How To Walk With Hiking Poles

While there are both pros and cons to using hiking poles, you can up the advantages by learning how to walk with hiking poles correctly. If done incorrectly, the hiking poles can cause more damage than good. It can even result in injuries if they are used incorrectly. It’s important to learn how to walk with hiking poles, because they can reduce knee damage, increase stability, help keep a steady pace, and promote balance.

1. Learn how to walk with hiking poles when hiking on flat ground. Hiking poles are used in different ways depending on the type of surface you are hiking on. When hiking on flat surfaces, it’s important to keep your forearms parallel to the ground. The elbows should be bent at a ninety degree angle.
2. Learn how to walk with hiking poles when hiking uphill. When hiking uphill, you will need to adjust the height of the poles. Because you are hiking on a slope, the poles need to be made one to two inches shorter. You may need to decrease the length of the poles if the surface is extremely steep.
3. Learn how to walk with hiking poles while hiking downhill. When hiking downhill, you will want to do the opposite than when hiking uphill. You will need to increase the length of the poles. The slope of the hill will determine the length of the poles.
4. Learn how to walk with hiking poles safely. It’s important to use the poles safely. Each pole needs to be the same length and you must wear the wrist straps at all times. Make sure the locking mechanism on the poles functions correctly.

It’s important you use hiking poles correctly. If you don’t, you can actually cause knee damage because the poles will cause additional shock and damage to the joint. You are also less stable and have a decrease in balance when the hiking poles are used incorrectly. Often, when used incorrectly, it becomes difficult to keep a steady pace.

References:

How to Use Trekking Poles