Trekking poles once seemed like gear just for pro hikers, but now they’ve become a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts of all types.
According to the Global Trekking Poles Market 2023-2030 research report, the global trekking pole market was valued at USD 73.66 million in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 97.94 million by 2028. That means we can expect to see even more hikers using them on the trails.
After spending seven years guiding hiking tours across various terrains and teaching countless beginners how to use hiking poles effectively, I’ve learned that proper technique can transform your hiking experience.
In this article, I will share insights about using trekking poles correctly – covering everything from adjusting pole length to proper techniques for various types of terrain – so you can make the most out of your equipment and enjoy safer, more comfortable hikes.
Using Hiking Poles on Different Terrains
First, your grip is the foundation of effective pole use. Here’s how to do it right:
- Insert your hand up through the bottom of the strap
- Pull down and grasp the grip
- Keep your grip relaxed but secure
- Avoid the “death grip” – it leads to hand fatigue
Pro Tip: The strap should support your wrist and hand’s weight, allowing you to maintain a relaxed grip even on challenging terrain.
Using Poles on Flat Ground
- Maintain a natural walking rhythm
- Plant poles slightly ahead of you
- Alternate poles with opposite feet (right foot, left pole)
- Keep elbows at approximately 90 degrees
- Adjust pole length to about 68% of your height.
Learn How to Calculate Your Trekking Pole Height
Uphill Technique
Based on years of guiding experience, here’s what works best:
- Shorten poles by 5-10cm from your standard length
- Plant poles firmly ahead of you
- Push down on the poles to help propel yourself forward
- Keep your body slightly forward
- Maintain a steady rhythm
Common Mistake: Many hikers leave their poles too long on uphills, causing shoulder strain.
Downhill Technique
This is where poles really shine for joint protection:
- Lengthen poles by 5-10cm from standard length
- Plant poles slightly ahead and outward
- Use poles for braking and stability
- Keep your weight slightly back
- Let the poles absorb impact before stepping down
Pro Tip: On steep descents, double-pole planting (both poles at once) can provide extra stability.
Stream Crossings
Stream crossings require special attention:
- Test depth and stability with poles first
- Plant poles firmly before each step
- Keep three points of contact at all times
- Use slightly longer pole settings for deep crossings
- Face upstream when crossing swift water
Technical Terrain Navigation
For rocky or uneven ground:
- Plant poles strategically between obstacles
- Use double-pole technique when needed
- Keep poles close to your body for better control
- Test loose rocks before committing weight
- Use poles to probe depth of mud or snow
Common Mistakes to Avoid when Using
Through years of teaching, these are the most frequent issues I’ve observed:
- Improper Strap Use
- Mistake: Not using straps or wearing them incorrectly
- Solution: Thread from bottom up, rely on straps for support
- Wrong Length Adjustment
- Mistake: One-size-fits-all approach
- Solution: Adjust based on terrain and slope
- Poor Timing
- Mistake: Out-of-sync pole and foot movement
- Solution: Practice natural opposite-side coordination
- Over-Reliance
- Mistake: Using poles as crutches
- Solution: Maintain natural walking motion with pole support
Other Uses for Trekking Poles
Beyond their traditional use in providing support and stability, trekking poles have a multitude of other uses that can come in handy during your outdoor adventures.
- Shelter building: More than once, when hiking in unpredictable weather, I used walking sticks to create a makeshift shelter using a tarp or emergency blanket [1]. This provided me with much-needed protection from the elements and helped me stay dry for the rest of the hike.
- River or stream crossing: I always rely on them for balance and stability when crossing rivers or streams, especially in areas where rocks may be slick and footing is uncertain.
- Testing the ground: You can employ your walking poles when testing the stability of the ground ahead of you, especially in areas with thick foliage or uneven terrain. They are great for preventing accidental slips or falls.
- Clearing brush: In overgrown or densely vegetated areas, you’ll have a great tool to clear a path and push aside branches, reducing the risk of encountering thorns or other hazards.
- Waving off aggressive wildlife: While encountering wildlife is part of the allure of hiking, there may be times when a trekking pole can be used to create distance between you and any aggressive animals. It happened to me several times.
- First aid: In the unfortunate event of an injury, hiking poles can serve as makeshift splints or supports, providing temporary assistance until proper medical attention is available.
- Photography equipment: Lastly, if you are a photography enthusiast like me, you can use your trekking poles to steady your camera or mount a smartphone to capture stunning outdoor shots with optimal stability [2].
Tip: Consider attaching rubber tips to the ends of your trekking poles to prevent them from sinking into soft ground and to provide better traction on hard surfaces.
Tips for Traveling with Trekking Poles
Before I wrap up, I want to add a few words about taking your poles with you on a trip. I know that I hit a few bumps when packing them at first, so I hope my experience can make things easier for you:
1. Choose the right type of trekking poles: Telescoping poles are the most compact option, but folding poles are also a good choice.
2. Pack your trekking poles in a protective case: This will help to protect them from damage during travel.
3. Check the airline’s policy for trekking poles: Some airlines have restrictions on the size and weight of trekking poles that can be carried as carry-on luggage. It’s always best to check with the airline in advance.
4. Be aware of local regulations: In some areas, there are restrictions on the use of trekking poles, as they have been linked to soil erosion. Be sure to check with the local authorities before you start hiking.
References
- https://www.instructables.com/Emergency-Shelters-From-a-Poncho-Trekking-Poles/
- https://photofocus.com/photography/trekking-poles-a-photography-accessory-i-didnt-know-i-needed/
