How To Use Hiking Poles Properly ( WHW Ep4 )

Do you use trekking poles for hiking? You are probably using them the wrong way and in this video I show you how to get the most from them and talk about how they could even help you live longer.

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[StephenJReid]

Some other points I didn’t mention that I’ve been reminded of.

SIZING: Ideal height is being able to hold the pole with your arm at a right angle. Some people prefer slightly shorter, some slightly longer. Good idea to start with adjustable pair to experiment.

Can be a good idea to not use the straps in certain circumstances. Steep technical descents, crossing rivers. In case you get the poles snagged which can pull you over or trap you.

Search for Nordic walking courses near you if you want to get professional training. It’s not expensive and more qualified instructors around than you might think.

[mrnobodieswildcampingadventure]

At 62 years old I find with a heavy pack that trekking poles are a God send! I can travel further, less fatigue and more important no issues with joint strain or pain! Using them correctly is also a factor to be utilized as Stephen shows!

[turdwarbler]

Another pro tip (white water kayak coach), when crossing rivers, streams, anything with fast flowing water, first unclip your rucksack, then remove your hands from the pole loops.
If you fall into fast flowing water (and it doesnt have to be deep), a rucksack or poles can jam in the rocks, and against the flow of water it can be very difficult to release yourself.

[spuds]

Pro tip = when using poles going downhill ( particularly when running), do not use the straps. If the tip gets caught in a rock crevasse or a crack in the trail you can let go of the pole, way better than stacking it strapped in.

[waxman]

Nice one Stephen. Another issue people have by holding them the"wrong" way is that if you stumble/trip causing you to fall, the first thing you will do is let go of the poles and put your hands out to save yourself. Holding them the "wrong" way causes them to stay in your palm and your hands will hit the ground with them. Hold the the way you described will cause the poles to drop away, less likely to cause injury. Try it.

[rodoutdoors]

I rely on trekking poles. It's nice to transfer some of the load to my upper body. Saves my knees on steep downhills. My hands don't swell since my arms are pumping blood. On uneven ground it keeps my hips straight. In heavy brush/poison oak, I can push it away. With flies and mosquitoes I can shoo them away. When encountering wild pigs I'll makes myself big and bang the poles together. It's needed for my trekking pole tent or tarp. Great video demonstrating them.

[ianwatson]

Walker in my 40s and trekking poles have been a massive boost for my walking. I was getting to the stage of nearly giving up on long-distance walks cos of how my knees could be. But did the WHW last April with poles and my knees were no issue

[tammywright]

Great video - thank you! Yes, I pulled my poles out and walked up and down my driveway after watching twice. Taking these tips with me for my WHW trip in a couple months.

[Collected]

This makes so much sense. Using poles always felt so awkward to me and now I know why. Especially the strap part. And what a stunningly beautiful location for a gear usage lesson!

[gordontweston]

I have that dream! It turns to almost flying above the ground then. Love it

[bbjunkie]

4:00 that’s exactly how I was carrying my ski poles when I fell and dislocated a thumb. Got a real hard time about it afterwards as was “doing it wrong” may be different for walking but be careful if you fall, natural reaction is for hand to open out and it can’t land flat due to pole restricting thumb movement. Enjoying this series of vids, keep them coming, and look out for those pesky haggis they’re everywhere!

[cathafloat]

Lots of good advice, thank you. When I decided to start using walking poles, I signed up with Nordic Walking UK for some tuition sessions. It was well worth the money, being guided by an expert. It’s very easy to think you are Nordic Walking without doing it properly/efficiently. They also run weekly walks, which I joined, up until the pandemic.

[Llyander]

This is honestly a really useful video. I'd always wondered just what the point of the poles was!

[totomesch]

At Concise, compact & to the point. Fantastic info & very well presented Stephen. I'd requested a wee time ago now, to a different 'outdoors' Youtuber, a video about poles & how to use correctly (all that happened was I got 'trolled' in the comments section). I'm at the age now, 50, where they are a huge benefit and can make the world of If used PROPERLY. I knew that I wasn't getting 100% of the full benefit that poles offer but wasn't sure in what area (grip, angle, process, etc, etc) I needed to look at. Thanks again, an upload of real benefit. ATB

[stuartwright]

Massive fan of Pacerpoles these last 18yrs. Ergonomics certainly have been best for me. Enjoyed your vids 👍🏼👍🏼

[deaneager]

Great video - it's a much overlooked topic, and I rarely see people using trekking poles correctly.
A couple of points I'd add (forgive me if you covered these points, I watched your vid a few days ago and I've slept since ;) ):
- you can, and should, adjust the wrist straps. Correctly adjusted straps mean you'll push the pole down and backwards with outer edge of your hand, rather than having to grip the handle tightly. In fact, if you're doing it properly you'll only need form a ring with your thumb and forefinger to lightly hold the handle.
- another way they can extend your life is that they can be used to check the ground in front of you, especially bog, or water depth.

[alanslade]

I new that I've watched many Nordic walking and country skiing, I'm very impressed with ALL your knowledge Stephen. And 10 out of 10 for putting that out there. TOP Man see you soon on the next instalment of the Highland way.cheers, ⛺💯👍

[alexandergilmour]

A midge jacket is essential kit for Scotland especially if you are using a bivvy rather than a tent, that was an excellent informative video

[sandyknight]

THANK YOU!!! I've clearly been using these so wrong - to the point I couldn't see the benefit and have reduced weight by just bring one for probing deeper water as I hike across shallow rivers (to find the best position to take my photos!) NOW I know better...I've very much been looking forward to this video so Thank you so much! Looking forward to trying this properly now 🙂

[EmsWolf]

Great advice, used this technique on Monday and much easier moving.