How to use hiking poles correctly, by Dan Outdoors - Hiking | Travel | CA on YouTube. 1 min.
- Video length
- 1 min
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Stand on flat ground and set both poles to the same length. Your elbows should sit at roughly 90 degrees when the tips touch the ground.
Loosen the twist lock or flip lock on each section, set the length, then tighten it firmly. Check that no section slips when you press down.
Slide your hand up through the wrist strap from below, then bring it down onto the handle so the strap sits across your palm.
Grip the handle lightly and let the strap take the push. Your fingers should stay relaxed rather than squeezing hard.
On flat trail, plant each pole beside your foot and swing it back with your arm. Match the pole to the opposite leg for a natural rhythm.
Going uphill, shorten both poles by a few centimetres. Plant them behind or beside you and push down to help drive yourself forward.
Going downhill, lengthen both poles slightly. Plant each one ahead of you before you step down to add stability.
On steep or loose ground, keep the poles planted and take shorter steps. Adjust the length again whenever the slope changes.
Tips and common mistakes
The most common mistake is treating poles like two walking sticks instead of pushing off them for balance and efficiency.
Keep both poles at the same length so your stride stays even.
Shorten the poles for long climbs and lengthen them for long descents, then reset to 90 degrees on flat ground.
Check the locks before a steep section, since a slipping pole can throw you off balance.
Questions
How do I know the pole height is right?
On flat ground your elbows should be at about 90 degrees with the tips on the floor. Adjust both poles to match before you start walking.
Should I hold the poles with or without the straps?
Use the straps. Slide your hand up through the loop from below, then grip the handle so the strap supports your palm and wrist.
Do I change the length during a hike?
Yes. Shorten them a little for climbs and lengthen them a little for descents, then set them back for flat sections.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
