Trekking Poles: How to adjust and use straps
Video taken from the channel: Adventure Buddies
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How to Adjust and Use Trekking Poles
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POLES For Balance & Mobility & Walking
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To use the poles on the pavement, you can remove the baskets and use the rubber paw over the carbide tip. While you can use Nordic walking poles for stability if you prefer their grips, you can’t use trekking poles for the Nordic walking technique.When you are using trekking poles to help with your stability, you need to measure the length so that you are holding them with your elbow bent at 90 degrees while they are touching the ground.
This ensures that you have the most strength and leverage to use them at.Use this to give yourself a pull as you stand up. In the same way, you can use the poles to get better balance as you sit down.
Grip the poles on the shaft with both hands and as you sit, plant them on either side of your body for more stability. Using the Poles to Enhance your Hiking Pace.You will get the best advantages if you make use of your trekking poles effectively.
Figure out how to hold the poles, use the correct arm and leg movement, and change them for going uphill and downhill. With poles, you’ll feel progressively very must confident in walking and hiking a mountain.When getting a hiking or trekking pole for stability, you should get one that you would be able to hold with your elbows at 90 degrees.
This allows you to have leverage whenever you lean on the poles for stability. Most poles have an adjustable length measured in centimeters.Use your poles in pairs to improve the stability Hiking and trekking poles will come in pairs and they are extremely effective when they are used as such. You can decide to use one of them as a walking stick, or a cane, but this is not what they were designed for.For most hiking, keep elbows bent at a 90-degree angle for comfort.
On long uphills, shorten the poles by about 2 to 4 inches (or 5 to 10 centimeters, many poles have centimeters marked on them) so your shoulders are not strained. For downhill sections, lengthen the.One of the biggest benefits that come with using trekking poles, is improved balance.
By using two poles – or even one pole – it helps to keep you stable. On days when I was barely able to hold myself upright, I was still able to use my upper body strength to move around and keep mobile through the use of walking poles.”Trekking with poles is walking with serious attitude,” says Paley, who has sold more than 12,000 copies of her trio of DVDs on using poles for hiking, Nordic walking or basic mobility. As boomers age and remain active, interest is soaring in trekking poles as well as walking canes and sticks.Improperly adjusted trekking poles can cause distress to your arms, shoulders, back and neck.
For general hiking, adjust the length so that when you hold the pole with the tip on the ground near your foot, your arm makes a 90-degree bend at the elbow. This will be the right length for most of your hiking.Poles give you more balance.
Backpacks are heavy and all that extra load on your back can result in bad posture or decrease in stability when walking up or downhill. Hiking poles provide two more points of contact out in front of your body which can act as counter-supports to more easily distribute your load.When hiking uphill, position your poles at roughly a 70-degree angle (in the direction that you’re heading), rather than straight up and down, helping to propel you forward. When hiking back downhill, you can place your hands on top of the grips and reverse the angle, using the poles to provide better stability and relieve pressure on your legs.Using trekking poles when fording rivers and streams is a great way to add stability to your frame within moving current.
Face upstream if the current is strong and maintain a tripod position as you shuffle sideways through the water.Hiking poles can help to stabilize a hiker. They provide extra points of contact with the ground, which makes hiking poles kind of like an extra set of legs.
As such, poles can help ground you while you’re trekking; especially on rugged, steep, or slippery terrains. Support for heavy packs.When you’re carrying around a heavy pack and have a ton of weight on your shoulders trekking poles, allow you to use your upper body strength to help you carry a pack load, remain balanced and give you stability and traction while staying upright.
List of related literature:
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| from Trail Tested: A Thru-Hiker’s Guide to Ultralight Hiking and Backpacking |
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| from Washington Scrambles: Best Nontechnical Ascents |
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| from Awol on the Appalachian Trail |
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| from Wilderness Medicine E-Book: Expert Consult Premium Edition Enhanced Online Features |
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| from Hal Koerner’s Field Guide to Ultrarunning: Training for an Ultramarathon, from 50K to 100 Miles and Beyond |
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| from To the Field of Stars: A Pilgrim’s Journey to Santiago de Compostela |
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| from IELTS Superpack |
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| from Introduction to Kinesiology: Studying Physical Activity |
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| from Backpacking in Michigan |
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| from Field Guide to Wilderness Medicine E-Book |
159 comments
I have a pair of trekking poles, but have not gotten to use them yet. Thanks for the strap info, makes sense! I do use a cane sometimes, and the advise on level ground walking is use it to assist your bad leg by holding in the hand of your good side, that way when you step with the bad leg you extend the cane as support for it, as you take the step. Height adjustment for a cane is just as critical as height adjustment for a trekking pole. Thanks for the sound advise!
It seems like they’re really useful for inclines and declines and completely useless for flat ground
Oddly enough after 10,000+ miles including 2 AT thru hikes, I’ve never “needed” poles. What’s “needed” is ankle strength, knee strength and proper footwear.
Carrying and pushing off with poles not only requires more overall energy, it creates a significant impact to the trail in many respects.
Excellent tutorial. Informative and straight to the point. Thanks for posting.
I hope people don’t think I’m old when I use the tracking pole
That’s the best explanation of how to use them I have seen. Well done, Sir, and thanks.
yet another numpty, you do not just put your hands through the strap, you put your hands up through the strap and then grip down on it, as well as gripping the pole handle, wish people who know nothing about walking with poles, would NOT make video’s, like I said, another NUMPTY.
Hey bigfoot….is it a good practice to extend both sections the same length? I notice when i extend the thicker top shaft all the way out I get a lot more flex and I assume that’s not good.
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Great video! We are doing our first overnight backpacking trip next weekend and these tips will surely help. Thanks!
I remember hearing that they tire you out quicker than without them. Is that true?
I used Trekking Poles to hit RattleSnakes. I hate those fuckers.
They have saved me from falling into streams several times. I’m not planning to be a trough hiker, but living in NH, I do take advantage of being so close to the Whites often. Ps. Hiking tomorrow… Climbing the flume slide trail up mt flume, then over liberty, to hay stack, lincoln, and then down Lafayette.
Thanks for clearing this up. Always wondered what they were actually for and shamelessly mocked hikers with them….now I feel I’m missing out!
I did an overnight at the Catskills with a 30 lbs pack and did not own poles. After 2 miles, I picked up 2 walking sticks and used it the rest of the trip. Should’ve bought poles in the first place.
Great video, just want to point out that you should put your hand through the straps from under and over, not just through to the handles.
Hey, just wanted to say thanks for a quality review of points. I’ve been reading peer reviewed academic studies on hiking poles and I was getting tired of hearing people say that hiking poles save you energy. Fact is, like you said, it changes what parts of the body are expending energy (and actually increase the amount of energy spent overall) which allows the legs to share the load…and yes, the upper body does get a workout. Because the VO2 increases with the use of hiking poles you use more energy and burn more calories, but in almost every study the perceived energy use was either equal or less than not using poles…and that counts for a lot in the mind of hikers.
Totally wrong don’t make videos until you know what you are talking about, poles at 90 degrees and hands up through the straps
Dangerously incorrect placement of hands and wrists through straps.
Hi Bigfoot, Thanks so much for all of your videos.
Did you ever hear of any issues with hikers putting “too much” weight on their trekking poles?
I’m pretty confident about my poles (BD Ergo Cork) but i already bent a pair on a 4 day trip i took two month ago. Thankfully, Black Diamond went ahead and replaced it for free but i’m left wondering if i should try to relieve the pressure i’m putting on them every day.
I’ve got bad knees, I simply couldn’t do what I do without poles.
Aw, I DON’T NEED FANCY GADGETS TO HIKE, i HAVE USED BAMBOO POLE FOR YEARS!
At one time we used trekking poles, but since our pack weights are a lot lighter now we started leaving them behind 2 1/2 years ago. Maybe someday I’ll use them again. They do have some advantages like you mentioned.
I’m not sure which is more awesome, the trekking poles or the beard. I wish I had the patience to let mine grow that long.
As a ‘newbie’ to trekking pole usage I noticed that you DON’T have your poles adjusted for an ‘approximate 90 degree angle’ to your upper body in your video… Am I reading this incorrectly, but everything I’ve read so far is that the poles should be adjusted for approx. 90 degrees… So far I love my inexpensive poles and want to recommend a set to my 80+ year old uncle for his walks but also want to recommend the correct ‘angle’ to adjust them to for best advantage for his walks… Thanks for such an informative video and safe hiking to you and yours always!!!
!
Great tip, you have saved me a broken thumb!! I’m a newbie �� thanks, hopefully next time the camera shows more the trekking poles! ��
Hand goes through strap from the bottom. If you continue to do it this way a broken foot is the least of your worries. The issue is if you fall you will land with the strap over your thumb and the pole under your thumb. Your looking at a broken, fractured or dislocated thumb while you’re out in the wilderness possibly days from help. It’s not up for debate as other people say. All manufacturers of trekking poles have clearly stated that you insert from the bottom.
I suffer from herniated disc, walking poles help me allot when going uphill/montain, unfortunatly downhill is way trickier… but very usefull gear for a personike myself
kind of annoying that it takes so long for the practical explanations. It really starts at minute 1:27.
I’m starting to train for next year and you’ve sold me on the poles. I can walk flat (here in FL) for 40-50 mi holding my breath, but when it comes to uphill I’ll want some help. I also have a titanium rod through my femur from a break years ago and it still gets sore from impact sometimes, so distributing the weight is a plus. I can also see how just using the poles normally can knock away some nasty briars. As for spider webs… nah, I just move ’em with my face like always. Thanks for this!
DRAT, I could have really used this information before my trip to Antarctica last month. I’ll be better prepared in the future, at least.
I use a single “wizard pole”, About seven feet long, flat rubber foot, stainless steel cap, kevlar tubing top and bottom and made of 1 1/4″ dia. hickory. My original pole like it was made from a hickory tree that was struck by a monster bolt of lighting back in 1976 and blew this huge tree to pieces. A huge interior piece of it landed in my yard and I hung it up to dry straight, I later whittled on it and then a friend with a router table and large rounding over bit made it round for me.
I’ve hiked all over the US with it and over the years it’s been beaten to death and is now about six feet shorter, hence the changes I made to my new one. I retired “Old Lighting”, but no carbon fiber for me. I’m sixty two now and still love to hike. I have a couple kids try to enlighten me on the way of the dual trekking poles but I just smile and tell them, “Thanks.”
Old Lighting never disappointed me or let me down and drove off a couple wild animal attacks, you won’t do that with a damned old trekking pole.
Hi Bigfoot, new follower here. My goal is to begin section hiking the Florida Trail January 2018, probably a week or two per section. The Florida Trail is FLAT! ha ha It is totally flat, and mostly sandy. Would you still recommend trekking poles for it?
great vid!!! im a pole virgin, just got my first pair yesterday. Cant wait to get out on the trail tomorrow and try them out. thanks
I’m on the Camino and just got to hiking poles 2 days ago. Thanks for the tips.
I already decided to use poles when I hike next year. These reasons are some of why I decided to use them. Thanks so much for the tips, another great video!!
Good points all around. I also like attaching a light to mine to make a porch light for whatever shelter im using. But what do you feel about the rising popularity of hiking staffs? Im seeing a couple being made in carbon fiber to further temp us.
This is pretty obvious to thru-hikers (everybody’s a thru-hiker in Georgia), but stuff like resting on your poles or using them to set up tents or fend off or selfie-stick, etc. are not so obvious perhaps to newbies just buying gear. Overall this is a great video. The best hiking poles are from GossamerGear.com at about 3 oz a pair. I managed to break one on a rock trying to swat flies with it (not a good use!).
Incidentally, I found a dog-eared thrown-away paperback makes a great fly-swatter. Once I killed 94 flies with it at a shelter and was surprised to find myself fly-less for the next several days! The flies follow you, so have at them. Isn’t that horrible? At least there aren’t many mosquitos on the AT in Dixie.
Yes she is absolutely doing it wrong. That is not how you are supposed to put your hands in the strap. This is a good way to break your wrist if you fall. This video should be deleted for safety
Hey Bigfoot! Thanks for sharing your trekking pole techniques, I can’t wait to get back on the trail and try them out. I have knee pain and i find that my Hemp Squeeze CBD Infused Knee Sleeve reduces recovery time of my muscles. Your subscribers should try one out if they have knee pain when hiking. https://bit.ly/EHSSqueeze
I’m 14 and not sure if I should get some poles and also nice video!⛰
You aren’t old enough to use them for why i use them.:) They’ve added years to my hiking career, if you want to call it that. I was having joint issues in my hip and knee. (I have loose ligaments and my joints aren’t all that stable). Someone suggested that i use poles. I tried them a few times and didn’t think they were doing anything until i realized how much my joints weren’t hurting. I had thought my long hike days were soon going to end, but I’m still hiking!
Bent my Komperdells last summer and they couldn’t fix them. Received a new pair from them a week later. They are the first thing that come out of the closet with hitting the trail. Wouldn’t leave home without them
Thanks for the video.
I sometimes go hiking by myself, but never thought of needing of trekking poles until now.
But your video made me decide to purchase the trekking poles, especially for the reason no.8.
We don’t have any bears in the mountain in Korea, but there are some crazy people out there. No kidding.
Contents:
#1 0:18 Stability (balance and traction)
#2 1:25 incorporate upper body to your advantage
#3 2:00 Prevent injuring or exhausting your lower body (special technique https://youtu.be/8jH9e4QGUP4 )
#4 2:50 Move harmul obstacles such as spiky bushes or spoder webs
#5 3:48 Probing (the depth of mud or snow, or in the dark)
#6 4:36 Multi-purpose in general (as tent poles to lower total carried weight)
#7 5:10 Unnatural sound (by hitting poles together scaring off bears and such)
#8 5:55 Defense (or disguise to look bigger to scare off wild animals
#9 6:50 Resting (leaning your chest on the poles and not having to take of your heavy backbag)
#10 7:40 TheStickPic.com (for taking selfies)
I’m sold with trekking poles. I used one now I will use two.
How about better chance of getting a hitch? Bums and prisoners on the run usually don’t have poles with them ��. showing that you are a hiker sure helps.
Definitely going to try the downhill hand-on-top technique on my next hike. On my last backpacking trip in the Smoky Mountains I got what felt like a shin splint in my left forearm. Very tender & swollen, and took a couple weeks to feel back to normal. Not fun and would have put me off trail if my hike was much longer. Technique matters!
Great video… Might seem simple but a very much needed video for those new to using them or just those who haven’t been using them correctly. Great video. Keep them coming!
Okay you do not know how to use the straps on the trekking poles. not sure where your experiance comes from but it is poor.
Outdoor Professional Lock Ultralight Telescopic 5 section Folding Trekking Pole
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I’ve heard that, when using trekking poles to climb upward, one should push off surfaces, rather than pull oneself up, with the trekking poles. Is this true? By watching the video, I can’t really tell whether you are pushing off the ground you’ve already gained, or if you are using the trekking poles to partly pull yourself upward.
very nice video and please see the below link
https://walkingbenfits.wordpress.com/walking/benefits-of-regular-walking/
Did he film this in the Himalayas? It looks like he did. I wonder what trail he was on.
Worried about joint and back health? Start walking barefoot millions of years of evaluation isn’t wrong…..
My friend said she used a wooden dowel rod for hiking. What do you think?
one last note if it wasn’t mentioned in the video. in more precarious places where you may fall, don’t put your hands through the loops. if you fall you need your hands free to break your fall etc and having the poles stuck to your wrist can really make things worse (I know as I learned this the hard way some years ago)
I’m not the most graceful person but ever since I got my poles, I feel much more comfortable and confident when I go hiking with my husband. He’s VERY graceful. I call him a mountain goat.
how about snakes.. i see them more often than i wanted.. snake just curl up in the middle of a narrow trail and wont move.
Thx for the video and the Info. My only critique is the person holding the camera needs to back off so we can see what you’re trying to show us on the bottom as well as at your waist. Cheers!
You need a new camera guy…can’t seem to shoot a full body shot to capture the whole length of the trekking poles. Let me know if you have since re-shot/posted this so I can actually watch it in full demo rather than this version.
Excellent product. Helps to achieve better outcomes for those looking to alleviate the day to day problems they get from basic walking
As a former XC ski patroller and racer I am VERY familiar with proper pole strap use.
I use hiking poles to: 1.)-> give me assistance UP and DOWN mountains, 2.) support my tent [TT NOTCH Li] 3.)-> as X’d shooting sticks when hunting with clamp-on Quick siX that are very light and tough and fast to deploy.
if you begin using trekking poles at age 20 your knees will thank you by age 50!
Another tip: it is a bit dangerous, to leave your hands in the hand strap when going downstairs, if you slip, there’s a risk of dislocating your shoulder
This was a thousand times better than any other video on the subject. Thank you.
Trekking poles saved my life dude! I’ve been rocking the poles ever since. btw: you were awesome in that movie Transformers
The thumb injury is called “gamekeeper’s or golfer’s thumb” due to a tear in the ulnar collateral ligament of the web space between the thumb and index finger. A complete tear will prevent you from gripping any object however light. It will require surgery. A partial tear will be painful for weeks, months or years. Four years ago I tripped and fell on the ground while gripping my camera lens. There was pain for 3 years and difficulty even holding a glass of water.
Thanks a great help. How about some info on trek shoes/boots. Specifically for sand and gravel. I walk around the mountains near where I live and the trails fucntion as roads as well. I have slipped many times. This is why I am looking into poles, I was using a wood staff up until now. Any advice on shoes/boots for sand/gravel will be appreciated.
Hi thanks for your video. I think that I’m in pretty good shape but when we go hiking 10k I’m still feeling good but for longer distance my hips are getting in pain and my hamstrings are tight I’ve read a lot about it but I’m not sure is it a problem in the hip flexors or weak gluteus max or medius? Any suggestion? Thanks
Excellent tutorial which prompted us, after years of hiking without to purchase a set each. Used them for the first time today, what a difference, especially for my wife, who has some minor physical challenges.
I now unstrap when going steeply downhill because I fell coming down while on a mountain climb a few years ago and one of my poles got caught under my bodyweight. I wasn’t able to brace my fall while the pole was underneath me and I smacked my arm on a sharp rock point crushing the outside of my ulnar bone. Needless to say, at that altitude I then got peripheral edema and my arm blew up huge with fluid which brings on other health dangers beyond crushing the bone. I still love my poles. I just will not go down a long steep incline strapped in anymore.
Mate, I can you some tips as to why you should clip your backpack breast strap up!
You are holding them wrong dude, the straps should be on top of your hand not below, you’ll risk breaking your thumb if you fall with this grip
You’re awesome! My wife just got some hiking poles. We thought they were junk. She got the type that adjusts by twisting the poles. Here we are trying to turn the black part to set the height. We’re supposed to be turning the POLES to unlock and set. She just bought another set from Wal Mart (with the levers) and gave me the ones that work after all. I was going to try and rig them up to work, but thanks to your video, I don’t have to now. Again, you’re awesome!
My trekking poles were invaluable to me during my section hike on the AT last year. Did I use them precisely the way you say I should? No. In fact, I considered simply removing the straps cause I never used them, but my poles did the job, were a great assist for steep climbs and probably prevented me from a fall more than once. They’re just poles, it’s not rocket science.
You are using the straps incorrectly. If you bring your hand up through the strap and then grab the pole, with the strap adjusted snugly, you should not have to grip the poles and if you do it should only be ever so lightly. You also missed one of the main function of the poles and that is propulsion. By using the straps to push off with you can get probably 25 percent more forward power from you up body. Think of a cross country skier, they are using their arms as much as there legs for forward propulsion. If you are gripping the poles tightly you can’t do this. It’s all in the straps. Your hands should be relaxed and resting in the straps as you push off with the pole trailing behind you. Try not to think of it as Gandalf with his staff. These are serious, four wheel drive propulsion devices. Secondarily they do provide stability and shock absorption but once you figure out how to propel yourself with them, you’ll be amazed and won’t want to ever hike without him.
I leaned things I wouldn’t have otherwise known about using my trekking poles. Thank you.
Essential kit. I’d rather have improper shoes with poles than proper footwear without poles.
Это все забугорная куйня,где все расписано для дебилов,которые сами подумать неспособны.
Where are you walking in this video? Looks absolutely incredible!
I prefer leaving firearm hand not strapped just in case u gotta draw your gun. That is if u carry in bear and wolf territory.
I trekked to Everest Base Camp ….. poles are essential at least for me. They are vital for steep down hill trekking …. like having a bannister to hold onto and put your weight upon.
Do you think trekking poles with an “anti-shock” feature offer significant benefits compared to ones without?
Did not know how to properly hold the poles going downhill thank you! Great tutorial!
Agree on the right way to use them, as in going up and downhill and grip. And I do think they can be helpful especially on downhills in the beginning as your legs are getting stronger. However, it is incorrect to say that you use less energy. In fact, you will burn about 20% more calories by using poles over just using your legs. Your arms are not meant to bear the extra weight of walking, your legs, however, are much more efficient at doing so. Which is why you burn more calories. I used them when I first started hiking for about the first 500 miles. Then I had a bad day with cold wet hands that I wanted in my pockets and stopped using them. I haven’t used them since (about 2100 miles now). What I did find is that my legs got stronger, allowing me to go up mountains that I would have formerly used poles to go up, and also on the downhills my knees developed larger stabilization muscles so the downhills are easier. My balance also improved. I do however use them for river crossings (and to set up my tent. Seriously I have the laziest trekking poles ever!) Just wanted to point out some good reasons to not use them. Though, they definitely have their place. For day hiking, or weekend hiking they can be great. If you Thru-hike you might consider using them at first and then slowly using them less and less. Anyhow, just my 2 cents. And wanted to correct the efficiency error. Also, I know this is 5 years old, but I thought the info would be useful if someone was trying to learn about them and stumbled onto this.
You are using the straps wrong. What you’re supposed to do is slip into them from below and grip over the strap.
Thanks Bigfoot! Being a hammock guy I also use my poles to set my tarp up in porch mode. Great tips!
What do you think about hiking with one pole? I take my dog with me hiking and I have seen some people with one pole.
Clearly the most professionally presented clip on this subject on YouTube.
Videography and sound excellent quality. Thanks for this,its great!
Much appreciated! Little tips like this add up to a huge cumulative energy save over the hours! Very clear and informative IMO.
Here is my UPDATED video that goes into specifics of UPHILL technique https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieEWa4pJcvc
I have decided on Leki Corklites but wanted to check with you to see if you think other aluminum Lekis would be be better. I’m 155 pounds, 70 yo, and hike gnarly mountain trails in South Central Alaska.
REALLY well made video (very much so!) thx New Dimensions!! me
Strap errors aside, I thought you provided some excellent, albeit unconventional, tips. For example, having your arms lower than 90 degrees. That seems to work better for me as well.
I use bamboo x-c poles, very tall, essentially shoulder level. Much better leverage, better feel.
nice beard. I always use a staff, but now I know why I use one!
Once the beard gets a little grayer, he will graduate to a single, magical, staff. He will then become Gandalf. That’s not for a few years, though.
Unfortunately I’ve always been wary when I’m out and see folk with poles. It’s like trying to pass a new born giraffe, legs and poles everywhere. I’ve seen folk moving unnaturally with both poles moving together. Left arm and leg moving together in a weird lumbering motion, reminiscent of Frankensteins monster. And worst of all, poles trailing out at 45-60 degrees behind the owner, meaning they take up the width of three people, and make it difficult to pass on country paths. I can see the benefits from this video of using the things, maybe I’ll give them a try one day.
If i understand correctly, she’s putting her hand through the strap incorrectly. She’s putting her hand in the strap from the top side which means if she fell while using her pole and splayed her hand to catch her fall, her hand would fall on her pole, between her thumb and finger and risk breaking her thumb.
What she needs to do is thread her hand through the strap from the bottom side and then wrap her hand both back around the pole handle and top parts of the strap. If she did it this way, if she fell, she could release the pole handle and splay her hand to catch her fall without falling on the pole between her thumb and fingers and risk injury to her hand.
I’m not one to go out of my way to comment on YouTube videos. This is a good video. Props!
Thanks, guys for your tips of holding the hiking stick grip. I then realized even I wasn’t holding it correctly. Kudos.
Superb video. I’m from GeorgeTown CT, and was hikking to Mattabeset last week. I used the trekking pole in the same way instructed by you when I was hiking. But would suggest you to carry trekking pole bag with you which will make easy for you to organize the pole. I too bought trekking pole bag online from http://polepac.com/product/trekking-hiking-poles-bag-online/. Thank You
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I’m still on the fence but just purchased my first trekking poles a set of Cascade Mountain Aluminium one’s and planning a big hike for the end of next month, so see how they go. I also have a big river crossing so think they will help me during that. Thanks for the video and the issues. Nice mate.
How to walk like a boss: Put one foot in front of the other and repeat.. ����
So many different opinions. Love seeing all of this. I’ve used poles for years and wouldn’t walk without them they’ve saved my butt numerous times! Re taking off the rubber tips in some countries it is not allowed as it wrecks the area underneath and they must remain on or you can’t use them. If you are walking across multiple granite slopes etc., the rubber tips hold on to the rock whereas the carbide tips slip, so it’s better to have them on in some terrains.
I walk with mine not behind me but placing in front and using that as my propulsion. There is much medical evidence that suggests that walking with them and pushing behind you actually causes (in some cases significant depending how hard you push) wrist damage.
Shorten the poles on steep inclines and lengthen on steep descents that way you keep your body more upright, especially on a large pack when out for a week or so.
I disagree on the rubber cap. I have been using poles for over 25 years and have found that the carbide tip quickly becomes dull. it also makes lots of noise when backpacking on rock surfaces. there are areas on the east coast and more where the heavy use of carbide tips has caused noticeable damage to rock based trails. further more I find that the super pointed tips tend to dive in to far and stick in soft dirt and mud. rubber tips counter all of the above and are replaceable when worn down. try it and you may become a believer. the only downside is that I use an adhesive to make sure I don’t lose a rubber tip and that makes putting a snow basket on impossible if you trek in the snow. I don’t ever trek in the snow so its not an issue for me. for me, the noise reduction alone had me right away as I am always on the look out for wildlife. safe journeys and see ya on the trail!!
I have been using Black Diamond Distance Carbon. They are so light and comfortable: check them out at:
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when I start a hike I always extend the poles as far out as possible(140 cm?) I have taped my poles below the handles with tennis tournagrip down to the first knuckle-this way I can choke up or down without having to constantly adjust for change in terrain. Have used th poles on the El CAmino in Spain -but with the rubber tips over the carbide becasue it was mostly waling on roads. Have used the poles in Grand Canyon but there only with the carbide tips-if you trip or fall the carbide will cut into rock and create a secure grip -the rubber tips will slide on the rock-this is from experience where one in my party insisted on using the rubber tips -until he almost went over the side when the rubber tip failed to grab
Great video, my main trekking experince was TABing in the Army and I think my knees now feel it. The First time I have looked at walking poles and this a simple yet informative video. Thanks for taking the time to post it!
Thanks used a pair for the first time this morning & I am pretty sure they saved me a lot of effort.
I hiked a lot. I noticed in this video that the steps he took going uphill were too wide. And going downhill he completely stretched his legs. Both are wrong walking techniques.
Another great vid, it appears you are using the straps differently than most other videos recommend? Your putting your hands down through? Apparently one should go up through. Less strain on the hand, more control and apparently if you go down through the strap you can break a finger if you fall the wrong way. This shows what i mean https://youtu.be/qFO5fXn544s?t=163
Thank you for your excellent informative, thorough, and concise video on adjusting and using trekking poles. Everything I need to know about them in under five minutes. Very well done!
Lots of different opinion as to Nordic walking technique vs. trekking technique in the various videos. I.E., nordic walking technique uses poles for propulsion. Arms stay low and closer to body, not out in front. This is best for flat terrain and greatly reduces fatigue in long hikes. But when balance issues dominate over rocky, uneven terrain, placing poles in front in the trekking technique aids balance. Propulsion becomes less of an issue here, while balance is the greater concern. Also, going downhill over rough terrain the poles are out in front with palms on top, flipping pole forward. Slowing the body’s descent slightly is much easier with the pole pushing up through the palm into the arm than trying to use a bent wrist on the handle of the pole. Use as little hand and forearm strength as possible. To do so, transfer plenty of weight to the strap when possible, and or use the triceps muscles. Large muscles fatigue less quickly than small hand and forearm muscles. Avoid death grip on the poles. Using the strap properly allows one to do that.
Thanks! I knew about the correct grip but didn’t know that the wrong grip can easily lead a a broken thumb. I even took my poles out of the storage room to test it (unfortunately, your video doesn’t show how the correct grip works when you try to stop a fall with you hand).
Totally wrong techniques, positioning, strapping… Seeing the way you are walking down with poles only shows you really don’t know how to use them! “Physical Therapist in Orthopedics”… Where did you buy this diploma?.. Total FRAUD!
ugh why does youtube keep unsubscribe me from your channel. 3rd time resubscribing
I feel like these things are just some dipshit invention of some rich guys to sell to other more gullible rich guys. Somehow the entire world did without trekking poles prior to mid 2000s where every rich city turd with a budget larger than his brain was suddenly convinced walking with weight on their back is impossible without expensive carbon fiber walking sticks.
Yup, most people do not know how to use trekking poles. Used properly there are all sorts of benefits and the only downside I’m aware of is when you have a bit of momentum and a pole gets caught, it’ll hold and pull on your arm. I’ve nearly dislocated my shoulder when X-C skiing due to this.
In any case, I’m a believer in poles and use them most of the time while hiking although generally not on pavement. And, I leave my little baskets on for really muddy stuff.
I get that the lad is handsome but I would have liked to have seen the camera pointed at what he was doing with the trekking poles more than just half the time.
You are not inserting your hands into the straps correctly! You have a good video here, but this mistake borders on the egregious. You need to insert your hand UP through the strap with your hand holding both the strap and the grip so your wrist is supported. You can break your thumb on a fall otherwise.
View nearly any other video on trekking poles for correct placement of hands through the straps.
And just a little picky side note: I know physical therapists work a great deal with orthopedic patients. So for the sake of your credibility, you should spell it correctly. It is not “orthapidics”.
Otherwise, it is a great video with lots of good information. I would love for you to redo it and keep the good parts and correct your mistakes!
I think I hiked with the cap on my trekking poles for a year before someone asked me why I don’t take the caps off… I learned something new that day:^)
All good reasons! I had forgotten about the early morning spider webs!
No matter what damned fool crap is introduced to the market, there is always some idiot to waste money on it. I started Trecking in the mid 60’s, I’m now 71 years and still enjoying it and Iv’e not wasted money on this sort of rubbish.
As with so many pastimes, whether it’s riding or photography or whatever. People can come to love the equipment more than it’s purpose. Wise up folks, leave these daft sticks in the shop and don’t waste your money. Theresa May uses them when on holiday, I rest my case!
Yepwrist strap fail. That’s how you jack your thumb up if you fall…
Yes! Trekking poles, trail runners, conditioning exercises and lightening my pack keep me backpacking at age 57 (and beyond!)
Please look at the angle of your arm and stop saying that the angle is “less than 90 degrees”.
That is not the correct hand position to use for trekking poles please don’t use that hand position.
My poles are quite new and come apart easily, when I place the tip in a little soft sand, such as walking on a beach. What could I do? Any ideas? This can also happen on hard packed sand but not as often.
i have 2 wandering stick. but i cant get them to open to adjust length. they seem to be stuck and i am a strong guy using all my muscle.
Generally speaking, of course, your tips are good. When moving amid talus blocks, however, it’s possibly best to not wear the straps. A guide suggested this, AFTER seeing my companion’s pole tip get stuck in a hole as she fell forward and down a steep slope wearing a heavy pack. This put an unfortunate levering action on the pole, which nonetheless remained upright in a fixed position as she fell. Fortunately there was no injury to the pole or its user. Another (inarticulate) guide I hired simply had removed his straps entirely, which seems unnecessarily extreme. Conceivably, similar advise would be given regarding pole straps when crossing avalanche terrain.
What style of new balance shoes are those, I like the look and color
There are so many brands of trecking poles out there man, would you please consider doing a review on trekking
I have developed Trochanteric Bursitis and my son bought me trekking poles. I’ve been hillwalking for over 60 years and have found it difficult to get used to the poles…one pole I can manage, especially since many tracks are narrow and deep into the heather. I can manage two poles on a wider path…but hey it’s difficult when I want to take a photo or blow my nose….I’ve put clips on my rucksack straps and attach the pole wrist loops onto those….phew…..!!it takes thought!
They also help with balance and saving yourself from a fall when your feet slip
I never used pole or sticks when I was in my 20s I thought they looked dumb. Well I got some now that I am in my 30s and I did a 11 mile day hike with a 3,000 foot climb up a mountain called Tallac. I will say I see the light and will never hike without poles again. Wow game changer why did I wait so long.
Doug Follett (below) is correct. Look at dozens of videos by pro trekkers using the straps this way is unsafe. If you fall your hand is caught in the strap and you risk breaking something (aside from the pole).
Nice vid.. but I hope you don’t have the straps that way in video when you walking. Just wrong.
Go up into strap then hold grip, so if you trip your hand and specially thumb won’t dislocate..
but apologies if you know that all ready.
I was also thinking of snake distraction, if you walked up on one. For snow camping I have used my poles for clothes drying, as they stay put when pushed into snow.
Thanks, man. I was on the fence about getting them for my Peru trek, but you convinced me.
I do not believe that use of trekking poles reduces overall energy used, and thus overall energy (calories).
This is excellent! I would love to go on a trek with him. So informative. Thank you for making this video.
Nice video in 30 year + of bushwalking I’ve never used them but just got some. I’m doing a big hike starting soon and will see how they help me.
Very good video! Worth the time for the thumb grip tip alone!
Thanks for the video Bigfoot. Just wondering about the quality of trekking poles. Have you had any types/brands you didn’t like. I just have a relatively cheap ($50ish) pair from Mountainsmith with twist locks. My first trip using them will be in June, so I’ll find out soon enough how they do. Just curious your thoughts.
I never use poles but I’m thinking about getting some for my 2018 PCT thru hike. Thanks for the info!
Was thinking of doing the Inca trail for Machu Pichu and thinking whether or not trekking poles are necessary, it’ll be my first time hiking/trekking for a couple days and what I think is a scary trail. Any tips/guide on choosing the right one? Better brand? Or would cheaper ones hold up as well? I was thinking of foldable or retractable ones just because I don’t want them out there outside the trek.
Great video. Any comments on the rubber tips you can buy for the poles?
Very well-made with a nice, clear voiceover and good continuity. Cheers, from Scotland.
Let me add a couple more uses.
To clear cob webs from trail
To knock dew and rain off brush
Extra balance at water crossings
“Four step rhythm” Extending poles out in front every fourth step on a flat trail or logging road when you can’t wait to get back to the trailhead. (This actually helps with the boredom of that last mile or two)
Prevents getting “Fat Fingers” from the pendulum motion of swinging your arms when you walk.
Bang together to make bear warning noise
To hold your pack up off the ground or sand at breaks
To ward off over friendly dogs
Bigfoot running away from a bear isn’t always a good idea and you shouldn’t say “just run away” there are very specific situtions that require different actions http://www.mountainnature.com/Wildlife/Bears/BearEncounters.htm
Forget trekking poles. Bring a fishing pole… I my decide to use a walking stick, when I get old, and my back goes out… But you will never see me with trekking poles… No offence, btw
My mom’s neuorologist just told her to quit walking because it hurt, then increased her Parkinsons meds to the max, admitting that causes hallucenations..
bullshit, your walking left leg forward left pole forward, that’s bullshit, should be = left leg forward right pole forward, right leg forward left pole forward, like you would naturally walk, what a numpty.
Thanks a lot Pat, I have two poles and cant wait to take them out and do it properly, great video. thanks Malcolm
Carbide tips are bad, they hack away and help erode paths. Bad bad bad, rubber up beforehand with a rubber cap
Everybody calm down and enjoy the scenery. Science is a great tool that permits its adherents to overcome stubborn doubts. Experiential inquiry is persuasive because it is easy to undertake and convey results to others. As far as calorie consumption goes, everything else being equal, it is counter-intuitive to accept that, for example, a 200 lb. man hiking a 500 ft. elevation at a consistent 5 percent grade will consume fewer calories using trekking poles than with a walking staff, unless it was a 20-pounder like Moses used to part the Red Sea.
a little reminder to folks of how to put away poles safely when not in use!had my eye nearly poked on many occasions,thanks Pat