The poles we used: www.trekitt.co.uk/equipment/walking-poles-ice-axes/black-diamond-unisex-trail-pole-pair-picante__37266 Shop our entire range of poles: www.trekitt.co.uk/equipment/poles--and--axes
I tried poles for the first time yesterday on a steep trail. WOW! What a huge difference they made! So much more speed and stability. Not to mention less knee pain and a better upper body workout as well. Can't believe it took me this long to try them!
My hand don't swell and my fingers don't feel like big fat sausages when I use trekking poles.😛 I move hands down on the handle when I'm ascending, and place my hands on top of pole when descending. Each year I go on multi-day trekks for 2-6 weeks at a time and my folding z-poles have proven to be invaluable piece of gear.
I have chronic pain and a bum knee that will require surgery to repair. In the meantime, I also have a hyper doggie, and we walk on all terrain. This will ease the stress load on my body, and I appreciate you sharing this info.
I just got my first set of poles (Black Diamond) and have been looking at tons of videos to understand the proper way to use them. Paul, your video is the best I’ve seen! You explain well, the camera shows the important details and I love your sense of humour! Thank you so much! Hugs from Canada 😊
Thanks for the video. It appeared in my recommendations today and, although I have been using poles on and off for the past 20 years I still learned something. I bought my sturdy Komperdell poles about 20 years ago when hiking in the Alps. They were really good support on uneven ground and in particular on long descends. In the last ten years I did less hiking and started to suffer backpain on longer walks. Twelve months ago I discovered extreme hiking and my poles came out of their hiding holes. They are a great support when after 20 miles the organiser has found another incline to torture us with, or when the fatigue inevitably sets in. And my back pain? What back pain? My impression is that the poles improve my posture and this prevents back pain when hiking.
We're glad this video still taught you something and you're still getting out there and using poles. They're something we think everyone should have in their arsenal for tackling the outdoors, a very useful piece of equipment.
I think the biggest problem people (especially in the UK) have with walking poles is the image problem of being seen as some sort of invalid who has to walk with sticks. But it took me only about twenty minutes to realise these things are a HUGE advantage on gradients and rough terrain.
I am a huge fan of poles. My back is so bad with pain that I cannot walk for more than 20 mins max without pain. BUT with poles I can go all day. After years of walking shorter and shorter distances I am now back to all day treks. They are a better pain relief for my back than codiene. I am not being overly dramatic when I say that. As Paul says, you must get your technique right. Practice on the level then just see how far you can go.
Stumbled across you looking for trekking pole information and found so much more. Lots of great info. You've renewed my interest in hiking and back packing. Thank you!
when you stumble on steep ground with poles and wrist straps on, you might be able to catch your fall instinctively, or grab some grass to stop a slide
So good to see you do a video on the misunderstood walking pole. When I was a young pup I had a serious downer on the humble walking pole. Now that I am a lot older and a little wiser I really appreciate the value of the humble walking pole. This has mad such a difference to my hiking especially when I am carrying an exped pack. I am so enamoured by them, and post two hip ops, I am looking to take up Nordic Walking so that I can properly make the most of this brilliant piece of kit.
When I bought some walking poles, I received a lot of snobbery from other walkers in the U.K. Yet other countries use them passionately and without remark.
So clearly demonstrated that even Dense m got it. I bought a pair of cheapos recently and thought I would start of with one, because I have a bit of a sore hip and knee on one side and it would be easier to get the hang of it, but I was geting the technique wrong. Watched your video and started practising down the corridors with the one stick. Colleauges think I am losing my marbles. Will bring the other stick into work tomorrow, rewatch your video and go for it with both poles. Thank you so much
Great and convincing demostration. Please send some advice on how to use them downhill, I saw in the video that you do not alternate them in your steps and that you point them in the terrain in front of you
Going downhill is more stabilising yourself rather than pushing yourself forwards, so it's just a matter of popping the poles in front and leaning on them a little more. Harry
@@trekitt Thanks Harry for your replay, I agree 100% Vito from Venice (Italy) using trekking poles in the mountains in my region, but I will try on the bridges of the town
As a Norwegian cross country skier, your poles seems too short. Normal length for skiing poles is up to the arm pits. You get a much longer swing and push with longer poles. But I haven’t tried it with hiking, so there may be other considerations to take into account.
Poles save your knees when walking down a mountain, and provide stability against slipping on rubble when on a gradient. They are a godsend for older hikers like me.
I hate trekking poles and advise strongly against them. They prevent the body from moving or flexing correctly, prevent building muscle strength in key areas, and destroy natural balance. The longer that you use them, the weaker becomes the muscle and tendon strength until you're totally reliant on them. It's a very unnatural way to walk or climb and are certainly not needed for negotiating a variety of different terrains at any age.
Agree, for a 60 year old, I use them going down Arizona mountains. They’ve saved me from very nasty falls several times. I don’t use them going up hills, as I want to build balance in my leg muscles.
Used to be a bit sceptical about the benefits of trekking poles in my youth. As i get older and less agile or supple, i’ve learnt better and have come to rely on my well used and abused, but now indispensable, Leki Sherpa XL/XTG Aluminium alloy poles. Really instructive video yet again. Keep up the great work guys. Best regards.
I'm in Michigan in the States, but your videos have grabbed my attention! The ethos of UK outdoor enthusiasm and the way you explain the gear is lacking in the States, where "outdoor clothing" is more and more just a Gucci Bag with a North Face logo slapped on it. For those of us that want to buy for quality and use the gear while being nerdy about the small quirks, your channel hits that right on the head. Americans ALL lead with marketing and vanity and the jacket is just an afterthought.
Kagan - as a Brit, a hiker and a wild camper, your post has made me warm to Americans... and you have ALL those great nature reserves! (I know what you mean about North Face tho - asides from their Summit series, they're just a fashion brand. I have the Mountain equipment jacket Harry is wearing.
I’ve just gotten in to walking for my health at 68, and I find Treking poles allow me to increase my duration and distances by at least 50%. Picked up a couple of tips here I will try.
I bought my first set of Nordic Walking Poll a month ago and I love them. They allow me to work out 90% of my body, increase my pace, reduce stress on my back/hips/knees and get more out of my walk.
Hey, great video, super helpful.. quick question: do you need to adjust the height if you're going up or downhill or is the height just fixed and you never change it?
This depends a little on your poles. Some will have an extended grip that runs further down the shaft so you can move your hand lower without adjusting the length, both black diamond and Leki have these in their ranges. When going uphill a shorter pole is useful because you're placing the poles above you on the slope, so moving your hand down the pole can be useful, or adjusting it shorter if your poles don't have an extended grip. Going downhill you may find it useful to have a longer pole, or at least taking your hand out of the straps and using the top or the pole a bit more like a pommel, rather than gripping the pole and leaning further forward.
The question is: is it not just so bleak walking through completely denuded, deforested landscape? It's a total desert. It's like you are walking on the moon! So heart breaking. Bring back montane wild growth! Do you not notice the absence of growth? It's like the hill have had a full Brazillian wax.
Probably the best piece of outdoor gear I’ve bought by quite a margin. They help you power walk up those peaks while ascending and take a huge weight off your knees and ankles when descending. You can test dodgy muddy and icy ground with them. Pole vault small streams and rivers, prevent a serious fall, even. Probably keep a dodgy wild animal or angry cow at bay too (Haven’t tested that part) And the folding Z versions can be easily stored in smaller backpacks. My own preferred model is the aluminium Micro Vario folding poles by Leki. A little heavier than carbon fibre, but more resistant to damage (say if you fall on them heavily). Have tried folding poles by a couple of other brands and found them less reliable and prone to faults developing ( I do also like the MSR poles which I borrowed from a friend).
Have to agree that Aluminium alloy poles are that bit more durable. These Aluminium poles will still function after being bent, dented or twisted. As opposed to Carbon-fibre poles which seem to be inherently more brittle. In fact. I don't think I could have completed my Annapurna and Everest base-camp treks without my Aluminium Sherpa XL's.
Great video. I've only got back into hill walking in the last year or so, and my knees are not what they used to be! I'd struggle to get up and down now without my poles - especially downhill when my knees take an absolute hammering!
Thank you for this video. I was looking for a good tutorial video how to use the trekking poles for a long time but to no avail. You were able to explain it in a great and easy way and now I can see I have used the poles in a wrong way. Btw I am a Pole...
I don’t wear any of the brands sold by you, but damn I love this channel! I watch them as soon as they drop. One thing I appreciate is a thorough review, not being stingy to appease the “mini vid” crowd. I need more than 3 minutes to explain why I should spend $300. You can make a cup of tea, sit back and learn about the piece 👍🏾.
I'm not your target audience nor in the market for this, but it was a very good explanation. Now I now what to do If I'm ever in a situation where I all of a sudden need to travel with Walking Poles & flip a goat during the journey.
Nothing beats a good solid hiking staff. Trekking poles are too flimsy. Mostly worthless IMO. I'd never trust 'em if I ever needed 'em for support because of injury, or to defend myself from attack from an animal or human on an isolated trail.
Yes walking poles work, but this video, like many others, shows how not to walk with them. He isn't using them correctly. You use them as you normally walk without poles. The left foot goes forward, with the right pole. When you walk naturally, the opposite arm goes with the opposite leg . This is how poles are suppose to be used.
I don't use hiking poles bc they're dangerous They're dangerous because : They tie up a hiker's hands On downhills, they make a hiker lean into rather than away from the slope On uphills they put the hiker's weight on the poles, and if the poles break the hiker gets hurt They get in the way of your hands
Good video thanks ,I'l have to start walking with my poles now and hopefully, 🤔they will help relieve my foot pain as I do enjoy walking in the countryside 😊
New to walking poles - this is the best video I've seen - you make it very clear and I'm confident I'll soon be used to them - longish distance walker, almost 78 years old and suffer from lower back pain because of posture collapsing after 20km! Should do better now - thank you very much!
Paul - entertaining as well as informative. In your explanation about the the straps you didn't mention that the poles are left and right handed, with the twist in the straps being opposite ways on each pole and they are marked R and L. I put some vinyl tape round the shaft below the handles, using red for right and blue for left, to identify which is right and left more easily.
Great video and can definitely see the benefits so we’ll look at getting some. The only issue for us is that we have dogs and they often have to be on a lead which will scupper us a little
Doggos on leads are always a tricky one when using poles, often finding ways to get themselves tangled around. Something like this from Ruffwear may work for your situation to keep your hands free www.trekitt.co.uk/dpt/dogs/ruffwear-trail-runner-running-belt-blue-pool__53224 I can't however promise that the dogs will walk in a straight line. Still, at least you'd get some extra assistance on the uphills...
I have some poles but haven't used them for a while so really need to be making more use. Never thought of being able to use them to sit more comfortably! Great tip!
I am 67. I have used a cane on and off for 20 years. I just bought 2 collapsable canes on Amazon for @$23.99. Because they are shorter than walking poles, my arms rest comforably at my sides. The canes (as with all canes) help me walk more agressively and help with balance. With two canes, each side is symmetrical and I can just fly wherever I am walking. There is always something for me to lean on even in motion. Keep in mind, I am walking on flat surfaces.
Thank you for this info. I have very bad arthritis in both my feet. I’ve been wondering if walking poles would help with support and stability as I walk. One cane is no use to me since both my feet are arthritic so walking poles seem like they might be a solution. Can you comment on this, please?
A pair of poles will help with support and stability when walking. Whether they will be enough to make a difference to your walking enjoyment or not will be subjective, but we would recommend giving them a try.
We're glad this helped you decide on some poles, enjoy them! Paul is wearing a pair of the Hestra Wakayama gloves www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/gloves-mittens/hestra-wakayama-five-finger-gloves-cork__51261
You describe the right way how the stripes should be and that way you won't snap your wrist if you fall. Another thing, if you go up the poles should be shorter, and when going down you should adjust them to be longer.
The length of poles relative to the slope is purely personal. I’ve never felt the need to adjust the length when going up or coming down. Thanks for watching.
@@trekitt On a deep descent the reason for extending the poles is so that you avoid the tendency to lean too far forward and over balance. You yourself said the poles help to keep the strain off your back by keeping your back straight. Well you certainly can't do that with a normal set length on a steep descent. I think it was a mistake to make a video about poles and not at least explain that even though you personally don't do it.
From Canada Just got a set of poles. Wish I had got them before Can’t wait to get over to the UK, my favourite destination, and do some serious walking and hiking. All the best from the colony. Really enjoyed it.
They would be strong enough, but at 95kg you'd feel more flex in the poles so might feel a little less supported by them. For the extra 20-ish grams per pole, we would recommend going for the Standard version of the Sherpa, or if you're really concerned about durability they also do a Carbon Strong version which is the most robust pole Leki makes.
Very informative video while keeping it light. A friend was talking to me about walking poles last night, I am having all sorts of problems with my knees and feet as I am getting older. I am going to look at some poles today so watching this was very helpful thanks.
Hi! Nice video. I read an article in my newsfeed this morning about Nordic pole walking. I've had a slow recovery from surgeries and have become weaker than usual and a bit unstable at times. Not enough for a walker. I think these poles will help steady and strengthen me over time. No big hills in the beginning. I'm picking up a set of poles later today and will give it a go this evening when it's cooler. North Carolina is too hot and muggy during the day. I looked up videos about using the poles, yours is straight and to the point. Love the humor too! Thank you for sharing!🌄🚶♀️👍
One pole will help increase stability a little and provide some support, particularly when descending steeper terrain. Ben uses one pole when descending steep ground to keep one hand free, but in most cases a pair of poles will win out over a single one, especially when it comes to gains in efficiency.
There is a downside; it takes more energy to use trekking poles because you are using your arms a lot more. Also studies show it doesn't actually reduce stress very much. If you weight 200lb including your pack and you put 10lb on each trekking pole that is only going to make a small difference. It really comes down to personal preference; most young fit people don't like them but older people can especially benefit from the extra stability. They are also useful if you are crossing lots of rivers. If you want better stability without the trekking poles you can just bend your legs more and get closer to the ground so you can use your hands to stabilize yourself; this might be harder for less flexible people.
I'm still a bit skeptical, but it sounds like that's mainly down to being under 30. Got given a nice new tent for Christmas that uses trekking poles as it's supports, so now I'm trying to overcome my prejudice against them 😅
If it helps we have many members of team trekitt that are under 30 that use poles and wouldn't go without them. Poles are for everyone and should hopefully help keep you in better shape so you can still be out enjoying the hills when you're much further the other side of 30...
@@trekitt Thanks for the reply! Yeah I'm open to being proven wrong, just waiting for the next big big trip to see how they feel on a real incline with a pack, may have a 'hike to Damascus' moment haha
Thank you for letting me know that y’all were in Wales…. I just received my Nordic walking poles and you’re video was probably the most informative one by far…especially things you can do with the poles other than walking and hiking…ie, resting against them, supporting a tarp, and drying your sweaty clothes..!!! Question: do the poles have to be in the ground for the tarp idea??? Or are they just sitting on top of the ground….????
Depends a little on your tarp setup, you'll either have the tip in the ground and the handle tensioned onto your tarp, or if your tarp has eyelets you would normally pop the tip through them and have the handle resting on the top of the ground.@@sterlingdafydd5834
The poles we used: www.trekitt.co.uk/equipment/walking-poles-ice-axes/black-diamond-unisex-trail-pole-pair-picante__37266
Shop our entire range of poles: www.trekitt.co.uk/equipment/poles--and--axes
Went to your website, by the time l got into your cookie policy ditched out, sorry feller, just have a decline option.
I tried poles for the first time yesterday on a steep trail. WOW! What a huge difference they made! So much more speed and stability. Not to mention less knee pain and a better upper body workout as well. Can't believe it took me this long to try them!
Great to hear, glad we could help! Hope you enjoy many pain-free miles.
This is, by far, the most compact yet informative video regarding trekking poles I have yet seen. Thank you!
🙌🙌🙌
My hand don't swell and my fingers don't feel like big fat sausages when I use trekking poles.😛
I move hands down on the handle when I'm ascending, and place my hands on top of pole when descending. Each year I go on multi-day trekks for 2-6 weeks at a time and my folding z-poles have proven to be invaluable piece of gear.
I have chronic pain and a bum knee that will require surgery to repair. In the meantime, I also have a hyper doggie, and we walk on all terrain. This will ease the stress load on my body, and I appreciate you sharing this info.
Glad we could help in the meantime-hope the surgery goes well.
@@trekitt thank you so much, I appreciate it ❤️
I just got my first set of poles (Black Diamond) and have been looking at tons of videos to understand the proper way to use them. Paul, your video is the best I’ve seen! You explain well, the camera shows the important details and I love your sense of humour! Thank you so much! Hugs from Canada 😊
Thanks for the video. It appeared in my recommendations today and, although I have been using poles on and off for the past 20 years I still learned something.
I bought my sturdy Komperdell poles about 20 years ago when hiking in the Alps. They were really good support on uneven ground and in particular on long descends. In the last ten years I did less hiking and started to suffer backpain on longer walks. Twelve months ago I discovered extreme hiking and my poles came out of their hiding holes. They are a great support when after 20 miles the organiser has found another incline to torture us with, or when the fatigue inevitably sets in.
And my back pain? What back pain? My impression is that the poles improve my posture and this prevents back pain when hiking.
We're glad this video still taught you something and you're still getting out there and using poles. They're something we think everyone should have in their arsenal for tackling the outdoors, a very useful piece of equipment.
I think the biggest problem people (especially in the UK) have with walking poles is the image problem of being seen as some sort of invalid who has to walk with sticks. But it took me only about twenty minutes to realise these things are a HUGE advantage on gradients and rough terrain.
Yeah, this is true. Maybe we should follow this video up by making fun of strangers without poles to even things up a bit.
☺️
I am a huge fan of poles. My back is so bad with pain that I cannot walk for more than 20 mins max without pain. BUT with poles I can go all day. After years of walking shorter and shorter distances I am now back to all day treks. They are a better pain relief for my back than codiene. I am not being overly dramatic when I say that.
As Paul says, you must get your technique right. Practice on the level then just see how far you can go.
That sounds like as good reason as any! Good to hear you're able to enjoy the outdoors again with the help of the poles. Harry
Stumbled across you looking for trekking pole information and found so much more. Lots of great info. You've renewed my interest in hiking and back packing. Thank you!
Ah that's great to hear, thank you!
when you stumble on steep ground with poles and wrist straps on, you might be able to catch your fall instinctively, or grab some grass to stop a slide
Very very useful guide! Keep the silly up, that's what ultimately made me want to subscribe!!
So good to see you do a video on the misunderstood walking pole. When I was a young pup I had a serious downer on the humble walking pole. Now that I am a lot older and a little wiser I really appreciate the value of the humble walking pole. This has mad such a difference to my hiking especially when I am carrying an exped pack. I am so enamoured by them, and post two hip ops, I am looking to take up Nordic Walking so that I can properly make the most of this brilliant piece of kit.
When I bought some walking poles, I received a lot of snobbery from other walkers in the U.K. Yet other countries use them passionately and without remark.
So clearly demonstrated that even Dense m got it. I bought a pair of cheapos recently and thought I would start of with one, because I have a bit of a sore hip and knee on one side and it would be easier to get the hang of it, but I was geting the technique wrong. Watched your video and started practising down the corridors with the one stick. Colleauges think I am losing my marbles. Will bring the other stick into work tomorrow, rewatch your video and go for it with both poles. Thank you so much
Both poles is definitely the way forward-good luck!
Excellent video for a new munro bagger. Thank you!
Well done video!
Excellent explanation for trekking poles 😎
Great video.. so entertaining but informative without too much waffle. Used walking poles once.. now know exactly how I was miss-using them.
Thank you!
Always been a bit skeptical about poles, but watching this very informative video I may well give them a go👍
If you grab the pole through the strap from below as you show if you trip your hand is free to help break your fall.
Great and convincing demostration. Please send some advice on how to use them downhill, I saw in the video that you do not alternate them in your steps and that you point them in the terrain in front of you
Going downhill is more stabilising yourself rather than pushing yourself forwards, so it's just a matter of popping the poles in front and leaning on them a little more. Harry
@@trekitt Thanks Harry for your replay, I agree 100%
Vito from Venice (Italy) using trekking poles in the mountains in my region, but I will try on the bridges of the town
As a Norwegian cross country skier, your poles seems too short. Normal length for skiing poles is up to the arm pits.
You get a much longer swing and push with longer poles.
But I haven’t tried it with hiking, so there may be other considerations to take into account.
Of course they come in handy in keeping the cob webs out of your face when on trail. 😉
I was sold on using poles by a PTI when on an exped. Use them probably and they work well. Just one thing, my dogs is called Bracken and………
😂
My dog is called Rover but is in another room so he's not taken offence....
Very informative.
me gusta, deseo comprar
Gute arbeit, Engländer!
Danke!
❤
I just started trying this and I enjoyed your irreverent video.
you forgot your skis
We also forgot the snow!
As a Podiatrist we recommend them to reduce the stress on knees when walking downhill particularly. Wouldn’t be without mine.
Poles save your knees when walking down a mountain, and provide stability against slipping on rubble when on a gradient. They are a godsend for older hikers like me.
I hate trekking poles and advise strongly against them. They prevent the body from moving or flexing correctly, prevent building muscle strength in key areas, and destroy natural balance. The longer that you use them, the weaker becomes the muscle and tendon strength until you're totally reliant on them. It's a very unnatural way to walk or climb and are certainly not needed for negotiating a variety of different terrains at any age.
They are also good for checking the ground that you are stepping on to, if it's covered in snow or whatever you can check it's safe to step on to
Thanks, always wondered why walking poles are used
Agree, for a 60 year old, I use them going down Arizona mountains. They’ve saved me from very nasty falls several times. I don’t use them going up hills, as I want to build balance in my leg muscles.
Yea, it's a pity they all went home because of Brexit
Also good for removing spiderwebs before you walk into them :)
Excellent demonstration and very informative. Thank you. This is the most helpful trekking pole tutorial on youtube. Thanks for being concise, too.
Used to be a bit sceptical about the benefits of trekking poles in my youth.
As i get older and less agile or supple, i’ve learnt better and have come to rely on my well used and abused, but now indispensable, Leki Sherpa XL/XTG Aluminium alloy poles.
Really instructive video yet again.
Keep up the great work guys.
Best regards.
I'm in Michigan in the States, but your videos have grabbed my attention! The ethos of UK outdoor enthusiasm and the way you explain the gear is lacking in the States, where "outdoor clothing" is more and more just a Gucci Bag with a North Face logo slapped on it. For those of us that want to buy for quality and use the gear while being nerdy about the small quirks, your channel hits that right on the head. Americans ALL lead with marketing and vanity and the jacket is just an afterthought.
Kagan - as a Brit, a hiker and a wild camper, your post has made me warm to Americans... and you have ALL those great nature reserves! (I know what you mean about North Face tho - asides from their Summit series, they're just a fashion brand. I have the Mountain equipment jacket Harry is wearing.
Fantastic video. Thanks.
OK. I'm convinced. I start the Camino in 2 weeks. I was going to do it without poles. But now I think I'm going to invest. Thank you!
It's a worthwhile investment!
I’m young and I use hiking poles because I’m hiking with a baby in a hiking pack!!! Makes a huge difference!!!
I’ve just gotten in to walking for my health at 68, and I find Treking poles allow me to increase my duration and distances by at least 50%. Picked up a couple of tips here I will try.
I bought my first set of Nordic Walking Poll a month ago and I love them. They allow me to work out 90% of my body, increase my pace, reduce stress on my back/hips/knees and get more out of my walk.
Great to hear!
Hey, great video, super helpful.. quick question: do you need to adjust the height if you're going up or downhill or is the height just fixed and you never change it?
This depends a little on your poles. Some will have an extended grip that runs further down the shaft so you can move your hand lower without adjusting the length, both black diamond and Leki have these in their ranges. When going uphill a shorter pole is useful because you're placing the poles above you on the slope, so moving your hand down the pole can be useful, or adjusting it shorter if your poles don't have an extended grip. Going downhill you may find it useful to have a longer pole, or at least taking your hand out of the straps and using the top or the pole a bit more like a pommel, rather than gripping the pole and leaning further forward.
The question is: is it not just so bleak walking through completely denuded, deforested landscape? It's a total desert. It's like you are walking on the moon! So heart breaking. Bring back montane wild growth! Do you not notice the absence of growth? It's like the hill have had a full Brazillian wax.
This is the best and most informative video on walking poles. Really useful. And love the dry humour. Thank you!
Any difference between this and Nordic walking poles, thinking about upper body workout on the flat.
This should help: britishnordicwalking.org.uk/blogs/news/what-is-the-difference-between-nordic-walking-and-pole-walking
I need my hands free when I'm backpacking for strangling wolves, so no poles just in case.
Ah yes, of course
Probably the best piece of outdoor gear I’ve bought by quite a margin. They help you power walk up those peaks while ascending and take a huge weight off your knees and ankles when descending.
You can test dodgy muddy and icy ground with them. Pole vault small streams and rivers, prevent a serious fall, even. Probably keep a dodgy wild animal or angry cow at bay too (Haven’t tested that part) And the folding Z versions can be easily stored in smaller backpacks.
My own preferred model is the aluminium Micro Vario folding poles by Leki. A little heavier than carbon fibre, but more resistant to damage (say if you fall on them heavily). Have tried folding poles by a couple of other brands and found them less reliable and prone to faults developing ( I do also like the MSR poles which I borrowed from a friend).
Have to agree that Aluminium alloy poles are that bit more durable. These Aluminium poles will still function after being bent, dented or twisted. As opposed to Carbon-fibre poles which seem to be inherently more brittle.
In fact. I don't think I could have completed my Annapurna and Everest base-camp treks without my Aluminium Sherpa XL's.
Great video. I've only got back into hill walking in the last year or so, and my knees are not what they used to be! I'd struggle to get up and down now without my poles - especially downhill when my knees take an absolute hammering!
Yup, downhill is always the killer!
I see people, well, old people, walking along the street with these. Flat, hard pavement. Is there any point to that?
Yup, reduces stress on your knees, improves stability, allows you to walk faster, etc.
Also fun to engage other walkers in impromptu sword fights🤺⚔️
I challenge you to a duel
Thank you for this video. I was looking for a good tutorial video how to use the trekking poles for a long time but to no avail. You were able to explain it in a great and easy way and now I can see I have used the poles in a wrong way. Btw I am a Pole...
Very helpful, thank and no useless info or music 😊.Thank you.
I don’t wear any of the brands sold by you, but damn I love this channel! I watch them as soon as they drop. One thing I appreciate is a thorough review, not being stingy to appease the “mini vid” crowd. I need more than 3 minutes to explain why I should spend $300. You can make a cup of tea, sit back and learn about the piece 👍🏾.
Thank you!
I you sure you're not British? The tea drinking might be a give away.
I'm not your target audience nor in the market for this, but it was a very good explanation. Now I now what to do If I'm ever in a situation where I all of a sudden need to travel with Walking Poles & flip a goat during the journey.
Nothing beats a good solid hiking staff.
Trekking poles are too flimsy.
Mostly worthless IMO.
I'd never trust 'em if I ever needed 'em for support because of injury, or to defend myself from attack from an animal or human on an isolated trail.
Yes walking poles work, but this video, like many others, shows how not to walk with them. He isn't using them correctly. You use them as you normally walk without poles. The left foot goes forward, with the right pole. When you walk naturally, the opposite arm goes with the opposite leg . This is how poles are suppose to be used.
Very good video. You do an excellent job of describing the correct way to hold the poles. Now that I know, I'll start to do it the right way. Thanks!
Thanks Jim!
Thank you!
I don't use hiking poles bc they're dangerous
They're dangerous because :
They tie up a hiker's hands
On downhills, they make a hiker lean into rather than away from the slope
On uphills they put the hiker's weight on the poles, and if the poles break the hiker
gets hurt
They get in the way of your hands
thank you
Good video thanks ,I'l have to start walking with my poles now and hopefully, 🤔they will help relieve my foot pain as I do enjoy walking in the countryside 😊
I've learnt something, thanks. I'll give them a go👍
Let us know how you get on!
Will do😃
New to walking poles - this is the best video I've seen - you make it very clear and I'm confident I'll soon be used to them - longish distance walker, almost 78 years old and suffer from lower back pain because of posture collapsing after 20km! Should do better now - thank you very much!
Thank you for the kind words! I'm sure poles will help dramatically. All the best.
Great video! Very helpful. I'm new to trekking poles. Your video taught me a lot, and showed me ideas for use that I'd not considered. Thank you!
Paul - entertaining as well as informative. In your explanation about the the straps you didn't mention that the poles are left and right handed, with the twist in the straps being opposite ways on each pole and they are marked R and L. I put some vinyl tape round the shaft below the handles, using red for right and blue for left, to identify which is right and left more easily.
Did you tape around your boots too?
@@GrumpyGarry121 Now there's an idea! Red lace for right boot - blue lace for left boot.
Good plan. I do the same with headphones just to make it more obvious. Harry
❤
Thanks,
Great tips and great instruction! I never considered the multi uses of the walking poles! Thank you for sharing ❤
Brilliant informative description and it has improved my knowledge on there use.
Great video and can definitely see the benefits so we’ll look at getting some. The only issue for us is that we have dogs and they often have to be on a lead which will scupper us a little
Doggos on leads are always a tricky one when using poles, often finding ways to get themselves tangled around. Something like this from Ruffwear may work for your situation to keep your hands free www.trekitt.co.uk/dpt/dogs/ruffwear-trail-runner-running-belt-blue-pool__53224 I can't however promise that the dogs will walk in a straight line. Still, at least you'd get some extra assistance on the uphills...
I’m going to have to bite the bullet and buy some, my knees are killing me coming down mountains now.
Wonderful, thank you so much for sharing!
I have some poles but haven't used them for a while so really need to be making more use. Never thought of being able to use them to sit more comfortably! Great tip!
You’re welcome!
Absolutely spot-on and super helpful! Thanks
I'm excited to try these. Thanks Paul for an inspiring video.
Very well done. We have come to really appreciate ours.
I am 67. I have used a cane on and off for 20 years. I just bought 2 collapsable canes on Amazon for @$23.99. Because they are shorter than walking poles, my arms rest comforably at my sides. The canes (as with all canes) help me walk more agressively and help with balance. With two canes, each side is symmetrical and I can just fly wherever I am walking. There is always something for me to lean on even in motion. Keep in mind, I am walking on flat surfaces.
Another alternate use is clearing spider lines across paths.
Yup, good shout
Thanks for the information
Thank you for this info. I have very bad arthritis in both my feet. I’ve been wondering if walking poles would help with support and stability as I walk. One cane is no use to me since both my feet are arthritic so walking poles seem like they might be a solution. Can you comment on this, please?
A pair of poles will help with support and stability when walking. Whether they will be enough to make a difference to your walking enjoyment or not will be subjective, but we would recommend giving them a try.
Just bought a pair of poles this week so very informative, thank you. What Hestra gloves are you wearing? Look very robust.
We're glad this helped you decide on some poles, enjoy them!
Paul is wearing a pair of the Hestra Wakayama gloves
www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/gloves-mittens/hestra-wakayama-five-finger-gloves-cork__51261
Everything you say, are correct except the dog thing😅
Love your videos always informative and well made and a big thank you to Harry too from Neoklis Australia
You describe the right way how the stripes should be and that way you won't snap your wrist if you fall. Another thing, if you go up the poles should be shorter, and when going down you should adjust them to be longer.
The length of poles relative to the slope is purely personal. I’ve never felt the need to adjust the length when going up or coming down. Thanks for watching.
@@trekitt On a deep descent the reason for extending the poles is so that you avoid the tendency to lean too far forward and over balance. You yourself said the poles help to keep the strain off your back by keeping your back straight. Well you certainly can't do that with a normal set length on a steep descent. I think it was a mistake to make a video about poles and not at least explain that even though you personally don't do it.
A
Great in theory, but in practice the angle of slope is rarely constant.
@@christaylor4758 Nevertheless, if you go up, or down for hours it will be significant. Anyway, adjustments the only a minute, so it will pay off
@@DenisDuke Very well stated!
From Canada
Just got a set of poles. Wish I had got them before
Can’t wait to get over to the UK, my favourite destination, and do some serious walking and hiking.
All the best from the colony. Really enjoyed it.
Thank you! Enjoy your trip when you make it over.
And we look forward to see you. Try the West Highland Way! Highly recommended.
Brilliant instructional video. Thank you!
i am about 95kg 6'.. are leki sherpa Lite poles strong enough for my size?
They would be strong enough, but at 95kg you'd feel more flex in the poles so might feel a little less supported by them. For the extra 20-ish grams per pole, we would recommend going for the Standard version of the Sherpa, or if you're really concerned about durability they also do a Carbon Strong version which is the most robust pole Leki makes.
Very informative video while keeping it light. A friend was talking to me about walking poles last night, I am having all sorts of problems with my knees and feet as I am getting older. I am going to look at some poles today so watching this was very helpful thanks.
Thank you-good luck with the poles, I'm sure they'll make a noticeable difference. Harry
Great video including the"silliness" . Quite lovely!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Very British, got me the top gear vibes.
I tried them three days ago for the first time. I will never hike again without them. They are great.
We're very big fans of poles here at Trekitt. Glad you found them helpful.
Hi! Nice video. I read an article in my newsfeed this morning about Nordic pole walking. I've had a slow recovery from surgeries and have become weaker than usual and a bit unstable at times. Not enough for a walker. I think these poles will help steady and strengthen me over time. No big hills in the beginning. I'm picking up a set of poles later today and will give it a go this evening when it's cooler. North Carolina is too hot and muggy during the day. I looked up videos about using the poles, yours is straight and to the point. Love the humor too! Thank you for sharing!🌄🚶♀️👍
Thank you! I'm sure they'll make a big difference. Good luck with the recovery. Harry
Are there any benefits of just using one poll...
One pole will help increase stability a little and provide some support, particularly when descending steeper terrain. Ben uses one pole when descending steep ground to keep one hand free, but in most cases a pair of poles will win out over a single one, especially when it comes to gains in efficiency.
There is a downside; it takes more energy to use trekking poles because you are using your arms a lot more. Also studies show it doesn't actually reduce stress very much. If you weight 200lb including your pack and you put 10lb on each trekking pole that is only going to make a small difference. It really comes down to personal preference; most young fit people don't like them but older people can especially benefit from the extra stability. They are also useful if you are crossing lots of rivers. If you want better stability without the trekking poles you can just bend your legs more and get closer to the ground so you can use your hands to stabilize yourself; this might be harder for less flexible people.
wow great video... thky
I'm still a bit skeptical, but it sounds like that's mainly down to being under 30. Got given a nice new tent for Christmas that uses trekking poles as it's supports, so now I'm trying to overcome my prejudice against them 😅
If it helps we have many members of team trekitt that are under 30 that use poles and wouldn't go without them. Poles are for everyone and should hopefully help keep you in better shape so you can still be out enjoying the hills when you're much further the other side of 30...
@@trekitt Thanks for the reply! Yeah I'm open to being proven wrong, just waiting for the next big big trip to see how they feel on a real incline with a pack, may have a 'hike to Damascus' moment haha
@@fearghal10 sounds like you need to get planning the next big trip 👀 let us know how you get on, we'd love to hear about it.
Thank you…looks like you’re in Wales..?? My mum is from Llanidloes…greetings from Houston, Texas
We are indeed, this was filmed near Hay Bluff. Great to know our content is reaching all the way to Texas!
Thank you for letting me know that y’all were in Wales…. I just received my Nordic walking poles and you’re video was probably the most informative one by far…especially things you can do with the poles other than walking and hiking…ie, resting against them, supporting a tarp, and drying your sweaty clothes..!!! Question: do the poles have to be in the ground for the tarp idea??? Or are they just sitting on top of the ground….????
Depends a little on your tarp setup, you'll either have the tip in the ground and the handle tensioned onto your tarp, or if your tarp has eyelets you would normally pop the tip through them and have the handle resting on the top of the ground.@@sterlingdafydd5834
Great and simple video - thanks. Could you please make something similar for using poles uphill and downhill (and on steps too). Thanks
Thank you for sharing the video. Very informative
Going through forests, poles are also good for brushing down big spider webs across the path.
Jolly Good!