I think poles are a matter of personal preference. I always hike with 1 pole; use 2 for the Grand Canyon. I am small (5'2"), and many of those steps are BIG for my short legs. I don't think I could do the hike without them.

My husband doesn't use them and doesn't miss them.

The proper use? They can help take some of the weight off your knees when stepping down, and you can use your arms to do some of the work on the way up. For either purpose, I plant them both and transfer some weight to the poles. Sort of like "double-poling" on skis if you ski.

I've also used them to catch myself when I tripped or got off balance and otherwise would have fallen.

I do not use them to maintain my stride as some people do (called Nordic walking).

Slickabrina, our family of four (wife and 15 & 13 yr old sons) is also in the planning/training stages. We are hiking RTR starting at the NR and staying 2 nights at the Phantom Ranch. The advice on boots I've been receiving is the following: with proper hiking socks, put boot on and d/n tie laces. Bend foot at knee and jab toes into floor 3-4 times. With foot remaining in the toe down position check the distance btwn heel and back of boot. You should be able to insert a fingers width in btwn the heel and boot. 3 of our family members have bought boots. I have not. I need an extra wide and light boot. Any suggestions would help! I've read for every pound on your feet is like adding 6 lbs on your back. We have 3L Camelbacs for hydration and plan to eat plenty of salted food along the way.

missypie, good luck on reservations. I can only say it is the luck of the call. The 1st months effort was fruitless for 1 1/2 hrs. The 2nd month try I stated it must be a Miracle of God. I got thru in 10 min. Use muliple phones with speed dial.

Enzian, thanks for the advice on poles. Do you wear any hand protection to eliminate blisters? My wife is 5' nothing and poles my help. I'm also thinking of them for knee and ankle protection.

Slickabrina, keep us posted on your progress and give us a trip report at the end.

MES3

I think I am going to hit REI this weekend for boots. I still have to do the fit check (will do when I get home tomorrow from being on my feet for 5 hours) but I just don't feel comfortable with the way one of them seems to fit. Have heard good things about the Asolo Stynger so I might check those out.

I did the hike out to Havasu Falls in these but that trail doesn't nearly have the grade that the South Kaibab does.

Just wanted to say thanks again to everyone for sharing info! My cohort (Neotne) and I are finding it very helpful!!

MES3---try Keen boots---they have a wide and roomy forefoot. My husband bought a pair and loves them. Very lightweight, too. (He does joke about them looking like "clown shoes".)

I don't wear gloves with the poles (too hot, and I'd get a tan line!). The only time I've had trouble with hand blisters was when I faked it with ski poles, which have plastic grips. True trekking poles should have cork or EVA foam grips (mine have the latter). They are very comfortable. I vary my grip on them, and sometimes put a lot of weight on the wrist straps.

I have Komperdell Titanal poles, without the "anti-shock" (I've never figured out the point of that feature; it is expensive and adds weight). They have served me well for 5 years---that's a lot of hiking. for some reason REI doesn't have them on the website, but other stores carry them. One advertises the new Komperdell Trail Lite Titanal Compact pole; "great for hikers that are 5'5" or shorter!" REI and REI Outlet have lots of other choices too.

When is you RtR hike, MES3? We are going in September, also starting at the North Rim.

enzian thanks for the hiking poles tip. I have looked at the Keen Targhee II. Pretty good boot. I'm also looking at the Danner Atitator. It comes in different widths. We are going in early June. We are from the South, so while out there we are also going to Bryce and Zion. We hope to do the Narrows ( river level permitting) and Angels Landing.


mes3

We are staying in the dorms at Phantom Ranch. The description says there is a "bathroom." Is that a multi-person bathroom or a single person bathroom?

Slickabrina, The dorms are good!! Hopefully you d/n have a guest who wants to turn on all the light at the early wake up knock. The bathrooms are single person style. Also, There are other heads out by the pay phones next to the dining hall. We made the trip N.R. to S.R. hike in June. Pack and extra pair of hiking socks to change out if need be. Mole skin and duct tape are great. Your hike down S. Kaibab will be short and steep. We actually met a couple at the N.R. lodge who took the morning shuttle to the S.R. and then came down S. Kaibab and made it for the late dinner. As for water, We used 3L Camelbaks, but d/n top off, till the hike from Cottonwood Campground. Check with the NPS and see if water is available that time of year on the Bright Angel. Indian Gardens and the 1.5 mile Blockhouse may be shut down because of weather. We only used approx. 1-1.5L per water station.As for food, We made Beef Jerkey for our electrolytes and trial mix. We made up packs of Gatorade to mix with our water.
Our family for 4 also stayed 2 nights at PR. On your day off, I reccomend making the hike up N.Kaibab to Ribbon Falls.
Because of heat, we left PR at 5:30a and topped out at the S.R. by 11:15a, before the heat set in. Beause you are hiking earlier in the year, You should not have to leave quite that early.
With my camera gear, my pack weighed in at 18lbs with water. I conditioned with 18 - 20lbs 3-4 times/wk before the hike. The ascent was ok the descent took its toll on our butts. Good luck and take lots of pictures.