How do I use a hiking pole on a hill?
There are various ways that one is supposed to walk
with a hiking pole in order to get the effective resistance and support that
they need on their hiking trip. There are certainly “wrong ways” – ways of
walking with hiking poles that will not provide you with the same benefits.
Still, using a hiking pole at all is generally a good way to avoid putting
too much pressure on your legs and knee joints, and how you use the pole is
not quite as important.
However, the same is not true with how you use the
pole to walk up and down various hill inclines. Where you hold the pole is
important to how well it supports your body, and how safe it can keep you on
angles that may encourage slipping and injury. Here is a quick guide to the
best place to hold the poles in order to keep yourself safe.
·
Steep Uphill
When you are travelling up a steep hill, slipping
is very common. Though it is very easy to slip forward (where your legs fall
out from under you and your body heads towards the hill), falling forward is
not very dangerous, as you will have all of your body on the ground in order
to create friction and avoid continued slipping. What you want to watch out
for is slipping backwards, where the force of falling can cause you to
continually slip down the hill. When you are climbing up steep hills, you
want to move each pole with the corresponding foot (left foot, left pole)
and plant the tip firmly into the ground a few inches behind you before you
take the next step, pushing against the pole for support. This will allow
you to lean forward as you walk to make sure if you slip you slip forward.
·
Light Uphill
Walking up a slight hill is less likely to cause
slipping, but will need additional support. In these cases, your hands
should be in front of you but the angle of the pole should make the tip a
few inches behind your feet for added walking support. Also, use the
opposite pole hands, so if your right foot is forward, your left pole should
be forward.
·
Steep Downhill
Unlike walking uphill, when you are going downhill
your biggest worry is falling forward, as falling onto your rear is less
painful and will help stop you from rolling down the hill. Bend your knees,
plant the hiking pole into the ground before taking the step (left foot,
left pole still), and lend some weight to the pole to ensure balance. Never
lean forward on the hill to avoid falling headfirst. Always keep your weight
slightly backward.
·
Slight downhill
For a slight downhill, the poles should be in front
of you, including the tips, and you should be leading with the opposite pole
the same way you followed the light uphill directions.
Hiking poles are made to help you keep your balance
on tough terrain. When you use them correctly, they can ensure you stay safe
on even the steepest of hills.
Return to Walking Sticks Guide Home Page