Trekking Poles Guide

A Guide to Choosing, Fitting, and Using Hiking Trekking Poles

Hiking trekking poles are invaluable companions for outdoor enthusiasts, offering stability, support, and balance on trails of all types. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting your trekking journey, understanding how to pick, fit, and correctly use hiking trekking poles can significantly enhance your hiking experience. In this article, we'll walk you through the process step by step.

Why Use Trekking Poles?

Before we dive into the details, let's briefly discuss why trekking poles are worth considering for your hiking adventures:

1. Improved Stability: Trekking poles provide extra points of contact with the ground, helping you maintain balance, especially on uneven terrain or steep ascents and descents.

2. Reduced Impact: They can reduce the impact on your knees and joints by absorbing some of the shock during descents.

3. Enhanced Endurance: Distributing the load to your upper body muscles can reduce fatigue and improve endurance during long hikes.

4. Aid in Uphill Climbs: Trekking poles can be used to push yourself uphill, providing added power and propulsion.

5. Versatile Uses: Beyond hiking, trekking poles are versatile and can be used for other activities like snowshoeing and backpacking.

Picking the Right Trekking Poles

1. Material

Trekking poles come in various materials, including aluminum and carbon fiber. Aluminum poles are durable and cost-effective, while carbon fiber poles are lighter but slightly more expensive. Choose the material that suits your budget and hiking style.

2. Folding or Telescoping

Folding poles are compact and suitable for travelers, while telescoping poles are adjustable in length, allowing you to adapt to different terrains and heights.

3. Grip and Straps

Look for comfortable grips made of cork, foam, or rubber. Straps should be adjustable and padded to reduce chafing.

4. Locking Mechanism

Telescoping poles often have either twist locks or lever locks. Lever locks are easier to use and more reliable, especially in wet conditions.

5. Tip Material

Trekking pole tips can be made of rubber or carbide. Rubber tips are better for paved or indoor surfaces, while carbide tips provide excellent traction on rocky or uneven terrain.

Fitting Your Trekking Poles

1. Adjusting Length

To find the right length for your trekking poles, stand upright with your arms at a 90-degree angle. Adjust the pole length until your elbows form this angle while holding the grip.

2. Use Wrist Straps

Place your hands through the wrist straps and adjust them to a comfortable fit. Make sure to use the straps correctly, so they support your wrists without causing strain. When going up uphill put hands in through the top so you can use the pressure against the strap for help. Highly recommended to NOT use your strap when going downhill, incase you want fall.

3. Downhill vs. Uphill

When hiking uphill, shorten the poles slightly to help with propulsion. For downhill sections, lengthen them to assist with balance and shock absorption.

Correctly Using Trekking Poles

1. Start Gradually

If you're new to trekking poles, start with shorter hikes and gradually increase your usage. This will help you get comfortable with their feel and benefits.

2. Maintain a Natural Rhythm

Use your trekking poles in sync with your steps. For instance, when your right foot steps forward, your left pole should move forward and vice versa.

3. Uphill Technique

When ascending steep terrain, plant the pole slightly ahead of you and push down to help propel yourself upwards. This technique reduces strain on your legs.

4. Downhill Technique

For descents, plant the pole slightly behind you to catch your weight and reduce impact on your knees and joints.

5. Beware of Wildlife and Vegetation

When hiking in sensitive ecosystems, be mindful of where you place your poles to avoid damaging plants or disturbing wildlife.

6. Check Tips Regularly

Inspect your pole tips for wear and tear. Replace them if they become excessively worn to maintain traction and safety.

In conclusion, hiking trekking poles are valuable tools that can greatly enhance your outdoor experiences. By selecting the right poles, fitting them correctly, and using them effectively, you can enjoy improved stability, reduced fatigue, and a safer hiking journey. So, equip yourself with a pair of quality trekking poles and hit the trails with confidence!