How to Use Trekking Poles to Save Your Knees & Hike Faster, by Chase Christopher on YouTube. 5 min 15 s.
- Video length
- 5 min 15 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Set both poles to the same length. On flat ground the grip should sit near hip height with your arm bent about 90 degrees at the elbow.
Shorten the poles by 5 to 10 cm for steep descents. This lets you plant them ahead of you without reaching down.
Slide your hands up through the straps from below and grip the strap and handle together. The strap should take the push, not your fingers.
Plant each pole ahead and slightly outside your foot on the downhill side. Let the pole land as your opposite foot steps down.
Lean into the slope with a slight forward bend and keep your steps short. The poles act as a second set of legs and catch you if a foot slips.
Push down through the strap as you step, then release and swing the pole forward for the next plant. Keep a steady rhythm with your stride.
On loose scree or wet rock, place the tip firmly and test it before shifting weight. Use rubber tips on hard packed trails and rock.
Lengthen the poles again when the ground flattens out. Check both locks are tight before you put weight on them.
Tips and common mistakes
Do not grip the handles too hard. The strap carries the load and stops your hands and forearms tiring.
Keep the tips behind your feet on very steep drops so you do not trip over the pole.
Check the twist or flip locks on both poles before every hike and tighten them if they slip.
Collapse the poles and strap them to your pack on scrambles where you need both hands free.
Questions
Should trekking poles be longer or shorter going downhill?
Shorter. Take 5 to 10 cm off your flat-ground length so you can plant them ahead without overreaching. Lengthen them again on flat ground and climbs.
Do I need the straps?
Yes, used properly they take the push and save your grip. Slide your hand up through the loop from below and hold the strap against the handle.
Will poles stop knee pain?
They can reduce the load on your knees on descents and improve balance, but they are not a cure. See a doctor if knee pain is severe or ongoing.
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.
