The Correct Use of Trekking Poles
- Trekking poles look similar to ski poles. They consist of a grip, usually with a webbed wrist strap attached, an adjustable lightweight metal shaft with a locking mechanism, a metal or rubber tip and a rubber basket above the tip. The adjustable shaft allows you to shorten the poles so they fit you, store the poles or carry them when you're not using them.
Some poles include anti-shock internal springs that take some of the impact of walking off the body. Manufacturers also make trekking poles with adaptations, including compasses, beverage holders and camera mounts. - Using trekking poles while hiking improves your balance and decreases stress on your legs and joints, especially when you are walking downhill, according to the REI website. When hiking uphill, poles help shift weight to your upper body and lessen leg fatigue. Poles also help hikers establish a walking rhythm. Hikers can also use poles to determine snow or mud depth, push back overhanging branches or vines and retrieve dropped items.
- Most trekking poles adjust from 24 inches to 55 inches. Numbers printed on the shafts help you determine the correct length. To find the proper height, release the shaft locking mechanism and extend or contract the pole until your elbow rests at a 90-degree angle, with your forearm parallel to the ground, when holding the pole's grip with the tip on the ground. Lock the shaft to set the pole length.
Some manufacturers and trekking guides recommend adjusting the pole length for different terrain. For example, shorten the poles by a few inches if you are going uphill and lengthen them by a few inches if you are going downhill. Other guides, including backpacking.net, suggest just moving your grip up or down rather than adjusting the pole every time the terrain changes.
After the pole lengths are set, put your hand through the wrist strap from below and tighten. The straps should fit snugly around your wrists but not rub or chafe. - To hike correctly with trekking poles, simply walking normally, using the poles as an extension of your arms. As you place one foot in front of the other, extend the opposite arm and plant the pole in the ground. As your weight shifts from one leg to the other, push down on the pole. Continue stepping and planting, developing a rhythm as you walk.
When hiking uphill, plant the poles more aggressively to push your body forward, according to backpacking.net. For very steep climbs, plant both poles ahead of you and push your body forward with both arms, according to the Ideal Hiking Equipment website.
To maintain your balance while going downhill and reduce pressure on your knees, plant the poles farther ahead than you would on level ground, according to the Ideal Hiking Equipment website. For very steep descents, lean slightly forward on the poles to prevent slipping. - Manufacturers make a variety of trekking poles for different uses. Anti-shock poles absorb a lot of force when you are walking downhill and can help hikers with knee, hip or ankle problems. Poles without anti-shock springs generally are lighter and less expensive, according to REI.
Compact, women's and youth poles have smaller grips for smaller hands, shorter shafts and they also weigh less.
