Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are backpacking's answer to high-speed Internet: Once you've gotten into the habit, there's no going back.

Poles reduce fatigue and susceptibility to overuse injuries by absorbing as much as 20 percent of the impact on your legs and back. Some weight is transferred from users’ legs to the poles, relieving stress and possible injury to the lower back, knees, and ankles. They are a particular aid when climbing and descending hills.

Hiking poles also aid balance, particularly in difficult terrain and stream crossings, so poles could help avoid injuries from falls. 

Trekking poles may be viewed as essential by older hikers or those with weaker knees or other health limitations. For visitors in good health and condition, trekking poles can provide greater stability and safety in rough terrain, permit longer hikes, or reduce strain and soreness of the lower extremities. Poles also allowed backpackers to adopt more normal walking postures and stride lengths. But poor technique minimizes the benefits.

Tips On  How To Get The Best Out Of Your Poles

Take a pair:  Using one pole is like bicycling with a single pedal; it makes no sense. Two poles absorb more weight and offer greater stability, which becomes increasingly important the steeper and rougher the terrain.

  Adjust pole length:  When you're hiking a level trail, your elbows should form a 90-degree angle. When climbing, shorten poles so that when you plant one on the slope, your arm remains below shoulder height. For descents, lengthen poles until you can comfortably place them just ahead of your feet.

Maintain proper form:  Plant a pole with each step (right forward with left foot), keeping your elbows bent. Repeatedly reaching too far out can lead to sore shoulders.

Loosen up:   Place your hands up through the straps (from the bottom), then grab the handles lightly. This lets you lean on the poles while maintaining a relaxed grip; white-knuckle holds waste energy.

Make the poles work:  On sharp ascents, lean slightly into the pole; it will absorb more weight. To minimize slipping on sketchy downhills, tilt forward over your pole (but keep your knees bent).

Mimic classic Nordic skiers:  On gradual uphill and downhill slopes, plant poles just behind each foot to increase stability.

Minimizing Impact - No Trace Trekking

Use poles responsibly. Be sensitive to the potential environmental and social impacts of pole use. Avoid or minimize damage to vegetation, soils, and rock.

  Use rubber tips when possible:  Carbide tips scar rocks, can be noisy, and leave holes in soft soils.

  Remove baskets unless traveling in snow:  Pole baskets catch and can damage vegetation and are rarely needed. So remove the baskets (unless on snow) to avoid tearing vegetation.

  Minimize pole use:  Evaluate whether you need poles for a particular hike or for all sections (e.g., flat or sensitive terrain) during your hike.

THIS SECTION

  Tips on getting the best out of your poles

  Minimizing impact

  How To Use Trek Poles