Walking Pole Instructions

Wikimedia Commons

Some trekkers love walking poles, and others scoff at them. Walking and trekking poles offer some advantages, such as weight distribution along the arms. This might not matter much for a day hike, but for a cross-country trekker carrying a heavy load, or a trekker with bad knees or ankles, it can be critical.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1

Thread your hand under the loop of the pole's strap and grip the walking pole's handle.

Step 2

Adjust the strap so that it has a good fit, but not a tight one. You want to be able to get your hands free if necessary.

Step 3

Do not grip the pole's handle so tightly while it's in use. A properly adjusted strap should be doing all the work.

Step 4

Note these hikers have poles set to elbow height.

Adjust the length of the poles. Most poles come in two or three sections that are tightened and loosened by rotation. The poles should be set so that they are at elbow height for use on level ground. This is the base setting.

Step 5

Re-adjust the pole length whenever they are to be used on a prolonged climb or descent. A slope will change the pole's relative height, eliminating its ability to help you distribute weight. If you see a slope and think you will spend a long time, adjust the poles back to elbow height to help hold the load.

Resources

Article Written By Edwin Thomas

Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.

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