Reasons for using Trekking Poles

Wikkipedia explains: “Descendants of the common walking stick, trekking poles are usually used by hikers for the same reasons — to provide some rhythm to their walking pace and for added support. On flat, smooth terrain they really aren't necessary although using them can increase the exercise a hiker gets from the trip, as well as the speed. But on less certain terrain, or steep slopes, they provide useful lateral stability, and many turn to them for help with knee pain. They can also be used as aids when climbing rocks or boulders, to probe the depth of mud or water and facilitate a crossing. When traversing steep slopes for long distances, some hikers make one pole shorter than the other to make those trips feel more as if they were taking place on level ground. Some backpacking tents are designed to use trekking poles as tent poles. Along the same lines, trekking poles can be used to set up a Bivouac shelter. Hikers who take to snowshoes in winter find trekking poles especially useful”

Benefits

1. Most importantly they reduce pressure on your knees (as well as feet, legs and back) especially in descent. A study showed that trekking poles significantly reduce pressure on the legs by up to 20% of your body weight per step.
   Using poles reduces the wear and tear on your knees and help you enjoy the walk and potentially will extend your walking lifetime.
   
   
2. You have seen or heard of the balance mountain goats have! Poles improve your overall balance. They support you over tricky terrain and you have less chance of falling over and spraining an ankle, or worse.
3. Hiking poles can be used effectively to control your speed. In ascents, they can be used to increase your speed by getting your arms and the poles to work to push you onwards and upwards. Similarly on descents you can use them effectively to slow and control your speed downwards.

Techniques For Using Trekking Poles

Looking for some help on how to use hiking poles? It is as easy as abc!

Setting The Pole Height

A. On level ground, stand holding the handle with the pole straight vertically.

B. Adjust the pole's height so that your forearm is roughly horizontal (90° to your body).

C. During long descents and ascents the ground slope changes, however still adjust so that your forearm is horizontal. On descents your pole will be longer and on ascents it will be shorter to help you on each type of terrain.

Wrist Straps To Take The Strain

It is best to use the poles’ wrist straps correctly. Doing so will make your hikes using trekking poles comfortable rather than ending with aching wrists and hands.

A. Slip your hand up through the wrist strap from below, far enough that the wrist strap goes to the wrist.

B. Drop your hand around the handle, with a slight twist, and you should find the wrist strap now goes under your palm.

C. Adjust the size to give a comfortable but firm fit. When putting your weight onto the pole you should feel the strap taking the strain.

Trekking Poles Technique

A. The rhythm for pole movement becomes natural if you move them with the natural swing movement of your arms. As in normal walking as one leg swings forward the opposite arm does too. When you are using trekking poles simply consider them an extension of your arms, and when the arm swings forward place the pole tip firmly on the ground. As your legs shift weight, push down on the pole. You are now reducing some of the weight going onto your knees.

B. On descents cast the poles further ahead so that they take weight. For long descents it is beneficial to adjust the height as mentioned above.

C. Similarly, on ascents cast the poles slightly ahead and push on them to help move you upwards. Keep pushing as you move past them. For extra push upwards on very steep areas, move your hand onto the top of the handle and give a final good push as the pole is behind you.
At times on very steep sections you can place both poles down ahead of you and work both arms at the same time to give a doubly good push up.

Happy Hiking – See you in the mountains!