How to Use Walking Poles Correctly — Save Your Knees & Hips, by Camino Provisions on YouTube. 4 min 11 s.
- Video length
- 4 min 11 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Stand on flat ground and set each pole so the grip sits at about hip height, with your elbow bent to roughly 90 degrees when the tip touches the ground.
Loosen the grip straps and slide your hand up through the loop from below. The strap should sit across the back of your hand, not around your wrist.
On flat ground, plant each pole slightly ahead and swing it back as you step, so the tip lands near your opposite foot. Keep a light grip.
On gentle climbs, shorten each pole by a few centimetres so you can push down and get help from your arms.
On descents, lengthen each pole by a few centimetres and plant it ahead of you before each step. Let the pole take some of your weight as you lower your foot.
On wet rock or loose gravel, place the tip carefully and test it before you commit your weight. Keep steps short and poles close to your body.
Check the tips and baskets before each walk. Replace worn carbide tips and fit wider baskets for soft ground like mud or snow.
Practise on a short slope near home until planting and swinging feel natural, then take the same rhythm onto longer routes.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep your grip loose and push through the strap, not by squeezing the handle, or your hands and forearms will ache.
Do not set poles too long on climbs or too short on descents, since that throws off your posture and balance.
Shorten your stride on slick ground and keep the pole tips in front of you for extra stability.
Check the locking mechanism on each pole before a long walk so a pole does not collapse under your weight.
Questions
How do I know the right pole height?
With the tip on the ground, the grip should sit around hip height and your elbow should bend about 90 degrees. Adjust for climbs and descents as you go.
Do walking poles really help my knees?
Poles let your arms and upper body share the load, which can ease strain on your knees and hips, especially on long descents. The benefit depends on using them with a steady rhythm and good posture.
Should I use one pole or two?
Two poles give more balance and share the work evenly. One pole is fine for gentle walks, but two are better on rough ground and steep descents.
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.
