How do I use a trekking pole?
The main value of trekking poles is their ability
to take pressure off of your legs and knees and disperse it throughout your
body, giving you the opportunity to trek across longer distances without
experiencing too much pain or discomfort. But to benefit from trekking
poles, you need to be using them correctly. Incorrect usage can cause you to
twist and contour your back and shoulders, and may lead to the early death
of your pole if you are using it in ways it was not designed for. Here are
instructions on how to use trekking poles correctly.
Step 1: Lengthen the Pole
The first thing you need to do is lengthen the pole
to your preferred length. If you are going uphill you will want your pole to
be shorter, uphill longer, and level ground in the middle. You want to make
sure it is a comfortable length that has your hand held out in front of you
with your elbow bent at a 90 degree angle. If you are using two poles, you
want both poles to be exactly the same length. Trekking poles have different
locking mechanisms, so consult your guide to make sure you are expanding it
correctly.
Step 2: Get a Good Grip
The next thing to do is to put your hands through
the wrist straps (designed to ensure that the poles don’t fly away) and get
a good grip. Some people like to hold poles by the top of the grip, while
others prefer to grab it straight on, giving you more of a fist grip.
Ideally you would use the fist grip, as the alternative puts more weight on
the pole than you need, and may lean your back forward.
Step 3: Walking with the Poles
The best way to walk with the poles is the cross
country skiing motion, where you put your pole forward with one hand and
lead with your opposite foot, then switch as you walk, letting the poles
swing through the motion. However, some people prefer to put more weight on
the poles by leading with both poles and then allowing your weight to
follow. The former is more fluid and more generally recommended, but some
people prefer to do the latter for comfort.
Keeping Your Body Moving
Ideally you want your entire body to be moving in a
fluid motion so that you do not have to think or look to see where you are
putting your poles. The poles will become a natural part of your gait, and
over time you will be walking with them as though your hands were free. As
such, you want to make sure that you are absolutely comfortable with the way
you are using them so that your trekking poles become an extension of your
body. Try to keep your body level with your hips and back straight and
moving, and as long as you are comfortable you should find the trekking
poles to meet your outdoor needs.
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