how to use trekking poles
This article walks you through exactly how to use walking poles on the trail. Most extendable poles have two locks. Each of these have some unique benefits. Hiking poles are of great appeal to trekkers, day walkers and backpackers, though many do not know how to use them to their best advantage. Just strapping a pair of poles to your arms and trudging along isnât going to maximize your efforts. Trekking poles are usually built with hard metal or carbide tips at the pole ends. I noticed that some people do not really know how to use the trekking poles the right way.For this reason, I have provided tips ⦠Iâd read about how to use trekking poles properly and forced myself into the strict pattern of only ever placing the poles asymmetrically (see below) on every single step I took. Use the poles as extensions to your arms. we will help you to learn through this article. Trekking poles allow you to distribute some of your weight from your legs to your arms and shoulders -- which reduced lower body fatigue. WHY USE WALKING POLES? The physical benefits of knowing how to use trekking poles correctly are well understood: they help with stability on rough terrain (especially valuable when youâre carrying a pack), massively improve the efficiency of your walking technique, and transfer stress and weight from areas of high impact â knees and ankles â to your shoulders, arms and back. While there is plenty of information available about why you should use trekking poles, very little information is available about how to use trekking poles. People returned with poles in their luggage from hiking in Europe where trekking pole use was common. If youâve asked this question Iâll assume youâve bought collapsible poles. If you are to cross a frozen stream, the trekking poles can be your best option. Theyâre too small to keep your poles out of cracks, rocks and roots so they donât offer any protection for your poles. However, you have to know how to use this tool correctly. Putting all this together, here are my personal criteria for when to use trekking poles: I use trekking poles for: backpacking trips or long day hikes involving lots of up and down, rough trail or cross-country hiking, or special conditions like snow, lots of water crossings, or bushwhacking through dense brush. Whether you're crossing flat surfaces or probing uncertain terrain, trekking poles can provide stability and relieve pressure from your body, but they can also help to establish and maintain a consistent rhythm and increase speed. Read on to learn how to use walking poles correctly. Otherwise, you deal with that wear and tear later on. Reasons to use trekking Poles. A positive of using hiking poles is that you can use them on any trail, whether it is well maintained or not. What are the Benefits of Using Walking Poles? Trekking poles are simple to use and provide a load of support for both hikers, walkers and backpackers of all ages. Itâs not just a tool for older folks. With good quality poles and straps, you shouldnât have to have a âDeath gripâ on your gear to be able to use them as leverage. Trekking poles are extremely useful when used correctly. Trekking poles can be used in a pair although some hikers may prefer to use a single pole. A guide on how to use your new Hardy Hikers Trekking Poles. Donât bother with the tiny summer baskets that come with most trekking poles. Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles. Theyâre not essential but many hikers use them because they make hiking safer and more enjoyable. When asking any hiking professional how to use trekking poles, you'll likely get a variety of answers because they're valuable in a number of ways. And whilst this is the preferred and best technique for hikers to adopt, I took it a step too far and failed to use my trekking poles ⦠More often than not, a hiker or backpacker who gives trekking poles a trial run in the backcountry quickly becomes converted to their all-around usefulness. When to Use Trekking Poles? Some backpackers use trekking poles for their shelters or tents and some hikers just enjoy a little bit more efficient trekking with poles in hand. How to use Trekking Poles. 4) Mud Baskets Trekking poles can be used to reduce the muscle strain of going up uneven terrain and reducing the shock on the knees on the way back down as well. Many trekking poles come in adjustable lengths, which makes this easy to achieve. Trekking poles with bare metal tips are vulnerable to slipping on flat and rocky surfaces. Deciding between your options is largely a matter of preference. Every time we take a step forward our knees must take some of this impact. Walking poles. Adjusting Your Trekking Poles. But you can prevent that by using rubber feet. This way you can also avoid damaging the carbide tips of your trekking poles. Outside of height adjustment, itâs essential that you understand how the pole grip and hand band work. Poles protect your knees. According to a research study done by Dr. G. Neureuther in 1981, the use of ski poles while walking reduced the pressure on the opposite leg by up to 20%.Learning how to use trekking poles will not only take the pressure off your legs, but it will also give you more of a balanced workout. The adjustment points make resizing your poles fast and easy. Walking or trekking poles are designed to give the hiker maximum support so that they provide propulsion. They can save your energy when you go uphill, your joints on the downhill and help you keep your balance in tough terrain. Trekking poles can also help reduce any stress that hiking will inevitably give your joints, especially if youâre hiking up or down steep terrain. How and When to Use Trekking Pole Tips & Baskets There are several ways to optimize your trekking poles by using the accessories, tips and baskets, on the appropriate terrain. There are a number of reasons to use trekking poles. When Not to Use Trekking Poles Instead of jabbing down with your hiking poles when you descend, try lowering your body and using your hands to balance and make a connection. 7. Use these guidelines to help find the right length poles for you: For adjustable-length trekking poles and hiking staffs: Use Trekking Poles Efficiently. Now for all those who have tried using trekking poles will attest to the fact that itâs not childâs play. When it comes to purchasing a pair of trekking poles hereâs what to look for. Introduction: How to Use Trekking Poles. One study has shown that trekking poles reduce joint forces on the knee and the hip joint while another study shows that those hikers who use poles are less likely to suffer ankle fractures. Mountaineers and outdoor guides quickly adopted the adjustable poles and got them for client use. Three-section poles were carried by ski shops and outdoor specialty stores, but poles really took off when they got the stamp of approval from outdoor magazines like Backpacker and Outside . But if you donât use them right, youâll just be weighing yourself down with useless gear. Read our suggestions below to make sure you are choosing the right accessories to ⦠While initial comfort is vital, your body needs to adjust to the use and movement of the poles. Consider the many ways these can benefit your treking experiences and you may have a different answer as well. With that in mind, let's get started with your new poles. Otherwise, youâll need a hacksaw which is not a great idea if your poles were expensive. However, some are sold in fixed lengths or in ranges of sizes. How Do you Use Trekking Poles Trekking poles usually come with all-purpose summer baskets and large snow/mud baskets. I used trekking poles religiously for years. Aluminum 7075 Trekking Poles. You now know how to use walking poles correctly, what to look for when buying them and how to set them up properly. You can use rubber feet while hiking/walking on hard surfaces such as paved roads and rocky terrain. Many people find that when they first use trekking poles, their upper body becomes tired, so try to build up the mileage in stages when first becoming familiar with the poles. If you donât yet have or use trekking poles⦠Your trekking poles should make your experience more enjoyable and not become a nuisance. Being smart about how you traverse your trails and using your poles to your advantage is the most critical part of ⦠Pole use should be built up gradually, rather like wearing in a pair of shoes. There are several reasons to use walking poles when out walking or trekking. 1. Trekking poles are designed to give you extra stability and confidence when you are hiking. Trekking poles are of great appeal to hikers, backpackers and day walkers, although many do not know how to use trekking poles to their best advantage. If you are to hike in an area with animals, and trekking poles might help you with scaring them off. Use your trekking poles alternately and use ⦠Decide what's comfortable for you. Trekking poles can keep your balance in winter, in the slippery and snowy trail. If youâre not a pole user, give them a try and let us know what you think! These days, trekking poles are more and more ubiquitous out on the trails, though a few diehards still use good old-fashioned hiking sticks or eschew such supports entirely. So, How To Use Trekking Poles? TIP: Some hikers prefer to use the trekking poles more like downhill ski poles with both moving forward and backward at the same time. Push down on them as you step so they absorb some of the weight. As you descend, keep the weight off of your knees by using your trekking pole straps. Conclusion. What options for trekking poles do you have? And then I stopped for a while and it felt great to ⦠However, they will also attest to the fact that having trekking poles on an excursion is a huge advantage.But having trekking poles is not enough, you need to know how to use trekking poles for them to be effective. Use the trekking pole to check the stability of your next step, too. The benefits of using trekking poles correctly are key. 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