Be Careful Out There!

[wyflyguy]

I've seen this story a couple of times in the past day or two and thought I'd pass it along. It's a good reminder that things sometimes go sideways in the backcountry and to stay vigilant. This could very well have turned out much differently!

Hiker Impales Himself with Trekking Pole

Summary:
A man was 10 miles deep on a hiking trip, slipped on some rocks and impaled himself with his trekking pole. He then hiked the 10 miles back out with the pole still stuck in his torso to get medical attention.

• Sounds like he was hiking with friends who had a Garmin InReach so they were able to be in contact with Search and Rescue and monitor his condition throughout the hike out
• His medical training certainly helped in this case as he was able to assess the seriousness of the situation and act accordingly

Be safe out there, guys!

 

[brymoore]

Ouch

 

[Bowhuntrben]

So...do you say "How's it going?" when you see this guy hiking out while you're hiking in? Or do you just ask if he's seen any elk/deer?

 

[elkduds]

My poles have baskets a few inches above the tips.

 

[RealMuddyboots]

My poles have baskets a few inches above the tips.

Mine have heavy rubber cane style tips so kind of surprised by this possibility.

 

[Mallardsx2]

That rage expandable must have broken a blade on entry again.

 

[duckhunt]

I carry my zoleo at all times hunting and hiking.

 

[cedahm]

Mine have heavy rubber cane style tips so kind of surprised by this possibility.

There are 3-4 of them in the water bottle pocket of my pack at any given time since I have had the poles slip off rocks, ice, deadfall, frozen dirt, etc so often I almost always never use them.

but I might take the 3 seconds to put them on on gentle dirt trails more often after seeing that picture.