Proper Way to Use Trekking Poles

Trekking poles, also known as Nordic walking poles or fitness walking poles, are useful for hiking, backpacking and snowshoeing because they provide stability and support. They are especially helpful in reducing stress on the knees while hiking, most significantly when hiking downhill. While they do help with all aspects of hiking, they also mean that your body is working harder because you are using muscles in your upper body that aren't normally active when hiking. Keep this in mind while you are learning to use them so as not to end up too tired to complete a return hike.

Instructions

    • 1

      Adjust the length of the poles to suit the terrain. For hiking on a flat trail, the lower arm should be about parallel with the ground when standing and the poles are held comfortably parallel to your leg. Your wrists should be a bit lower than your elbows. Uphill requires a slightly shorter pole, and downhill a slightly longer pole. If the left or right side of the trail is higher or lower than the other, one pole can be adjusted to compensate.

    • 2

      Insert your hand through the bottom of the strap so you are gripping the strap and then the pole. Tighten the strap so it is comfortably snug but not restricting blood flow. The strap should wrap around the pad of your thumb and the pad of your hand beneath the smallest finger. This enables the strap to take some of the weight without requiring you to tire your hand out by holding the pole too tightly.

    • 3

      Move the poles with your feet as you walk. As the left foot comes forward, move the right pole forward and vice versa. Swing the pole as far forward as you swing your opposite foot.

    • 4

      Maintain an upright and relaxed stance and grip on the poles when walking on flat terrain. On a difficult uphill stretch, pull yourself up by placing the pole down on the same side as the leg that is stepping forward.