You're Probably Using Trekking Poles Wrong, by Oscar Hikes on YouTube. 6 min 48 s.
- Video length
- 6 min 48 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Loosen the middle section lock on each pole and set both poles to the same length. Stand upright on flat ground to check they match.
Set the length so the grips sit around hip height on flat ground. Your elbow should bend about 90 degrees when the tip touches the ground near your foot.
Slide your hand up through the wrist strap loop from below. The strap should run over the back of your wrist and sit against your palm.
Grip the handle lightly and let the strap take the push. Your fingers should stay relaxed, not squeeze the grip hard.
Plant each pole slightly ahead and to the side of your foot. Push down and back as you step so the pole moves with you.
On a climb, shorten both poles by a few centimetres so you can push down without reaching up. Keep the same length on both sides.
On a descent, lengthen both poles a few centimetres so you can plant them ahead and take weight off your knees.
Keep the tips behind your front foot and out of your stride path. Watch the ground ahead so a tip does not catch on a root or rock.
Check the locks and tips before each hike. Wipe grit off the sections and tighten any lock that slips under pressure.
Tips and common mistakes
Holding the grip like a bike handlebar is a common mistake and tires your hands fast.
A loose or wrongly threaded strap makes the pole feel heavier, so check the loop sits flat on your palm.
Shorten the poles on steep climbs and lengthen them on descents instead of keeping one length all day.
On rocky or slippery ground keep the tips planted and avoid swinging the poles forward too far.
Questions
Should I use the wrist straps or just hold the grips?
Use the straps. They carry the push so your hands stay relaxed, and the grip is mainly for steering the pole.
How long should trekking poles be for my height?
On flat ground the grip should sit near hip height with your elbow bent about 90 degrees. Adjust a few centimetres shorter for climbs and longer for descents.
Do trekking poles help on descents?
Yes. Lengthening them lets you plant the poles ahead and take some weight off your knees and thighs on the way down.
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.
