Trekking Pole

Why You Need Them and How to Use Them Correctly

Trekking poles are no longer just for serious mountaineers. They are essential gear for any hiker looking to enhance their stability, safety, and comfort on the trail. This guide covers everything you need to know.

Why Use Trekking Poles? The Key Benefits

Using trekking poles correctly offers a wide range of physical benefits:

• Protects Your Joints: They significantly reduce the impact on your knees, ankles, and feet, especially during descents.

• Enhances Stability & Prevents Injury: They provide two additional points of contact with the ground, improving balance on uneven terrain and helping to prevent ankle twists and falls.

• Saves Energy & Reduces Fatigue: By engaging your upper body muscles, they distribute the workload more evenly. This helps you conserve energy, making long hikes feel easier.

• Protects Your Spine: The improved posture and reduced lower-body strain help protect your spine from injury.

• Improves Tendon Function & Arm Muscle Strength: Regular use strengthens the muscles and tendons in your arms, shoulders, and back.

How to Use Them: Techniques for Different Terrains

The Correct Grip and Wrist Strap Technique
A proper grip is fundamental. Do not just grip the handle loosely.

1. Thread Your Hand: From the bottom, slide your hand upwards through the wrist strap.

2. Grip the Handle: Place your hand over the grip and then slide the strap across the back of your hand.

3. Apply Pressure: As you plant the pole, press down through your palm via the strap. This allows you to transfer weight without constantly gripping the handle tightly, reducing hand fatigue.

Technique by Terrain

• Uphill: Shorten the poles slightly. Use them to push yourself upward, saving leg power and reducing fatigue.

• Flat Ground: Use a natural rhythm opposite to your walking pace (left pole with right foot). This provides a steady, balanced rhythm.

• Downhill: Lengthen the poles slightly. Plant them ahead of you to absorb shock and balance the load on your knees, preventing strain.

The Scientific Reason to Use TWO Poles

While one pole is better than none, using two poles is scientifically superior for balanced support.

• 80% Reduction in Joint & Muscle Stress: Using two poles can reduce the force on your lower body by up to 80% during descents.

• Better Support & Spinal Protection: They provide a symmetrical support system, preventing your body from twisting and protecting your lower back and spine.

• Even Weight Distribution & Balance: Two poles ensure balanced force on both sides of your body, leading to a more stable and safer walk.

• Save Energy for Longer Adventures: With a more efficient walking motion, you'll have more energy to enjoy the journey.

Critical Safety Warnings & Precautions

Ignoring these can lead to pole failure and serious injury.

1. Check the "STOP" Line! Before every use, ensure the poles are locked tight. NEVER extend any section past the "STOP" mark. Exceeding this limit creates uneven stress and poses a high risk of the pole snapping under pressure.

2. Remove the Rubber Tip Cap: Use the metal tip for traction on dirt and trails. The rubber cap is for hard surfaces like pavement.

3. They Are for Support, Not for Swinging: Never use trekking poles to pull another person up a slope. This is extremely dangerous and can cause sudden failure.

4. Check Locking Mechanisms: Before and during your hike, confirm all sections are securely locked.

5. Stuck Pole Tip? If the tip or basket gets stuck between rocks, try to pull it out vertically. Do not shake or lever it, as this can bend or break the pole.

Daily Maintenance & Care

Proper care ensures your poles last for years.

• Clean After Use: After each hike, disassemble the poles and wipe all sections clean, inside and out.

• Dry Thoroughly: If they get wet, dry every section completely to prevent internal corrosion and ensure smooth locking.

• Inspect Regularly: Always check the locking mechanisms, straps, and tips for wear and tear.