Pacerpole

Remembering Steve Perry 1971-2019

As a tribute to Steve Perry, who died in the snow on Ben Hope a year ago, 5th February 2019, with his good friend Andy Nisbet, we’ve reproduced the start of the interview about his Winter Munros journey he did with Dan Bailey for UKHillwalking.com…..... For the full article click here

Steve's 121-day Winter284 challenge covered around 1500 miles and 450,000 feet of ascent over all 284 Munros (there are now officially 283). This was undertaken a few years after another epic journey, a 7.5-month walk from Lands End to John o' Groats (LEJOG) via every 3000-footer in England, Wales and Scotland. He's clearly a glutton for punishment.
Over the 2005-2006 season Yorkshireman Steve Perry completed the first, and to date the only, continuous winter Munro round on foot - one of the hardest mountain journeys ever undertaken in Britain. We asked him to relive the experience.

Was LEJOG too easy or something – what made you think to do Winter284 in the first place?
Looking back at both challenges now, I feel the Winter284 round topped the LEJOG in difficulty and hardship but I suppose that was the aim.
I didn't invent the idea of a continuous winter round; Martin Moran had already completed a very fast vehicle-supported winter round in the 80's and Mike Cawthorne had hiked a continuous winter round of all 135 thousand metre peaks in the 90's. In the end a continuous walking round of the whole lot was just hanging there waiting to be picked and after my LEJOG hike it felt like the right thing to do, a natural progression perhaps.

How did you train and generally prepare for it?
Physically I did nothing extra outside my normal routine of weekends spent out in the hills. I did however prepare myself mentally by regularly running the route through my mind to envisage how different and more diffcult it would be opposed to my LEJOG round. On top of that I basically spent a lot of time convincing myself I could and would do it, and by no means ever give in.

How did you plan the route in advance, and did the plan change at all as you went along?
This was simple and took no time at all, I just altered the starting point used on the LEJOG round from Ben Lomond to Ben More on Mull. This meant a slightly different route through the early southern Munros and was cetainly more efficient. Once underway I changed my route twice; one was only slight yet enabled me to quickly climb 5 Munros around Glen Dochart without a pack, and then spend a night at Crianlarich SYHA in bad weather. A second more sizable alteration swapped the order I passed through Glen Etive, Glen Coe and Ballachullish. Both changes were on the advice of Lorraine McCall who had just completed a continuous summer round herself (see this UKH article), and both worked perfectly.

What influenced your choice of gear?
Basically I needed gear that kept me warm and dry. I searched for a layering system that covered a range of temperatures so there wouldn't be a constant stop/start of stripping off and putting on layers. The system also had to be simple; I didn't want lots of different layers and styles, less is more and all that. I also decided that being comfortable at night, and trusting the tent would guarantee sleep and essential rest. For all this I was prepared to carry extra weight. I've never been an ultra light guru thats feels a sleeping bag is too heavy if they're not shivering in it - I'd prefer a few extra pounds and comfort, any day.

My main influences were people I knew to be very active in the outdoors and actually use the gear they recommended; Lorraine McCall, Chris Townsend and Neil Mcadie to name but a few. Their advice mixed with my own experiences suggested the kit list.

What about logistics?
I spent a day at home making up parcels for each section of the route. Myself and Lorraine McCall then drove hundreds of miles around the Highlands leaving them at SYHAs, pubs, hotels and with friends. A typical box would contain Wayfayrer Meals, pasta, dried milk, sugar, cereal, chocolate (lots), Nutri-grain bars, biscuits, batteries and maps.

You didn't carry a full pack over every hill: how far did you factor this ability to go lightweight into your route planning?
There are lots of mountain groups where it was possible to store my gear then pick off the surrounding Munros fast without the pack. The base could be a bothy, a hostel, my tent or basically my pack just left at some point central to the group. It was crucial never to lose the pack so I always took a GPS reading of its position before leaving. My lightweight approach comprised a bum-bag with crampons and ice axe tied on to it, a map and compass, headtorch, snacks for the hill and a cup to drink from. I never once carried water, only a cup, and I never struggled to source it.

How often did you camp versus staying in hostels?
In total there were; 28 nights in my tent (4 of which were above 3000 ft), 25 nights in bothies and the rest a mixture of SYHAs, bunkhouses, pubs and friends' houses.

Did your schedule ever feel tight? What about unplanned delays?
For the challenge to be a success I had to complete it inside the winter season, between December 1st and March 31st. Towards the end it became very close indeed with me reaching the summit of Ben Hope around dinnertime on March 31st. There were also plenty of unplanned delays in which I lost valuable time. In total I spent seven frustrating days off the summits due to bad weather and three days of scheduled rest.

Until Glen Shiel I was always just ahead of schedule but after losing two consecutive days there I was chasing my tail all the way to Ben Hope. But I never seriously doubted I'd do it.

What were ground conditions like that season? Ever wish you'd brought skis or snowshoes?
The first few weeks until Christmas were almost totally dry and frozen conditons, with temperatures dropping below -10C regularly yet no heavy snow worth mentioning. Underfoot the ice was treacherous and I had the bruises to prove it. The first real snow came between Christmas and New Year along with very high winds that kept me off the hill in Glen Coe.

January was a mixed bag; snow flurries, high winds, whiteouts, sleet and then fantastic high pressure through the Cairngorms bringing sub -15C temperatures with magnificent inversions.

For the full article click here...

The Great Outdoors Magazine
January 2012
'Best of the tests - gear index'

Trekking Poles:
Pacerpole Alloy Pacerpoles:
                                     4.5/5 (Best Buy)
                             "Pacerpoles remain miles ahead of the competition"

The Great Outdoors Magazine
November 2010
"TGO Gear Special". TGO's gear specialists name their absolute favourite items of hillwalking and backpacking....

Chris Townsend: Pacerpoles: My conversion to poles came through ski touring. After a few years it dawned on me that I didn't need to be on skis for poles to be useful and I started using them when walking. There didn't seem to be much difference between various brands until I discovered Pacerpoles with their specially shaped handles. These felt natural and comfortable to hold and I liked not having to use straps. I also found them easier to use and more efficient. Eventually I came full circle and started using them for ski touring, where I discovered they were better than standard ski poles.

John Manning: Pacerpoles: Well, regular readers will no doubt be tiring of my constant references to these but it's worth mentioning that I switch between lightweight carbon fibre models for day walks and hardier alloy originals for backpacking. In terms in reducing stress on the knees, aiding balance on river crossings and such, Pacerpoles do everything that lesser walking poles do. For me though, the unique left and right moulded handles turn them into powerful propulsion units that enable me to hike further and faster.

Dan Bailey: Pacerpoles: Having mentioned poles I ought to elaborate. My fellow reviewers have already sung their praises, so at the risk of turning this into a love-in I'll just say that once I'd tried Pacerpoles there was no going back.

BBC Countryfile Magazine
March 2010 (Issue 31)

They're not the lightest poles tested. They don't have clips for easy adjustments. There's no shock absorber to minimise impacts and they don't even have padded straps. So why do Pacerpoles come out on top? Because their innovative angled handles make them the most effective trekking poles on the market.
If you've used conventional poles before, it might take a while to become accustomed to Pacerpoles. Like others, they're great for absorbing knee-crunching impacts during descents, for correcting pack laden posture, and for helping balance during river crossings. Where they differ is in their handles, which are shaped for each hand. Your thumbs rest on ledges that contour beneath your hands and, as you place the poles with each stride, your palms push down on the ledges, effectively thrusting your body forward, making much more efficient use of your energy. You can either walk faster and further, or simply arrive at your destination less fatigued.
Pacerpoles don't have straps because they don't need them: the angle and the shape of the handles conform to your hands' natural resting posture, so you grip them with very little effort and no wrist bending. The heavy plastic handles can get sweaty but they're so much more comfortable than upright handles that you'll barely notice.  

The Great Outdoors Magazine
March 2009 

Pacerpoles have been my favourite trekking poles for several years now due to the angled handles which are shaped for the left and right hands. These handles don't require straps, though there are thin loops of cord for security when dropping a pole could mean losing it. The angle and the shape mean its easier to push down on the poles and get maximum leverage for the least effort - and as they can be held quite lightly, your hands don't get tired.

Trail Magazine
February 2007

Compare this to any other pole and it is noticeable how much more energy-efficient the Pacerpole design is.............. I found the Pacerpoles felt more natural and less tiring in both ascent, and descent over rough ground and tracks. I also felt that they allowed greater precision when placing the points. 

The Great Outdoors Magazine
April 2006

I've used Pacerpoles more than any other in recent years. They're the most effective, they increase efficiency by enabling your arms to help propel you along and they take some of the weight and stress off your legs.

It's down to the handles. Uniquely, they're shaped for left and right hands and angled so the wrist does not have to be cocked, giving maximum leverage with least effort. The handles don't need to be gripped tightly and there are no straps, just thin cord loops to slip over your wrists so you don't drop the poles if you let go; I only use them if dropping a pole might mean losing it.

The pole shafts are conventional with standard twist internal adjusters and neoprene sleeves on the upper shafts for comfort when holding them below the handle. Pacerpoles are weighty as the handles are thick and solid that doesn't effect swing or make the poles tiring to use. Indeed, I find them less tiring than standard designs."

FEATURES
"….Angled handles are slightly more comfortable to use than uprights though the only poles on which the handle makes a real difference are Pacerpoles…."

WEIGHT ......... (Click here for weight v effort feature)
"….I've given the Best Buy rating to the heaviest poles for good reasons; they perform best and, in use, I can't tell the difference in weights. I've been out with a light pole in one hand and a heavy one in the other and not felt any difference. Weight doesn't matter as long as the poles are used; only if they're going to spend time on your pack does weight become important."

"….Pacerpoles are by far the most efficient and worth the high price if you use poles regularly and want to get the most out of them…."

Trail Magazine
August 2003

The unique handle is designed to be a more efficient method of transferring energy to the trekking pole and it is shaped to be left – or right – handed. The wrist loops have been removed and replaced with a cord loop that is for security against losing the pole on uneven ground. I found the Pacerpoles felt more natural and less tiring in both ascent and descent over rough ground and tracks. I also felt that they allowed greater precision when placing the points.... 

Eric Langmuir, author ‘Mountain Craft and Leadership’: “we had a great time on the Everest Trail, using our Pacerpoles every inch of the way. They really do almost become extensions of your body when you use them continuously for a long period.”

The Great Outdoors Magazine, July 2006
Backpacking Continuous Winter Munros Gear, Steve Perry
"I often wondered on the winter challenge how on earth I managed the Summer Munro round without Pacerpoles. It isn't the statistics of weight taken off your knees per mile that impresses me about them. It's the speed you can move and the distance you can cover with them. Adorned with snow baskets, the poles worked just as well in the winter and were great for some four-season boot skiing (without skis). They also worked well climbing on gentle slopes with the crampons."

The Great Outdoors Magazine, March 2005
PACIFIC CREST TACKLE
Tackling 2700 miles through a landscape that can throw anything at you requires special gear. John Manning outlines a few of his favourites from his 2004 Pacific Crest Trail thru’ hike.

I’ve been sold on knee-saving Pacerpoles for some years now and wouldn’t have hiked without them. The angled, carefully moulded handles help your arms to propel you forward; without them, I could never have covered some of the bigger daily mileages that I did – I wore out two sets of pole tips and baskets during the hike.

Graham Thompson Technical Editor TRAIL magazine: “I can place Pacerpoles more easily at the right spot on tough ground, particularly when going downhill. With normal poles this is difficult due to handle shape. I notice particularly when descending that the pole/body relationship is les wobbly than when using a normal pole, there is a better link between body and ground – a better extension of my body.”

Extracts from TGO July 2002 p80-82

Maximising performance rather than merely alleviating wear and tear on joints. That’s the claim of Heather Rhodes who has taken the concept of trekking poles back to the drawing board. John Manning reports....

Well-known outdoors folk who have tried Pacerpoles and cast aside earlier allegiances include Chis Bonington, Colin Mortlock, Don Roscoe and even Cameron McNeish. These aren’t people who are easily swayed, yet all swear by the advantages of Pacerpoles over more conventional poles.
John Jackson, former director of Plas y Brenin and a member of the team that made the first ascent of Kangchenjunga in 1955, said he wishes they’d been invented years ago. Ray Goldring, of New Zealand’s Mountain Safety Organisation, was bowled over by the difference Pacerpoles made over regular ski-type trekking poles.

Perhaps one of the strongest conversions is that of retired mountain guide Don Roscoe, the innovator who designed mountain rescue’s Roscoe stretcher, who has said: “it was immediately apparent that the handle design was in a totally different class to any other trekking pole ….. Pacerpole handle design is a most significant step forward. We really do need to get the message across as strongly as possible”…..

The phrase Heather returns to again and again is ‘functional anatomy’. The Pacerpole’s unique left and right handles are the result of examining not what poles do, but what the body needs from poles in order for it to maximise performance.
Author and outdoor education expert Colin Mortlock …. believes those left and right handle are the biggest advance since the invention of hiking boots, making other pole handles obsolete ….. “you have maximum control and, for the first time, you have the potential to efficiently use your upper body in the movement of walking”.

So why haven’t Heather and Alan sold their concept to one of the big boys? The truth is they have tried but attempting to convince a company already selling thousands of units that it should admit its handles could be better and scrap its designs to invest in new, expensive moulds proved impossible. Instead, lacking the funds to launch the poles on to the market in a big way … they launched their own website www.pacerpole.com.....

The Backpacker’s Handbook
By Chris Townsend
Third Edition
Published 2005
Ragged Mountain Press

Extract from pages 85 - 86.


...This design is taken to radical extremes in British-made-Pacerpoles, which have molded thermoplastic-rubber grips, acutely angled, that are shaped for each hand. These enable you to transmit far more power through the poles, since the angle is “calculated for optimum range of arm leverage”. The grips are very comfortable, and the poles are a leap forward in design. They are the ones I use most now; they really do give me more power and take more weight off my legs than standard poles, especially on long climbs. They have only a short piece of cord as a security loop rather than a proper strap, which isn’t needed – you hold the poles loosely in your hands rather than letting the loops take the weight. The poles come in three sections with an internal locking mechanism. There is a soft neoprene sleeve on the upper section, and Pacerpoles is developing a camera mount that will fit on the grip. A pair of Pacerpoles weighs 23 ounces. For more information, see pacerpole.com.

Many poles have an antishock device, a spring built into the handle or the shaft that gives slightly when weight is applied. Antishock mechanisms add weight, increase pack length, and raise the price, all to no advantage in my experience. I’ve tried hiking with an antishock pole in one hand and a regular pole in the other, and I’ve noticed no difference. Antishock is supposed to absorb the shock of pole placements so your arm doesn’t feel them, but my arms don’t ache or feel any more tired whether I use them or not. On many poles, antishock can be turned off. I’d rather not have it at all....