So there I was, halfway up a rocky ridge with my “state-of-the-art” hiking poles—which apparently did double-duty as modern art sculptures when they unexpectedly snapped in mid-swing. One minute I was confidently trekking, the next I was ducking an airborne pole, wondering if it was plotting revenge for all the times I’d made fun of its less expensive competitors.
At first, I tried the usual fixes: a little on-the-spot duct tape surgery (because who hasn’t thought duct tape could solve any problem in the wilderness?), some elbow grease, and even a desperate prayer to the hiking gods. I then resorted to researching online recommendations—finding endless advice ranging from “apply a dab of silicone lubricant” to “replace the locking mechanism”—all of which left me more confused than enlightened. I even attempted to remove the shattered part and reassemble it with a spare tip I’d found somewhere in the depths of my pack (spoiler: it didn’t work).
The breakthrough came, ironically enough, when I finally accepted that my fancy poles were more attitude than reliability. I tossed them aside like a bad souvenir, dug out the old reliable telescopic poles they’d been hiding behind, and continued on my journey (with a few extra cautious glances at my now notorious “modern art” remains). The lesson? Sometimes high-tech gear is best left in the showroom, and when it comes to hiking poles, it pays to have a backup plan. In short, if your gear decides to betray you mid-adventure, consider the possibility that simpler, less “innovative” equipment is sometimes the smartest—and safest—choice. Happy hiking (and may your poles never plot a coup)!