Hiking poles: Why, how & what. Using hiking poles (trekking poles).

Hiking poles, sometimes called trekking poles, are an important aid to hikers and walkers of all ages, but particularly to older hikers. Hiking poles help with stability, avoid falls, assist in weight transfer to the upper body, and add security near drop-offs.

Hiking poles are usually made of aluminum or carbon fiber. Aluminum is less expensive, but is prone to bend.

The cadence for hiking poles on a level surface is usually three points or contact, but on a large uphill or downhill step, a two pole plant assists in weight transfer and results in safer and less fatiguing travel.

The tips of some hiking poles can be replaced, but the popular Cascade Mountain Tech poles, sold at Costco and sometimes called “Costco Poles,” do not have easily removable tips.

Hiking poles may be a bit awkward and inconvenient, but they allow for safer hiking, a compromise that countless hikers and walkers choose to make.

Hiking poles or trekking poles are an essential piece of equipment for the older hiker (senior hiker), middle-aged hiker, and any hiker who seeks assistance with balance, safety and avoiding falls.

This video was mostly recorded on a Rim to River to Rim day hike at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.

#hikingtips #grandcanyon #olderhiker #brightangeltrail

[seraj]

After so many years of hiking I find your presentation so refreshing, sincere, and useful. Thank you for the effort of producing these videos.

[AdamRiver-mmwc]

I agree with you, hiking poles are important for all hikers but essential for older hikers.

[melbanks]

The most honest hiking pole video I've seen so far, thank you.

[Jondantic]

Thanks for the video. Love the eyeglass metaphor. I’m in Australia aged 59 have been hiking for 30 years and only this year have used hiking poles. Agreed that hiking/trekking poles have changed the way I can now enjoy the outdoors. At the end of the day they make the experience safer, Easier downhill, better balance on slippery river crossings and generally feeling more confident moving

[barbarapaine]

Thank you for this very helpful video. I have adult degenerative scoliosis. Without poles, I can walk for 15 minutes without pain. With poles, I can hike for 5 miles with a bearable amount of pain. I tried them on a whim, and I wish more drs and physical therapists were aware of how miraculous they are. I have foldable carbon fiber poles that I take on trips, but I use aluminum poles for my hiking, because if a pole breaks, I would be in trouble. I wish more disabled people knew about their benefits.

[boostedshuttle]

They have saved me more times than I can count. A must add to anyone's hiking, tramping kit.

[dojonim]

I own two (2) sets of Costco carbon fiber poles and have replaced the tips on both with black diamond tipsI simply place the lower section, tip down in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes, grab the tip with a pair of pliers ( so as not to burn your self ), and twist and pull . If they do not come off.... cook them a little longer.This method works every time. BTW great video !

[kennyw]

I find the best reviews (positive and negative) are from viewers and is why I read through them. I don't trust "ads" one bit, especially on YouTube, and especially regarding healthcare products and remedies. Thanks.

[AbbNewton]

Useful information provided by someone who obviously has experience. Thank you.

[franrautiola]

I broke graphite poles 2 different times and went back to aluminum poles, I have bent one but never broke one, as you said how you position your hand is a personal decision. I keep my poles the same length. going down a big step I place my hands on top of the poles, uphill poles are used when needed to take weight off my feet on a high step or most any step uphill. Smooth level trails I will generally just carry the poles in my hands. Thanks again for posting an interesting and informative video

[edcatt]

The place to use trekking poles at an angle behind you, that I have found useful, is on open, less rocky, and gentle up slopes. That way, by exerting even a slight push, your legs and entire body, get a small boost. It's a small effect, but it adds up over the long haul. Of course, going up really steep terrain you might shorten the poles, or put them away for a while. I find the slight forward push of the poles when used behind me, saves my energy for a longer time. But whatever works for the individual.

[sheilahenry]

2nd time to watch & will not be my last. But I’ve seen & thank you
One thing I learned today is take the plastic tips off.

[tigertoo]

Some UNESCO sites may have rules making rubber tips mandatory- to avoid the carbide tips damaging the paths if used regularly like visiting Machu Pichu.

[BadDadio]

The audio level on the videos I’ve watched is very low compared to other youtube videos. Please increase the mic gain. Otherwise excellent video.

[Smashycrashy]

The most important point (imho) of the video is proper strap usage around 3:58 time mark. He also has lengthened the straps such that his fingers are (properly, imho) down at the second finger groove. The strap being like that allows very little grip required which adds up in a long hike but still allowing full weight on the poles. But you also get the ability to rapidly lengthen and shorten the pole with simple hand movement and not needing to actually adjust the poles.

Second point, I have the super expensive poles and the cheapest poles. Unless there is a specific feature you absolutely need I would err on the side of getting the cheaper poles. I use the expensive carbon fiber folding poles for backcountry treks and ultramarathons. But most of my hiking before doing that stuff, the cheap Cascade Mountain Tech poles were excellent and I have thousands of miles on those cheaper poles.

[ahilbilyredneksopinion]

Frum one oll feller ta the other, im lovein yer content.keep it

[immnotaboutthatlife]

Would love to hear your thoughts on using one vs two hiking poles.

[ervinslens]

Fantastic upload my friend, you presented this so nicely!

[steveowens]

I'm from Illinois but started out hiking on trips into the mountains. I've always used a staff, which provides many of the benefits you mention. Because I'm not using a strap, I can switch hands for challenges on either side, and I have a hand free for adjusting hats and the like. I can see that four points of contact would be safer. If you have experience with a single pole or staff, how do you think that compares to a set?

[sheilahenry]

Have you seen Spuds by Dutchwear? It’s magnet things that attach to poles & on your backpack. Just flip them up & they attach. At least on their video 😂