How To Use Trekking Poles (Plus Pro Tips!)
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- Опубліковано 27 чер 2024
- What's a mud basket? Wrist straps or no wrist straps? What's a Power Gait and how can I do it? Are you getting the most from your trekking poles? I'll show you how to turbocharge your trekking poles and use them to their maximum benefit to get those big mile days backpacking while also saving your body for many more years of hitting the trail!
Table of Contents:
Why use Trekking Poles? 1:08
Mud Basket - what is it and why should you lose it? 4:22
How to remove the Mud Basket: 6:28
Wrist Straps - yes or no? 7:14
How to remove the Wrist Straps: 11:39
Techniques for Trekking Poles--
The Saunter: 13:23
The Power Gait: 14:16
4 Wheel Drive: 15:25
Downhill Gait: 16:11
Setting Pole Length: 16:55
Pole Recommendations: 17:14
Andrew Skurka Blog Entry: andrewskurka.com/trekking-pol...
Black Diamond Carbon Cork Trekking Poles: amzn.to/3EFkGXf
Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles: amzn.to/383vWA7
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At 73, I can tell you t. poles slow me down and that's a good thing. They save my back. Without the poles I get back pain after about 3 miles. And it just gets worse with every step. With the poles I can go forever (well... until my feet get too sore.) meaning 8 miles :)
Thank you for sharing your experience! It's wonderful to hear how the poles have helped you enjoy your hikes without back pain.
I did the same in my 20’s and loved being in the ‘zone’, charging down scree and boulders with absolute confidence and intuition. I loved it, it felt amazing, but like you I’m paying for it now in my 50’s.
Wasn't that great? Sigh. :-)
I'm 64. Been using trekking poles for at least a dozen years......Wow! you gave me much to think about. Need to watch this a couple more times. I"m old enough to be humble. For some of us, that takes longer. Thanks for sharing.
So glad it was helpful! The beginner mind is the beginning of wisdom. Happy hiking!
I hiked across the Austrian Alps last summer, including a short stretch down a glacier. First thing our guide (with 35 years of experience) told us, was to take the hands out of the pole straps to reduce the risk of injury during a fall.
Thanks for sharing that!
As a long time hiker I now use trekking poles after 2 falls that resulted in fractured Patella’s. At 76 I realize a fall will occur and the poles, if used properly should prevent this from happening. I will use them from now on and won’t just carry them. 5-6 months of surgery and rehab is just not worth it. Learn from my lessons, especially if you are a large person.
Great advice. Thanks for sharing and glad you're back out there hiking again!!
Straps off is good, I would also suggest getting fixed length lightweight carbon Z poles instead of the heavier adjustable ones.
I can’t imagine removing the straps. IMHO, the most efficient & helpful hand position is to lengthen the straps long enough where you come underneath and then wrap the strap between your thumb and index. Your hand placement should be low where only your index finger is above that notch on the bottom of the cork. Your pole will be locked in with almost no grip pressure and your weight is distributed into the pole through the straps.
You will notice many poles have lots of foam and cork along the shaft. That is because your hand should be moving up and down the pole based on terrain without adjusting the pole if just a small section. For long ups and downs you will adjust the length but most of the time they will remain in a fixed position.
Thanks for you input and advice! To each his/her own regarding hiking preferances, as I always say, but I'll humbly suggest giving it a try to use the poles without engaging the straps. For me, it makes those various hand holds much more accessible, as you described.
I suspect if you are hiking on flat surfaces the straps may not be useful. I can see where they may be problematical in a fall. As an older hiker (76) I have a different goal when using poles.
I have the Black Diamond Trial Cork poles (that I love) and the reason I bought them is exactly the reason you stated in the video. They save my knees, help me with pace, are my tent supports, etc. But I never thought about all the tips you gave later, so thank you for that! I can't even count the number of times I've been walking down a steep incline and pass someone without poles who says to me "I wish I had a pair of trekking poles right now!". I never go on a hike without them.
Very cool; I was hoping people would appreciate the technique stuff! Thanks!!
Great video! I'm a big fan of trekking poles. I use them for balancing mainly because I'm pretty clumsy and they have saved me plenty of times.
You and me both!!
As always, great info, Dan!
Thanks so much! Glad you think so. Safe travels to you and the family!
Useful, helpful, worth the time? Yes, absolutely! Thank you for such a comprehensive explanation of not only the proper use of these trekking poles - but for the ‘pro’ tips as well. I have never used poles like this - and only recently started to think about incorporating them into a walking routine. It (the usage of such poles) makes a great deal more sense to me after watching your video!
Glad it was helpful!
I am actually surprised that you dont use straps. When you put your hands up through straps like a cross country skier would and the straps are beneath your hand and over the top of your wrists when you hold the grip. This way you get 1. easy return to grip when needing free hands,(extend hands down, open hands, raise up, grip) 2. poles fall away freely if you fall. (another reason why downhill skiers use this method) 3. propulsion transfers directly from your forearm & upper body to the pole, very little grip actual strength needed at all uphill or on flats (no blisters ever on palm etc). 4. Easy to rotate hand up to place palm on top of pole grip for more secure and safe down hill shock absorption, extended length for down hill, and stream crossings/rock hopping. This method is SO much of a better use of the pole and saves your wrists from pain, possible injury, and basically configures you in to a four legged creature. When showing people this method there is usually an "ah-hah!" moment as they re-learn the technique. I have tried the "strapless grip uphill method" and it is energy sapping by comparison!
All good points and things I would have argued before I really tried going strapless. I really wonder how much of this conventional wisdom has been actually researched versus just repeated so many times it seems obvious. So far, I haven't found any studies to support the assertions that wrist straps reduce wrist pain (I think it increases with straps) or that it's fundamentally more efficient to transfer the force to the forearm via straps. Just musing here; thanks for the detailed response!
@@ShastaBubba sure. I dont know about studies, but perhaps in cross country skiing/racing where this method originates they'd have something. Energy consumption would be paramount there. One thing is for certain I use almost no grip strength on uphill ascents or flat walking with this method. All my energy for propulsion comes from my arms and none is wasted with hand grip. I only fully grip for immediate balance (roll an ankle, slip on rock maybe,) and otherwise it's a slight clench of the thumb with the index and middle finger grip for handling control. In fact Komperdell makes poles that have wrist sleeves that click into the pole for this very power transfer method. Using this method I have never gotten sore, a blister, fallen and hurt a wrist or anything else in this way. Here's how the "up through bottom method" necessarily reduces pain IMO. When ascending you use the strap which is over the top of your wrist to transfer arm pressure to the pole into the ground, not via your hand grip or wrist joint. The pole angles backward approx 45º+ near my feet always, for propulsion. They never wander out in front of me going up hill. I barely have to grip my poles on uphills as mentioned before. I can make some pretty serious steps up onto boulders etc this way with little effort and remain in balance. When descending I rotate my hands up to place palms on top of the poles because the strap is not in the way and therefore use my hands as efficiently as possible, the poles are in front of me as I navigate down. This allows me to remain upright and in balance enabling my arms as shock absorbers (ie lowering myself as I walk or step downward.) If I were to fall the poles naturally fall away, loose, your hand isnt trapped against the pole. Holding the grip in your hands in the full grip method you are limited in rotating your wrist back towards your arms pain and damage could easily occur on descents or where you have to lower your arms below normal (ie water crossings,) or constantly hunch over as you navigate down. As a result I see people using the hand grip method planting their poles to the sides as they descend using poles for balance only. They tend to slip, fall, or complain about hips or knees after a day of constant descents. They dont rotate their hands up to the top of the grips because the strap is in the way. Cutting the strap off helps in that case, but so does the up through bottom method, as it's intended.
@@oldunion Thanks for taking the time to elaborate and the thoughtful response! As said in the video, I knew this point would be controversial, but I appreciate your perspective.
Great video! I just discovered your channel and it's relaxing to watch while being super informative!
Thanks so much! Glad you are enjoying it!!!
Thank you for this detailed and informative video. Much appreciated!
Glad it was helpful!
I use some old 1984 Nordic brand bamboo ski poles for walking.
It makes fast walking on gravel and trails safer and more efficient with the arms.
I use a 3/4 time waltz beat and achieve 3.25 mph with some great cardio heart rates.
Sounds great, thanks for sharing! I tend to use music (either silently or belting it out if alone) to hike along too.
Thank you for the video Dan, it matches a lot of my experience with poles. I particularly agree with the tips on using the poles on flat ground for the power gait. On flat ground power walks I also found it useful to extend the poles to the descent height (or even longer) for extra propulsion. I stole that from nordic walkers I saw in Iceland. Regarding Leki vs. BD, I’m partial to the former for 3 reasons: 1. The elongated shape of the head is more comfortable on descents. 2. Their aluminum poles are a lot stronger - my BD poles shattered after a year of use. 3. Leki’s warranty is a lot better than BD on aluminum poles (lifetime vs 1 year). Plus now Lekis have the same locking mechanism with a lever. Lastly - one quick comment re: straps. While I agree with you that they are not needed in regular, below the tree line hiking, they are invaluable on steep, windy trails above the tree line with boulders or scree. Running down errant poles that slipped out of my hand is not fun or safe in such conditions.
Thanks for your valuable feedback and thoughts about Leki poles!
Awesome tutorial on trekking poles. I love trekking poles. I ditched the hand straps several years ago after nearly breaking my wrist a couple times. Gonna have to try ditching the "mud baskets" now too. Thanks a bunch!
So glad it was helpful and thanks for the comment! Happy hiking!!
Awesome info!! Thanks!!!
You're the best. Thanks!!
Very helpful, thanks so much!
Tomorrow will be my first first day out with them. 👍🏼
Glad it was useful!
Great review, good information as I am in my 60s taking interest in hiking
Glad it was helpful!
Great video. Thanks for posting it. Bought my first pair of poles on the weekend and found them instantly beneficial in all of the ways that you have explained here.
Glad it helped!
Dan you are the professor…I always learn something from your videos. These were no exception. I particularly liked the power gait and the uphill four wheel drive both of which I will try tomorrow. You should check out cascade mountain cork handle cArbon fiber poles. I have black diamond same as you but the deer in Northern California are salt driven and they did a number on my straps one night. Took me the better part of a half hour to locate both of them…the next morning along with my shirt that was soaked with deer luge. Still laugh about that story today. another lesson learned but now I will remove the chewed straps and give it a go. Thanks brother… Froggy
Pesky, salt-lovin' critters! We have to watch out for the mountain goats around here.
Thank you, really great Infos
Glad it was helpful!
Just bought the BD carbon cork off your link 👍. I was against using poles before but now in my 50s, I am readjusting my thinking.
Hope you enjoy them and thanks for your support in using the link! Happy hiking!!
Spare the expense of dropping $100 plus on Black Diamond trecking poles. The $30 Cascade poles from Costco are just as good: composite construction, secure flip latches, cork handles, carbide wear tip, and a lower hand position when climbing. I am very hard on the poles as they occasionally take my full weight and momentum (6'3" @ 230lbs). I believe trecking poles are a consumable and I change them out yearly - I recommend this regaurdless of the brand.
You may be right on this; although my wife has a set of the Costco poles and I've found them a bit heavier and not as reliable. And if you plan to buy a new pair every year, that would surpass the price of BD poles after just 3 years and my poles have lasted more than twice that. Still, HYOH!
I never use the straps on my poles...never occurred to me to just remove them! LOL...very good video once again Dan...lotsa useful tips!...thanks...woods
That's funny. Thanks man, appreciate it!
Another great video sir.
There's a lot of useful content in what I consider a backpacking class. WVU had such a class in their PE school. Your demos along with the lecture are well done.
About trekking poles, I noticed that my carbon fiber REI/ Komperdel were MUCH less fatiguing and offered a better felt stability over any of the aluminum sets. It came down to the material being better suited for hiking because they did not vibrate nearly as much as all the Al ones.
Thanks so much! Interesting point about the vibration factor, thanks for suggesting that.
This video is awesome. Used some of these tips yesterday and I could see a significant difference. Showed my teen son this video tonight. Thank you! We are looking forward to our scout trip to Philmont in a few weeks. :)
Glad it helped. Have fun at Philmont!
interesting vid. Disagree on the straps, I can still easily shift my grip and have never gotten a blister. Each to their own :)
Fair enough! Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@ShastaBubba it's great to see somone demonstrating how to use the poles effectively on the flat and the importance of shifting your grip throughout the hike. Many hikers are not getting full value from this bit of kit.
Great video Dan. I have never considered using trekking poles as I have been using self standing tents, but your points of taking care of your body (and getting the additonal bonus of having a lighter tent) might just make me give it a try.
Glad it was helpful! If you try them, you'll wonder how you got by without (after a break-in period, of course) ;-)
Such great information. I just bought some Black Diamond poles that I will use on the Camino de Santiago Frances this summer. I’ll be modifying my poles as you suggested. Thank you so much!
Wow, have a wonderful, transformative time on your pilgrimage!!
I have done 12 Caminos; last one (CF) completed this month. DO NOT modify your poles before practicing with many various methods (see different UA-cams for several methods). The straps are there for a reason: to transfer force to your wrists for huge mechanical advantage, and to decrease hand fatigue. After thousands of miles with poles and NO blisters OR hand fatigue, and consistently doing 40 Km days, I can tell you it is not an opinion that the straps vastly increase one's capability used correctly.
Thanks, subscribed
Thanks for the sub!
I have an RSI and ended up switching to the BD Ergo Cork. As for my mod, I have big hands and added bike grip to make the circumference wider. That leads to a more relaxed hand grip. I still use the straps though. I put them back after leaning the poles on the uphill wall on a break. But one pole rolled and fell down the side of a 50 degree hill. Luckily there was a tree about 8ft down that stopped it from going further.
Very nice! Thanks!
As an old cross country skier I could never consider any of your complaints as so grievous
that I would ever remove the straps. Mostly I see people not using them correctly.
It is certainly controversial. Thanks for your input!
I have found that using longest length for uphill allows me to pull with my arms and save my knees. Going downhill or down steps I will shorten my poles to allow braking action while gripping the top of the pole. I do use straps but in an unconventional way.
Thanks for sharing! Good to try different methods.
Hello. Thanks for making this video. I'm an old guy and really have difficulty walking in general due to hip and knee issues. While I understand that you make these videos for true hikers, I wonder if you have anything for older folks, like me, who just feel that a cane is not all that useful for balance issues. Thanks again.
Glad it was helpful! Hiking poles are like having a third and fourth legs with regard to stability. I can't tell you how many times they've saved me from falling after tripping over a root or rock. Also, using treking poles just for walks around town or in a gym increases the effort (calories burned) of the workout as well as strengthening the arm muscles more than simply walking will do. Cheers!
Thank you for this awesome video. I have just recently learned about the benefits of using trekking poles. I plan to purchase some for walking exersize. What type and brand of poles do you recommend for beginners? Also it's really nice to see that you take the time to reply to comments. Something you don't normally see on UA-cam videos. Thank you and happy hiking.
Thanks so much, glad it was useful. The poles I use are the Black Diamond Carbon Cork: amzn.to/3QReFOq, but they are pretty expensive. Very durable, but you can also get the aluminum version, which are called BD Trail Cork: amzn.to/3WFHfWH and nearly as good (there's a 'womens' version too, but not sure the difference). Even better for budget beginners are the poles that Costco carries about now: www.costco.com/cascade-mountain-tech-100%25-carbon-fiber-trekking-pole%2C-2-pack-.product.4000026930.html. Of course, you get what you pay for and they might not stand up to serious hiking. Happy hiking to you as well!
@@ShastaBubba thank you. I will be on the lookout for more of your videos.
I feel that the 'mud baskets' could be useful if hiking on very loose sand.
Yup, probably correct. There are a few situations where they are useful, just not necessary most of the time. The mud baskets can easily be screwed back on if needed, just like the wider snow baskets.
Tried your techniques today. They work like a champ. Add .6 on flat ground. Not sold on the strap removal…Froggy
That's great! Takes a while to get used to no straps, for sure.
My ladies' hiking group just started debating how/when to use poles here in Tucson. We go from saguaro desert (2500' asl) to pinetop (9000") and many environments in between. Lots of opportunity for me to practice your suggestions-- with and without straps :) I'm 61 and finding myself less balanced than I used to be. THANKS
So glad it's helpful. Happy hiking!
I started using poles about 6 years ago.
Removed the small baskets 4 years ago.
Took off my wrist straps last year...
Not once have I wished I had either since.
I have been using the Cascade Mountain Tech poles for 4 seasons now. They replaced an even cheaper brand of aluminum, twist-lock poles that I bought at Walmart. I have been super impressed with their durability and performance. Even Andrew Skurka has recommended them as a quality, inexpensive alternative to big name brands.
Love this; thanks for sharing! Also appreciate the tip on a budget option for good poles.
I found your video very helpful .I am 63 and need help when hiking. I am curious about the weight training that helps when hiking? Thanks
Nothing special, really. Most important thing is just to keep moving, I believe. Thanks!
@@ShastaBubba Thanks!!!!
No matter how I utilize polls, I am never going to rival the strength you have in those calves!
LOL! Freakish, right?
Strap v. no strap is definitely controversial. Personally, I prefer straps and extra long poles (less than 90º elbows). This way I can really bear down on the uphills without having to squeeze the grips. I've also tried going strapless, but my grip just feels too unstable; either way, I think there is no consensus on which is better and you've made it quite clear that it is worth trying out both methods.
Thanks, I'm glad it came across that way. As always, HYOH, right?
Sorry Dan ... I've just started watching your channel and have loved what I've seen so far.
However I'm afraid I couldn't disagree more about removing the wrist straps and the (extremely minute) chance of injury from using them (pole user for 30 years (we're about the same age I suspect) from many multiple trips to Nepal, Dolomites, Iceland, China, Kyrgyzstan, UK etc. etc.). If anyone finds the wrist straps superfluous then I'd respectfully suggest you're not using them right (wrist enters the strap from above so that the strap rests under your palm - in this way you can virtually hold and use the pole - and let it go if needs be - without using your fingers, though not recommended, and it enables a very light grip reducing the chances of finger strain or cramp and where the strap can take the strain on relaxed trails, not your hand). I've also never, ever, had a blister (gripping too tightly I suspect) but very light open backed, open finger, bicycle gloves are great if required.
There are numerous videos on YT demonstrating this grip as opposed to how most people use the strap. To that I'd add that the chances of losing a pole dramatically increase without straps (slips, water crossings etc.or on steep ascents / descents where you wouldn't want to have to go chasing after an errant pole !) and the hassle of always finding somewhere to stow the pole while taking a drink, accessing snacks or other items or taking a photo is removed because it's easy with the strap to just let it dangle. Not to mention that I now use trekking pole tents and the loss of a pole would be extremely inconvenient. Anyway just my views as a very experienced trekking pole user 🙂
Thanks Kevin, I appreciate the time you took to write this out. You have made a solid, well reasoned argument based on extensive personal experience. I think I have also made a well reasoned argument based on extensive experience. Ultimately, perhaps the pros and cons of either way balance each other out to the point that this really comes down to personal preference, versus there being a 'right' and 'wrong' way here.
To which I will only add what my mother used to say when I would obstinately refuse to eat anything green, "How do you know you don't like peas if you don't try them?" All I am saying, is give peas a chance. ;-) Either way, happy trails!
@@ShastaBubba Haha thanks for the reply Dan - I don't think the analogy works (I love peas!) 😂but of course you are quite right it comes down to what works for you, it's just not something I'd personally recommend to inexperienced trekkers in general as to me the downsides outweigh the upsides, IMO of course ! Safe trekking mate !
Guy in Idaho who can treat arthritis and rejuvenate joints alot usually. Injections of one blood and building blocks ... better than stem cells.
Sounds great!
And what if you're short of breath and need to take lots of small steps uphill? Putting the stick to the opposite leg is impossible, because I wouldn't have time to lift the sticks. I need to take really small steps, 30cm. It is health problem. Can the stick be moved once every two steps? Thank you.
You are welcome to do whatever works for you, of course! I take tiny steps when going uphill too, but just shorten the swing to match.
If you encounter a bear without your spray you can hold the poles high over your head and clack them together. If gives the appearance of size and a very unnatural sound. Otherwise make sure you can at least run faster than your wife or the slowest person in the group. Another reason to take good care of your knees.
All good points! Thanks for sharing these.
The wolf attacked me, but fortunately, I had a pistol hidden in my moustache.
Whew!
I love controversy!
Came to the right place then!
What they should call them is "gift baskets"... because they charge you more for the gift they are giving you (for just $10 more). Buuuttt. you can use them for ski poles ... is that a gift?
Doesn't sound like a gift. ;-) Thanks!
I’ll never get the time back that I spent watching this video 😢
Or the time it took to write a mean comment and earn negative karma. Sorry friend.