotionally and physically shattered, but to my joy discovered that I was now 28 minutes behind John for the stage - now in the lead again by 1 minute! I stopped only long enough to ask the question and receive the answer before hitting the road again.
The 6th leg was reputedly 10.5km, starting off uphill on a sealed road for a km or so. It then headed off across difficult offroad terrain. This was over rolling countryside varying between hard packed clay, sand, and hard crusty terrain. The route was marked by glow sticks and navigation was by moon and torch light. Many short climbs and descents had to be negotiated over small hills or sand dunes. The latter stages of the leg were on hard packed/sandy terrain which weaved up and down, and around and around through a canyon. I was determined to give it everything and try to regain as much time from John as I possibly could. There was no way I wanted to start the last day´s stage having to fight for the win.
By now the body and mind were completely shot and it was getting increasingly difficult to force the body to keep running (shuffling) over the difficult terrain. I was desperately looking for inspiration. It was during this leg that all the encouraging e-mails from friends and family in NZ, and around the world, really had an affect.
IT WAS ALL YOUR ENCOURAGING WORDS OF SUPPORT THAT GOT ME THROUGH THIS LEG!
The last km or so of the day´s stage was on a hard packed clay road winding along between sand dunes through the valley of the moon. The finsh line for the day snuck into sight around a curve in the road in the form of a single dull white light, in place of the green glow sticks that I had been following ... no fuss, no fanfare, no boisterous cheering (as previous daylight stages had all ended), just the blackness of night with a cold desert wind blowing, silence, and the light of one light on the CP table.
I stumbled up to the table, sat down, and asked the all important question ... What´s the time difference to John?
When I heard the reply;"15 minutes"; I dropped my head onto the table and muttered; "Thank fuck for that";. I was completely shattered!
I headed straight for my tent (it was just after 9pm) passing John and Oliver at the camp fire enroute. At the end of all other stages we had all waited around to encourage and welcome at least the rest of the top 10 competitors across the line, but tonight I was far to gone for any of that. I appologised to John as I passed that I hadn´t given him the lead that he had been fighting all day for.
Upon reaching my tent I barely had the energy to prepare my bed for the night and give the body a quick wipe down with a damp flannel sized travel towel. It was cold and I was beginning to shiver as I climbed into my sleeping bag. John came in as I was struggling into my bag to see how I was ... he told me the next morning that I was as white as a sheet and looked like a ghost. For the first 10 to 15 minutes as I lay in my sleeping bag trying to drop off to sleep my upper body was constantly going into and out of periods of uncontrollable racking fits of shaking/shivering ... not from the cold, rather from extreme exhaustion, something I´ve never experienced before...
.
This was the news as the first runners completed the final stage of the race:
Stage 6, 25 August, 12:52pm: Front-runners cross the finish line in San Pedro de Atacama. The top three runners completed the race holding hands. The winner is Robert Jarvis, with Jonathan Bailey in second, and Oliver Sinclair in third.
We congratulate Robert on his fantastic achievement!
July 07
Future directions for scientific research on load carrying.
The research to date has compared a backpack to a FlowMo Bodypack with the same weight, but with a greater proportion of the weight in the backpack. We call this a partially counter balanced load carrying system. Forward lean was significantly reduced in the Bodypack. Significant reductions in energy use and body strain, and positive trends in comfort, balance and stability were found.
The amount of forward lean in a Bodypack is determined by the relative volume of the pack and the front Balance Pockets, and the relative density of the items placed in each. By using the largest volume Balance pockets with a small to medium volume pack, and packing your heavier items as far forward and as low down as possible, it is possible to create a body centered load carrying system, where the center of gravity of the load perfectly matches the center of gravity of the body, in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Then the addition of the load will not alter your natural posture or your balance, and it will not create any leverage on your body during active movement.
We would expect a body centered load carrying system to be the most efficent and strain free possible. If combined with our flow motion systems, it would allow the greatest movement and provide the highest stability for dynamic sports. If integrated with the most ergonomic poles available, Pacerpoles, we should see further gains in performance and energy efficency.
We are currently looking for sponsorship to support a study to be done under the supervision of Professor Stephen Legg, at the Center for Ergonomics, Massey University, NZ, to examine these premises. This is very exciting research, with big implications for the best experience of load carrying. Such research is very expensive, and beyond the means of a small company like us at present. If you would like to help fund this research, please contact us. To do a thorough and rigorous study which gives meaningful results with profound implications on how we carry load on the human body, such as a PhD program, requires substantial funding of NZ $60,000 for 3 years. We need your help to achieve this.
June 07
To Cross The Moon Expedition
Sam snowboard-kiting across N.
Dakota with a Featherlite Freedom pack.
The aim of the expedition was to bring the awareness of the potential for wind energy development in North Dakota to the rest of the world through the exciting medium of Snowkiting...North Dakota is #1 with the potential to energize 32% of the US through WIND ENERGY!
USA is the most polluting and greenhouse gas emitting nation on the planet. If 32% of its energy needs were met using wind energy it would be a sign of a real transformation in the consciousness of this nation. We would like to congratulate Sam and Jason on the aim of the expedition and its success. The expedition attracted large media coverage, with news items on the major TV news networks. Aarn Design was delighted to supply the packs for the expedition.
In Sam Salwei's words:
The Balance Pockets are perfect for snowkiting with a snowboard. There is no other pack that would allow me to access my food and drink at 25+MPH. The AARN Balance Pockets were an indispensable addition to our winter expedition gear enabling us to travel non stop for hours at a time. At night we would strategically pack the next days meals in one balance pocket allowing immediate and convenient access to our needed 6000 calories, while the other pocket served as an insulated pouch for one liter of water. The outside mesh pouches worked well for immediate access to all of our technical gadgets GPS, anemometer, sat phone etc.
The AARN body pack allowed me to snowkite 250 miles while caring everything comfortably on my back for the 14day period. The packs also allowed us the dexterity to "boost" over obstacles such as open water, barbed wire fences and 6ft high ice dams.
Jason ski-kiting across N. Dakota
with an Effortless Rhythm pack.
May 07
An important question from a Bodypack user:
Derek Caffin and his wife Ellie are preparing for the TGO Challenge in Scotland. Derek asks:
Are you able to quantify from the scientific research précised on your web site how much more load can be carried in a Bodypack than an equivalent rucksack for the same energy expenditure on the flat and uphill?
I ask because the light brigade can produce rucksacks that weigh 800gram and carry 15KG but probably at greater energy expenditure. (Probably even more energy than the comparison standard rucksack).
Some buyers are so weight oriented that they would not consider a rucksack that weighed 2Kg. But really reducing weight is about increasing comfort and saving energy, or going faster for the same energy.
Aarns answer.
Good Question! A Bodypack would always weigh a little more than a backpack if it were made of the same materials because there are 3 separate load-carrying compartments rather than one. How do we decide which one is the most efficient, giving the minimum effort load carrying? Let's take some examples.
1. If the Bodypack and the backpack were the same weight, the Bodypack would always be the most efficient, requiring the least energy to carry.
2. If two backpacks are the same weight and you add Balance Pockets to one to convert it to a Bodypack, then the Bodypack will use less energy if the load (including the pack) is over 3 kg. With heavier loads, this energy reduction is magnified.
3. Imagine a pack that is 1 kg lighter than our large Ultralite models because it does not have a frame, Balance Pockets, or a waterproof-liner. Sports scientist Ray Lloyd concluded from his research that the energy saving posture of our Bodypacks would makeup for 1 kg extra pack weight with loads over 7 kg.
So in answer to your question if your Bodypack is 2kg, about 1.2 kg heavier than an 800gm pack, your total load (including pack) would need to be about 9-10 kg before the energy savings of the Bodypack made up for the 1.2 kg. extra weight. Above this weight the energy advantage of the Bodypack continues to increase. The harder you are working-a faster pace or climbing- the greater the energy advantage of a Bodypack.
The following also needs to be considered:
1. You need to add the weight of waterproof bags for the 800gm pack to make a true comparison for wet conditions, or remove the weight of the waterproof liners from the Bodypack to make a true comparison for dry conditions. In both situations, this would work to reduce the total load carried to 8-9 kgs before the Bodypack became the most efficient.
2. It is not possible to comfortably carry over 15kg in an 800gm pack. A frameless pack relies on the pack contents as the compression element. The pack fabric acts as the tension element, and the two must work together to give a rigid structure, capable of supporting a load and transferring it to the hipbelt. This becomes difficult with loads over 15 kg, and additional framing becomes necessary. Also, a frameless pack when filled assumes a cylindrical shape, which puts the weight further from your back, increasing the forward lean and therefore the energy requirement.
The key point is that balancing weight in front and behind is just as important as reducing the weight. Both must be done for the minimum effort, optimum efficiency load carrying.
Aarn welcomes more discussion on this topic.
April 07
Quote of the month:
Thanks for such a wonderful pack! Natural Balance was a big investment, but I've never been happier with a piece of adventure equipment.
The fantastic design and great build quality make it a pleasure to handle and has saved me in some tricky situations.
When scrambling up vertical inclines with a previous pack the awkward and scary sensation of falling backwards down a steep cliff makes me appreciate the Natural Balance so much more- I use it for all my treks now- even day walks.
I love the Balance Pockets to store my water bottles - what a fantastically versatile unit!
Ben Campbell, Ashford, South Australia
March 07
New models coming next spring:
Aarn will be showing new models at the OTANZ outdoor trade show 6-8 May in Palmerston North, NZ, the SOTA trade show in Canberra, Australia, 20-22 May.
*2 exciting new travel packs Back Favour and Earth Glider (carry-on and check-in size models)
*a new climbing pack Guiding Light, developed with NZ alpine guides.
*our lightweight 4-season Pacer Tents: Pacer 1 and Pacer 2
*PacerPoles The best poles to use with FlowMo Bodypacks.
*Montane garments. The award winning UK brand of featherlight high breatheability outdoor clothing. The best clothing to use with FlowMo Bodypacks.
Feb 07
Chest strap change:
We are making a change to the chest strap system as a result of feedback. Users found the Duraflex Slic Clip difficult to use. Therefore, we have decided to make the X-Flow strap optional and make the sternum strap standard. When using Balance Pockets, the sternum strap will clip to the opposite pocket to create an “X” configuration for the optimum stability.
The X-Flow Strap will be improved with a new easy-to-use Conus Clip, named after its resemblance to the Conus shell. This will be available as an option to use when Balance Pockets are not being used.
If you have a pack and Balance Pockets with the X-Flow strap and wish it to be converted to the sternum strap, we will do so at no charge if you return the pack to us, and cover the cost of return postage.
Jan 07
Great new testimonials this month !
Balance Pockets
"I have just arrived home from Victoria were we walked 75km in the Croajingalong N.P mainly beach walking. We had 3 dry camps in a row- no good drinking water as all the drinking water springs were bone dry; they have a drought. I was carrying around 20 kg, 4kg of which was water that was just a dead weight, especially when walking on sand. Out of the 6 of us there was no doubt that I was the most comfortable throughout the walk as I had my water in the front pouches and didn't have the weight on my shoulders. One female walker had just purchased a new M***** and had large blisters on her shoulders, (not a good sight)".
Brian Ogilwy, Melbourne, Australia
Skiing: The first ski descent of main schute, Mt Alarm, Inland Kaikoura range.
" Skiing the thick snow in the narrow, steep main schute required rapid movements and strong stances with a lot of body extension. The Flow Motion systems of the FlowMo Bodypack allowed me to achieve the aggressive body positions needed in extreme skiing- which cannot be achieved with other packs. This gave me the confidence and security for a successful descent."
Rhys Vidgen, Nelson. NZ
High Winds
We had the most ghastly weather the first day. Winds so strong they pushed us over - we were the lightest. Others packs kept swinging, mine (the Aarn) sat absolutely with the body - probably because of the Balance Pockets and the X-Flow straps. Love the pack and think it an extremely healthy design because of the balance factor.
Jo Speedy, Wellington, NZ
Cold and wet
We had torrential rain, sleet, hail hitting us sideways. My pack was totally waterproof, everything inside perfect. The Balance Pockets a boon as had everyone's snacks there and plasters - no need to take pack off in dreadful conditions with stiff frozen hands. All in all the pack is the best I have had, am totally sold.
Jo Speedy, Wellington, NZ
Dec 06
Natural Balance featured in NY Times article, Nov 23, 2006.
In a feature article entitled "A New Tilt on Backpacks" by Stephen Regenold, Kurt Wedberg, a wilderness guide, tested a range of packs with pockets or mesh pouches positioned over the chest or up front on hip belts, to evaluate whether counter balancing the load reduced the strain and effort of load carrying.
Of the daypacks the Ultimate Direction Zoom had mesh pockets on the shoulder straps that gave quick access to energy bars but were too small for noticeable weight compensation. The Salomon Raid Revo 20 S-Lab had mesh pockets on shoulder straps and hip belt but fit was not perfect.
Syncpack was a front pack mounting to any hipbelt equipped pack. While effective weight transfer gave the illusion of carrying a lighter load, visibility was an issue. The pack prevented a clear view of your feet as you walked.
The Luxurylite external frame pack with front pockets gave little weight transfer and the system felt loose on the shoulders.The front pockets worked better when Kurt put the pockets on his own expedition pack.
The Aarn Natural Balance was the only pack that was an unqualified success. Kurt carried 50lbs of gear with ease. There was real weight transfer and the pockets did not obscure the trail at your feet.
Nov 06
Marathon Magic a hit at Tokyo trade show - smaller versions coming.
At the Outdoor Trade Show in Tokyo in September, retailers were excited by the unprecedented range of body movement possible with the new Marathon Magic, and the stability of the pack during these movements.
The fantastic stability of the new Marathon Magic under radical and free body movement is due to the development of a new Flow Motion system: Omni-Flow. This links the front shoulder straps and chest straps into a continuous loop. In combination with our U-Flow system the shoulders can move freely in all directions relative to your hips. The Auto-mould Frame also flexes when you bend forward. Combined with ultralight weight, these packs are the cutting edge for your high movement activities.
Oct 06
Mark Inglis and Pacerpoles on Everest
In May this year, NZ mountaineer Mark Inglis became the first double amputee to climb Mt Everest. He used Pacerpoles donated by us. Mark says:
"Prior to Everest I was able to use them on the Milford Track, one year after walking it with L*** poles (the market leader). Well what a difference, as a double amputee I use the poles less for balance than for additional power going up and on the flats and braking on downhills. This normally results in blistering without gloves after 4 hours or so, combined with significant fatigue to the wrists.
With the Pacerpoles wrists were fresh and no blistering, additionally I could get significantly more power out of them when 'power walking' aka jogging on the flatter parts of the track."
"The main role of the Pacerpoles on Everest was always to be from Base Camp(BC) to Advanced Base Camp(ABC), and from there up the moraine and Glacier to the bottom of the North Col. Above here ice axes were more appropriate."
"The ability to get power without wrist fatigue was a significant advantage.
They were used daily from BC on training treks and climbs then again proved their worth on the grueling 2 day trip to ABC, 2 days of tough moraine from 5200m up to 6400m, very tough days, they certainly meant that even when very tired and fatigued you could use them with accuracy and confidence. I continued to use them up to the base of the North Col."
Mark summarised his experience of the poles: “Pacerpoles are really like going from an old hard-tail mountain bike to one of the new XC bikes – light, plush and you are able to keep your power to the ground while staying fresher.” |
