How to use trekking poles--video

[tomnorth]

Here is a link to an excellent short video on how to use trekking poles. The vast majority of pilgrims that I saw on the Camino Francés this fall were using their poles in a manner that gave them no propulsion or shock absorption. This video explains what is effective and why it works. When you're walking 20-30k per day, efficient use of trekking poles can make a big difference.

 

[ScooterB]

Thanks, that's really helpful!

 

[Rob the Slob]

Yep, that's how I use mine. A couple of tips I'd like to add:

When walking on the level it's easy to go too fast, as your feet try to keep up with the swinging motion of your arms. This can put strain on your shin muscles. I've been experimenting with pushing more deliberately from my knees in these cases, instead of pulling with my ankles -- basically using my thighs more than my lower legs.

Some trekking poles nowadays have grips extending down below the top grip. Mine (Leki Corklites) don't, but I wanted this feature nevertheless for short uphill stretches where it's not worth shortening the poles. So I bought some of the tape that tennis players use for their rackets (or maybe it's the stuff used for field hockey sticks -- can't remember anymore, but either will do) and wrapped it round the first 5-6 inches of the topmost sections of my poles. I then secured both ends using reflecting tape for added visibility.

 

[Seabird]

After a few hikes with my new poles awhile ago, I could tell I wasn't using them right. I felt more tired with them than without them. I watched a similar video and saw I was making all the mistakes he mentions. I think the most common mistake I see is using the straps incorrectly. The video I watched had a clever way of "imprinting" the correct strap position: The rabbit (hand) comes up out of the hole and grabs the carrot (grip).

 

[Robo]

A good video. But I think it still misses a critical point, particularly when walking on level ground. You need to exert force down through the poles. Not just 'hold' them. I'm not sure how this could be measured, but I estimate a 5kg downward and backward force when walking on level ground.

You can 'feel' the boost it gives you....up and forward.....

Remember your physics..... Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I always carry poles, for balance and not propulsion. In fact I don't like putting pressure on them with my arms, perhaps because as a woman I don't have much upper body strength and tire easily. And I find I would need to take two steps for every swing of the arms. Time to go the gym and work on those bicepts? I would really like to attend a clinic that would teach me how to use my poles more effectively but without tiring.

 

[dougfitz]

The explanations of how to grip the pole, uphill and level techniques are very good, but there are alternatives to the downhill technique that was demonstrated. That is to lengthen the pole enough so that you can maintain the grip around the handle, rather than placing the palm over the handle. I find that this gives greater control over the placement of the tip for each step as well. There is also a recommendation to remove the rubber pole tip. This might be okay on gravel and soil paths, but it is preferable to have the rubber tip fitted on pavement, tarmac, etc.

 

[tomnorth]

A good video. But I think it still misses a critical point, particularly when walking on level ground. You need to exert force down through the poles. Not just 'hold' them. I'm not sure how this could be measured, but I estimate a 5kg downward and backward force when walking on level ground.

You can 'feel' the boost it gives you....up and forward.....

Remember your physics..... Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

Good point. He could have made that more clear. You actually do have to push off with the poles.

 

[newfydog]

I watched a video on some people who hiked the entire Pacific crest trail from Canada to Mexico in record time, and they all used their poles in a variety of ways, including what we are often told on this forum to be "wrong".

Do what works for you.

 

[Seabird]

A good video. But I think it still misses a critical point, particularly when walking on level ground. You need to exert force down through the poles. Not just 'hold' them.

I agree, although if the straps are adjusted to the proper length and are around your wrists the correct way, then the force is exerted by the arm. Otherwise someone might think a strong handgrip and hand strength is needed.

@Anemone del Camino -- I am a weakling, but found that once I understood how to use the poles, they aided my strength, so I felt less tired, not more.

 

[Robo]

I agree, although if the straps are adjusted to the proper length and are around your wrists the correct way, then the force is exerted by the arm. Otherwise someone might think a strong handgrip and hand strength is needed.

@Anemone del Camino -- I am a weakling, but found that once I understood how to use the poles, they aided my strength, so I felt less tired, not more.

Good point. There should be no stress on the hand/wrist. No 'gripping' required. I found it effortless. No aches and pains.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I agree, although if the straps are adjusted to the proper length and are around your wrists the correct way, then the force is exerted by the arm. Otherwise someone might think a strong handgrip and hand strength is needed.

@Anemone del Camino -- I am a weakling, but found that once I understood how to use the poles, they aided my strength, so I felt less tired, not more.

Then I really need to find pole clinic, but all I seem to find is pole dancing classes. I am told they are not the same ...

 

[Seabird]

Then I really need to find pole clinic, but all I seem to find is pole dancing classes. I am told they are not the same ...

Yes, but that would be WAY more interesting!

 

[jumpingin2014]

When I did use the poles I didn't find it hard to figure out how to use them. As you go along you find the best grip and pole height and soon you get a steady even pace and you can feel the difference. The problem I had with poles was you feel kinda goofy walking on flat ground for miles on end with them and because of the added body coordination between the arms and your stride quite frankly I just preferred walking without them. I have read it reduces the pressure on your lower joints by anywhere from 3-5% which doesn't sound like much but when you multiply by 500 miles it adds up. I had ankle problems early on in the Camino and my next one I am determined to improve my chances by using walking poles/sticks and reduce my pack weight below 6kgs. For me it was just getting into my head I needed them and then figuring them out was not a big problem. The way the guy in the video went up and down steps seems intuitive to me - to get any benefit from using them.

 

[dougfitz]

The problem I had with poles was you feel kinda goofy walking on flat ground for miles on end with them and because of the added body coordination between the arms and your stride quite frankly I just preferred walking without them.

I certainly don't have a problem using them on flat ground, in urban areas, etc, etc. About the only time I will put them away is in really crowded spaces in cities. What always looks strange to me is people who have them stowed on their pack, where they are providing no benefit at all and only adding to the pack weight. That's goofy.