Good rules but I have a slight adjustment. In rain, make your poles a tad shorter where elbow forms a bit more than a 90 degree. You want water flowing off your forearm and not seeping back in making a puddle under your forearm.
I've developed a very silly looking method of using them quite a bit ahead to probe the ground (because I've learned in Scotland, anything, whether it looks like moss or stone, can be mud and swamp or a random hole) before placing weight on it.
@@romana316hear you both there, having spent a lot of time on Dartmoor of late! Didn’t avoid all the bogs, big definitely saved some rapid, wet descents!
I cut the straps off of mine. I hate them. And i personally when i take a step the pole on the same side hits the gound. And i have never had a problem with this yet. If anything it speeds me up
The only rule I follow here is to put my hands through the bottom of the straps. I’m hiking in foothills, not mountains, and go up and down in elevation over and over, so never readjust the height of the poles, nor do I care about left foot right pole, pole to back of foot, etc. I just happily go about the trail, get all the extra stability where I need it, and life is fine. But I do appreciate your tips for adjusting for long uphill or downhill stretches.
These recommendations are a rule of thumb. There are various professional oppinions on that theme. They all depend on the purpose of usage and the users condition. There are benefits (e.g. unloading of knees) and drawbacks (e.g. loss of balance without poles). And every user needs a custom solution how to use them (e.g. shorten the poles if you tend to lift your shoulders). It seems like a simple topic but it is not.
When going over big rocky ground, take the straps off completely, if your pole gets wedged between boulders, it will simply get snatched from your grip rather than pulling you back off balance and possibly falling over.
I just put my 4 fingers through the strap so it wraps around my hand and not my wrist. This alleviates the need to grip hard as your hand rests down on the strap. It is also not as restrictive, you can easily release the poles like shown in the video.
I never use trekking poles. But i never hike more than 5 miles. I also use a metal frame pack with like 40-60 lbs. I hike in slides/flip flops too. Sometimes barefoot. But long distances need a lot more training to do it the way i do. I just like feeling the earth under my toes. Definitely not for everyone. Lol
Yeah, I'd say they're not necessary for most hikes tbh. Mostly I'd recommend them if you're going a certain distance in a certain time frame and you don't want to stop for breaks as often. The easier leg strain they provide is very handy in that case
I really don't understand the need for them. I'm not trying to start a fight. If you like them, by all means, use them. I carry them with for my tent. I just hate using them. I've hiked a fair bit, and it just feels awkward. Like, we've been a migrating species for hundreds of thousands of years and never needed them. Why now?
I like it for sightseeing while moving on iffy trails. If you have no poles, looking up longer is anxiety inducing. Don’t want to have to stop just to look. Just discovered this today, first day using them. Going up hills is a little more motivating. I also like it for security and I think it makes people relaxed to see a “hiker” And not just a “trail trash” sketchy bearded big guy like I am. My colorful socks and pack helps too. 😅
I thought the same before a hike recently with a lot of mileage and 5k gain. Towards the end hiking down my knees were absolutely killed and I’m in very good shape. Will be using them on the next one mainly for the downhill.
If you climb a hill it makes it easier for legs by taking some of the workload. Also its safer when going down hill. Many tents also use them as poles. I can go faster with trekking poles if I want to and ease the workload from legs also in a flat surface and they give support when going over the rivers. Use them with tarp too as a poles if needed. So they are essential for me in hikes. Use them as a stick for go pro with gorilla pod too. Do I use them constantly like in a flat even surfaces with no obstacles, no I don't. Do you need them depends on you and your preferences.
horrible advice. set it and forget it. Arms at 90 degrees, use your straps however you want (if you even use them), you aren't going to break your wrists because of which direction you put your hands in the straps.
Don't put strap on your wrist!! Only pass the fingers through, will save your wrist if you fall on your poles! (This is how skiiers do it, more safe in avalanches)
Don’t believe in them. I personally think they are a crutch and just add unnecessary gear clutter for the few times you “need them. Did you have them as a kid? No so why do you need them as a full grown adult?
Walking sticks were the go-to solution before trekking poles and are still very serviceable for sure. Trekking poles are maybe a bit lighter and more ergonomic, but whether that's worth an extra $50 is a judgement call you gotta make on your own
I really questioned the 90° on level recommendation. Is there an actual study with a large enough data set to show the effectiveness of this? Or is this just a general rule, modify for your own tastes...?
90 on level is because the elbow angle needs to be acute when ascending for maximum push-off, and obtuse when descending for maximum cushion. 90 is in the middle. The physical reason is that if you use the uphill angle, it makes you put out extra effort just holding the poles, and to avoid banging on rocks requires lifting even higher. If you use the downhill angle, you already have your arms extended and can’t extend farther if your pole slips into a rut. Of course, adjust as you need - sample sizes don’t mean anything if you are an outlier.
I don't use straps at all, they just get in the way. Besides, instead of shortening your poles on short uphill sections, you may just hold the poles by the foam part that is under the grips (some poles don't have it though)
The straps - used in the right way - will distribute your weight even better from your legs to your arms, without the need to hold the poles in a tight grip.
I'm 1.80 ,5"11 and i'm.using a foldable La Sportiva set which adjust from 110 cm to 130cm.My poles size on flat terrain is 120-122 cm. I want to buy another pair of foldable Black Diamond ,but they come in 2 sizes, S/M from 110 to 125 and M/L from 125-140 cm. Should i go for the S/M so i can shorten them for uphill,or with M/L to lengthen for dowhill,but cannot shorten for uphill? I hope you understood my question.. Thank you.
I always used the "safe" strap method shown at the start when skiing - and then one day whilst falling I still ended up landing on the pole and breaking my hand. I no longer use the strap at all.
There are not a lot of trees on the praries. I wouldn't even be thinking of them when I lived in the PNW, but here hills can be steep grass covered sand and rock without a lot to grab into. Also I thought they'd help in winter to prevent slipping on ice and snow when I go for my walks.
...Also if you are moving around a mountain, say: the summit is on your left, then make the _right_ pole longer and the _left_ pole shorter by approx 10 cm. Hint: when you go back and the summit is now on your _right_ , don't adjust the poles, but simply switch them right to left!. (I am joking about adjusting the length of the poles - nobody would do it on the go.)
Some c poles as a weak ankled hiker. Or, that they r tuff n MORE experienced of a hiker. I disagree. They have saved me from not just a occasionally oops. But a met a OLD hiker down in the Grand Canyon how joined a conversation of poles and he was well versed in the mechanics of poles and a percentage of ur body load is transferred to the poles. He had no issues with the non pole crowd and new there point of view. He had been hiking all his life mostly. A wool blanket and plastic tarp/sheetcold foods ..( my 1st awareness of such a thing.but did cook on fires when needed. I did not know what the time that I hadn't met my first true ultra light hiker way before his time. As this was many years ago.
Your poles are too long on flats. You want to have them slightly lower and point them backwards so you'll have a more natural movement and less strain on your wrists/elbows
You never need to adjust your poles length. That is way too time consuming. If going down hill just hold the poles over the top of the grip in your palms.
The best advice I could give is to ask that guy to borrow them and try them out yourself. :) If I'm hiking in the mountains and I don't have to hold the leash of my dog, I definitely prefer hiking with poles. But on flat, easy trails, especially if they're paved, I don't really like using them too much.
I just carry for my tarp setup (in case of heavy rain) but also can be handy for river crossing or in case of any leg injury to relieve leg pain or to create a rigid structure around the broken/injured limb. Just for walking... eeeh no thanks.
I don't personally use them but I have a long wooden stick that does a similar job, I use it only to provide extra stability on dodgy trails, to help with river crossings, and to take some weight off my legs when I have a heavy pack or an injury. But if the track is easy walking then I prefer not to use anything.
You can use Trek poles obnoxiously or discreetly. I found I can get them as quiet as my foot step, almost. Some people scwhapp them down unnecessarily. Make rocks help with loud noise too. I think it’s mostly, TOO much arm, not enough leg. Try it out and let me know.
I feel like if you are really in a groove you will notice that the pole strikes almost right in the middle of your feet vs towards the front foot. I feel like striking towards the front foot really interrupts the rhythm so I advise people to strike in the middle of their foot.
When using one pole you should extend it out really long and hold it in the center of your body with both hands. Alternatively, you can use the rowing method - hold it with both hands and alternate from left side to right side. None of this will be very helpful for you, but it will help increase the enjoyment of the outdoors for others you pass on the trail.
Helps shift some of the strain from your legs to your arms. Pretty good if you plan on going a long way without any breaks, but I think most hikers can just stop and enjoy the woods for a bit when their legs get gassed out.
Yep, same way I hold a dog leash! Also, finding a trekking pole that has a lip above the index finger and thumb rather than one that has a resting groove in between or at the bottom as this also helps with using a loosened grip on the trekking poles better since it will naturally rest even if you aren't gripping.
Good info except for the end when you tell people to put the trekking pole down that is opposite the front foot. It's unnecessary info seeing as human beings already walk like that. No one moves with the hand and foot on the same side forward at the same time.
You would think so, but that's not always true. When I was starting in ballroom dancing the instructor for the Waltz made a point of telling us that it's always right, left, right, left, never the same foot twice. Yet as we all started just about everyone of us messed up and double footed. When you're going on nature, it works, when you're learning something new, your brain is trying to figure stuff out and you mess up. So it was good advice, and while you think it's over board, I for one believe telling us where we might make a mistake is smart teaching.
I find it easiest and most helpful to use the pole that corresponds win whichever foot I’ve put down. So for me it’s interesting, I don’t like doing opposite, it doesn’t feel natural to me
Good rules but I have a slight adjustment. In rain, make your poles a tad shorter where elbow forms a bit more than a 90 degree. You want water flowing off your forearm and not seeping back in making a puddle under your forearm.
That's actually a great point, thanks.
Great insight!
Thank you!
Great advice, thanks
Spectacular tip!
Good point, thanks ❤
I've developed a very silly looking method of using them quite a bit ahead to probe the ground (because I've learned in Scotland, anything, whether it looks like moss or stone, can be mud and swamp or a random hole) before placing weight on it.
They are absolute life savers in boggy terrain
@@romana316hear you both there, having spent a lot of time on Dartmoor of late! Didn’t avoid all the bogs, big definitely saved some rapid, wet descents!
I cut the straps off of mine. I hate them. And i personally when i take a step the pole on the same side hits the gound. And i have never had a problem with this yet. If anything it speeds me up
I do both. I see the benefit of same side.
I've never used a trecking pole in my life....but I'm totally here for this video :)
They're amazing ❤
Why you need to use it?
Always thought they were for Dorks and Boy Scouts 😂 but maybe I need to try them
Always hilarious to see some hardcores with all their poles and gear hiking the same hike as I was at 6 years old in flip flops
Same here
The BEST no nonsense video on hiking sticks. Thank you!!!!
The only rule I follow here is to put my hands through the bottom of the straps. I’m hiking in foothills, not mountains, and go up and down in elevation over and over, so never readjust the height of the poles, nor do I care about left foot right pole, pole to back of foot, etc. I just happily go about the trail, get all the extra stability where I need it, and life is fine. But I do appreciate your tips for adjusting for long uphill or downhill stretches.
Same, using the same speed for arms and legs seem wrong, I like to go slow with my arms
These recommendations are a rule of thumb. There are various professional oppinions on that theme. They all depend on the purpose of usage and the users condition. There are benefits (e.g. unloading of knees) and drawbacks (e.g. loss of balance without poles). And every user needs a custom solution how to use them (e.g. shorten the poles if you tend to lift your shoulders).
It seems like a simple topic but it is not.
yeah this "you're using your poles wrong!" attitude is weird. It's not hard to figure out the optimal setup for your individual body
When going over big rocky ground, take the straps off completely, if your pole gets wedged between boulders, it will simply get snatched from your grip rather than pulling you back off balance and possibly falling over.
I've been walking with the tips of the poles on my toes
😂😂😂
Aha, the baby elephant walk 😂
I would never keep my wrists in the strap going downhill. Too dangerous with many injuries
When working your way over difficult terrain going downhill, unloop your hands from the poles.
I just put my 4 fingers through the strap so it wraps around my hand and not my wrist. This alleviates the need to grip hard as your hand rests down on the strap. It is also not as restrictive, you can easily release the poles like shown in the video.
Wrong are those pants 😂
the trekking pole is solely for pointing in a direction
I never use trekking poles. But i never hike more than 5 miles. I also use a metal frame pack with like 40-60 lbs. I hike in slides/flip flops too. Sometimes barefoot. But long distances need a lot more training to do it the way i do. I just like feeling the earth under my toes. Definitely not for everyone. Lol
Yeah, I'd say they're not necessary for most hikes tbh. Mostly I'd recommend them if you're going a certain distance in a certain time frame and you don't want to stop for breaks as often. The easier leg strain they provide is very handy in that case
I really don't understand the need for them. I'm not trying to start a fight. If you like them, by all means, use them. I carry them with for my tent.
I just hate using them. I've hiked a fair bit, and it just feels awkward. Like, we've been a migrating species for hundreds of thousands of years and never needed them. Why now?
I get it all my friends are not fans for me it helps my back stay strait and I use my arms and legs to kinda throw my big ass forward
If you're packing out 100lbs of game they sure help
@UpNorthFarWest that's a pretty good point. With my aim, I don't usually need to worry about it, though 😅
I like it for sightseeing while moving on iffy trails. If you have no poles, looking up longer is anxiety inducing. Don’t want to have to stop just to look. Just discovered this today, first day using them. Going up hills is a little more motivating.
I also like it for security and I think it makes people relaxed to see a “hiker” And not just a “trail trash” sketchy bearded big guy like I am.
My colorful socks and pack helps too. 😅
I thought the same before a hike recently with a lot of mileage and 5k gain. Towards the end hiking down my knees were absolutely killed and I’m in very good shape. Will be using them on the next one mainly for the downhill.
How do they help?
If you climb a hill it makes it easier for legs by taking some of the workload. Also its safer when going down hill. Many tents also use them as poles. I can go faster with trekking poles if I want to and ease the workload from legs also in a flat surface and they give support when going over the rivers. Use them with tarp too as a poles if needed. So they are essential for me in hikes. Use them as a stick for go pro with gorilla pod too. Do I use them constantly like in a flat even surfaces with no obstacles, no I don't. Do you need them depends on you and your preferences.
If you put your hand through the loop they will still get in your way if you fall. Don't use the loops
I’m not gonna change the length for every climb lol good in theory but not in practice unless you take breaks before and after every climb
If you have long sections of one type it makes sense to adjust it correctly. I've had 4 hour full flat and 3 hour full up.
It takes 30 seconds to adjust them
@@UpNorthOutWest yeah but on the east coast you’re up and down constantly
@@preston1172yep, that’s where I am right now. Up and down and Ridge flat.
It will take exactly 10 seconds to adjust, so it makes sense for every climb or descend longer than 10 minutes in my opinion.
horrible advice. set it and forget it.
Arms at 90 degrees, use your straps however you want (if you even use them), you aren't going to break your wrists because of which direction you put your hands in the straps.
Don't put strap on your wrist!! Only pass the fingers through, will save your wrist if you fall on your poles! (This is how skiiers do it, more safe in avalanches)
I use hiking sticks for crossing water! Turn yourself into a tripod! Much easier while stepping accross spaced out rocks!
Don’t believe in them. I personally think they are a crutch and just add unnecessary gear clutter for the few times you “need them.
Did you have them as a kid? No so why do you need them as a full grown adult?
Seems like a waste of money when I can just go cut two walking sticks for free
A pair of aluminum foldable Foxellis is only $40 and has good reviews. So good so far.
@@bdmenne a cheap hand saw is $15 which you can use to cut an almost endless supply of walking sticks.
Walking sticks were the go-to solution before trekking poles and are still very serviceable for sure.
Trekking poles are maybe a bit lighter and more ergonomic, but whether that's worth an extra $50 is a judgement call you gotta make on your own
The trekking pole is best utilized for scouting the area ahead of you for rattlesnakes hiding in dead grass.
Codswallop. .Keep length to level of chin. shove the 90 degree angle up your fundament.
I don't mean to be that guy, but I'm going to be *that* guy. Why the trekking poles when walking?
I really questioned the 90° on level recommendation.
Is there an actual study with a large enough data set to show the effectiveness of this? Or is this just a general rule, modify for your own tastes...?
90 on level is because the elbow angle needs to be acute when ascending for maximum push-off, and obtuse when descending for maximum cushion. 90 is in the middle. The physical reason is that if you use the uphill angle, it makes you put out extra effort just holding the poles, and to avoid banging on rocks requires lifting even higher. If you use the downhill angle, you already have your arms extended and can’t extend farther if your pole slips into a rut. Of course, adjust as you need - sample sizes don’t mean anything if you are an outlier.
…and if you fall the trekking pole will need to be surgically removed from a fleshy part of your body…
Thanks for this! I just got some poles and I haven’t used them yet. This should help:)
What difference does it make if i use a treking pole and if i don't? (Ion use a treking pole)
You get the power and stability from your hands too so its easier for your legs when needed.
I feel like if you NEED this video, you do not have enough sense to be out alone in the wilderness 😂 like come on
or just figure out what works for you personally, it's not rocket science
I don't use straps at all, they just get in the way. Besides, instead of shortening your poles on short uphill sections, you may just hold the poles by the foam part that is under the grips (some poles don't have it though)
The straps - used in the right way - will distribute your weight even better from your legs to your arms, without the need to hold the poles in a tight grip.
@@typpiet5140 I agree. That is what I do. Part of the downward force is on the strap, which takes that amount off of your grip.
I'm 1.80 ,5"11 and i'm.using a foldable La Sportiva set which adjust from 110 cm to 130cm.My poles size on flat terrain is 120-122 cm.
I want to buy another pair of foldable Black Diamond ,but they come in 2 sizes, S/M from 110 to 125 and M/L from 125-140 cm.
Should i go for the S/M so i can shorten them for uphill,or with M/L to lengthen for dowhill,but cannot shorten for uphill?
I hope you understood my question..
Thank you.
I would say using the poles to leverage yourself uphill is more important than downhill - so S/M
Honestly I barely know this 😮
"trekking pole pro" say that three times fast
This is the kind of information I need. Thank you!
How about not using them until you’re 90?😂
I always used the "safe" strap method shown at the start when skiing - and then one day whilst falling I still ended up landing on the pole and breaking my hand. I no longer use the strap at all.
I just don't use poles skiing haha. They get in my way 😂
A stick would work just fine guys
There are not a lot of trees on the praries.
I wouldn't even be thinking of them when I lived in the PNW, but here hills can be steep grass covered sand and rock without a lot to grab into.
Also I thought they'd help in winter to prevent slipping on ice and snow when I go for my walks.
I mean they’re just ridiculous come on
I was doing everything wrong according to this video
which hiking shoes are you using?
Decathlon Forzclaz MT2 trail running shoes.
I agree 100 percent. Good advice
...Also if you are moving around a mountain, say: the summit is on your left, then make the _right_ pole longer and the _left_ pole shorter by approx 10 cm. Hint: when you go back and the summit is now on your _right_ , don't adjust the poles, but simply switch them right to left!. (I am joking about adjusting the length of the poles - nobody would do it on the go.)
Very useful! Thank you
This goes for skiing too!
But am I supposed to be adjusting the height constantly DURING my walks😲? I'm not likely to find a consistently flat or uphill terrain.
I use a blackthorn stick
thank you!
Thankyou!
Some c poles as a weak ankled hiker.
Or, that they r tuff n MORE experienced of a hiker. I disagree. They have saved me from not just a occasionally oops. But a met a OLD hiker down in the Grand Canyon how joined a conversation of poles and he was well versed in the mechanics of poles and a percentage of ur body load is transferred to the poles. He had no issues with the non pole crowd and new there point of view.
He had been hiking all his life mostly. A wool blanket and plastic tarp/sheetcold foods ..( my 1st awareness of such a thing.but did cook on fires when needed.
I did not know what the time that I hadn't met my first true ultra light hiker way before his time. As this was many years ago.
I don’t use the straps at all because they totally scare me 🥲 I just don’t use them all unless I don’t want to carry them and just drag them 😆
Your poles are too long on flats. You want to have them slightly lower and point them backwards so you'll have a more natural movement and less strain on your wrists/elbows
Step 1: Dont
You never need to adjust your poles length. That is way too time consuming. If going down hill just hold the poles over the top of the grip in your palms.
Do they help that much?
I hiked with a guy that used them, clackity clack, every step, all the 6 miles..got on my nerves!!
The best advice I could give is to ask that guy to borrow them and try them out yourself. :) If I'm hiking in the mountains and I don't have to hold the leash of my dog, I definitely prefer hiking with poles. But on flat, easy trails, especially if they're paved, I don't really like using them too much.
I just carry for my tarp setup (in case of heavy rain) but also can be handy for river crossing or in case of any leg injury to relieve leg pain or to create a rigid structure around the broken/injured limb. Just for walking... eeeh no thanks.
I don't personally use them but I have a long wooden stick that does a similar job, I use it only to provide extra stability on dodgy trails, to help with river crossings, and to take some weight off my legs when I have a heavy pack or an injury. But if the track is easy walking then I prefer not to use anything.
You can use Trek poles obnoxiously or discreetly. I found I can get them as quiet as my foot step, almost.
Some people scwhapp them down unnecessarily. Make rocks help with loud noise too. I think it’s mostly, TOO much arm, not enough leg.
Try it out and let me know.
I feel like if you are really in a groove you will notice that the pole strikes almost right in the middle of your feet vs towards the front foot. I feel like striking towards the front foot really interrupts the rhythm so I advise people to strike in the middle of their foot.
I find a staff works out better for me than hiking poles but do like the weight of the poles vs the staff.
I passed on this message to a few friends! Hopefully saved a few thumbs :)
Trekking poles saved falls for me a few times already, the last time one of them tilted hard and impact my fall. Use them wisely!
I'll be a trekking pole master when I figure out what a centimeter is
One inch is equal to 2.5 centimetres
Mostly correct .. however, no 'grip' is necessary.
🎉🎉🎉
Thank you!
Genau!
Dont use treking poles.
You got two legs ❤
And two arms for poles if you find them useful for you.
What about using one pole?
When using one pole you should extend it out really long and hold it in the center of your body with both hands. Alternatively, you can use the rowing method - hold it with both hands and alternate from left side to right side.
None of this will be very helpful for you, but it will help increase the enjoyment of the outdoors for others you pass on the trail.
I hear people trip and roll on those trekking poles.
And why people use that?
Helps shift some of the strain from your legs to your arms. Pretty good if you plan on going a long way without any breaks, but I think most hikers can just stop and enjoy the woods for a bit when their legs get gassed out.
nice thank you for sharing
🎯 Great tips, thank u! 👍🙂👍
How should one hold the trekking pole from top i.e sideways or palm facing earth hold?
Going down, palm down.
Going uphill, palm in, with hand up through the bottom of strap.
@@johnrhodes3350 thank you
Cool!
Great video!
Thank you.
Yep, same way I hold a dog leash! Also, finding a trekking pole that has a lip above the index finger and thumb rather than one that has a resting groove in between or at the bottom as this also helps with using a loosened grip on the trekking poles better since it will naturally rest even if you aren't gripping.
Thanks
great tips really helpful
Just thruhike, you will figure out what works for you. It feels weird at first but you will get used to it and not hike without poles.
thanks!
Great info good sir
If you're on a hike, readjusting poles constantly will really drag out the adventure.
WTF.
Or dont use trekking poles
Good info except for the end when you tell people to put the trekking pole down that is opposite the front foot. It's unnecessary info seeing as human beings already walk like that. No one moves with the hand and foot on the same side forward at the same time.
You would think so, but that's not always true. When I was starting in ballroom dancing the instructor for the Waltz made a point of telling us that it's always right, left, right, left, never the same foot twice.
Yet as we all started just about everyone of us messed up and double footed. When you're going on nature, it works, when you're learning something new, your brain is trying to figure stuff out and you mess up. So it was good advice, and while you think it's over board, I for one believe telling us where we might make a mistake is smart teaching.
I find it easiest and most helpful to use the pole that corresponds win whichever foot I’ve put down. So for me it’s interesting, I don’t like doing opposite, it doesn’t feel natural to me
My biggest tip is to not develop the bad habit of using them at all. So many backpackers on here look borderline anemic
Just use crutches 🩼 instead
Cool