pole straps, use them or lose them? Some may give one a scoffing glance for having straps on poles when heading out to the winter backcountry. Many seasoned vets prefer to leave their pole straps at home and the first thing they do is hack those off right out of the packaging. Poles can get snagged in thick trees while descending, yanking a shoulder out, get caught in heli and snowcat baskets and I bet the list of safey concerns go's on and on.
Me, I prefer to keep them attached, for one reason, efficiency on the ascent. By having and using a robust pole strap while working up the mountain, it can actually be used to help support some upper body weight, especiallly during long slogs and consecutive days of ski touring.
A few shots from today.
