You're Probably Using Trekking Poles Wrong

This video is sponsored by Saily.

In this video, I share 6 common mistakes that hikers usually make when using trekking poles. They range from gripping the trekking poles incorrectly or using the straps the wrong way, to incorrect positions when hiking. I also share some benefits of trekking poles and why you might want to consider using them.

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▼ TABLE OF CONTENTS
00:00 - Intro
00:18 - Benefits
01:19 - Mistake 1
02:28 - Sponsor
03:41 - Mistake 2
04:12 - Mistake 3
05:04 - Mistake 4
05:42 - Mistake 5
06:10 - Mistake 6
06:39 - Outro

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▼ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE
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[stefanoberli]

Happy to say that apparently I'm already doing everything right. Trekking poles are good on terrain up to a certain difficulty, imo. You need to know when to put them away and use your hands to balance and grab hold of things..

[tomb]

I used to roll my eyes at people using trekking poles. Then, I used them. I'm hooked. I consider them essential gear.

I was lost in the woods in Maine. Only meant to do a little 5 mile hike. I've never been there before. Was totally unprepared. Underdressed. Zero gear with me. The trail blazes were awful. Before I knew it, I was lost. It was getting dark and cold 30F. My sweater was soaked in sweat. My only hope was to get to the car. I was dead on my feet tired. (Had done two other hikes earlier in the day) If I stopped or fell, I'm sure I'd have froze to death. I picked up two sticks and made "trekking poles." They kept me upright and going. Without them, I would have fallen from exhaustion or loss of balance (it was nearly pitch dark) I will never go in the woods without being properly equipped again. That includes trekking poles or a walking stick.

On another trip, a pole saved me from unknowingly walking off of a cliff and falling 50 feet. I was pushing through super thick, tall grass with rocky ground. I was using a pole to feel for unseen boulders under the grass. I plunged the pole down and felt nothing. Looking more closely, I discovered I was standing very close to a sheer drop. The grass was growing up to and over the edge.

Lol. I'm bringing the poles.

[higler.]

Gotta say, very classy how you did the advertisement. You added a timestamp and even a little duration bar at the bottom. Also, great tips! Much respect!

[charliemoosmann]

Hi Oscar, i totally agree with all your explanations but one. In downhill movement, we teach the hikers to go out of the strap, so in case the are falling, the poles can be thrown away from the hiker to prevent injuries. We had cases of poles breaking and then piercing the hikers thighs, so we started to teach this technik with major succsess.

[obliqueangler]

Like ice axes and ski poles, if the strap is adjusted properly for length and I put my hand through the strap from the bottom and hold onto the grip over the straps, the straps help support my weight that I'm putting onto the poles so I don't have to grip the poles as tightly with my hands. That significantly decreases the amount of stress put on my wrist and forearm muscles and the overall amount of energy expended over a day of uphill & downhill hiking.

[Metiumo]

I’d also suggest not putting too much of your weight on the trekking poles when descending very steep terrain. This autumn in Patagonia, I saw a man who had to be rescued by helicopter because one of his poles failed and he ended up diving head-first into the rocks.

Great video as always! Greetings from Argentina 🇦🇷

[clayeewing]

Twenty-five+ years of using trekking poles has long shown me the benefits. Stabbing down to stop a sliding foot; pushing hard up a mountain path with a full pack; even just setting a rhythm on the flats; poles used properly save one from falls, save energy going up, even saving one's fingers from feeling like sausages after a few hours. Downhill use has often stymied me, but I still make it work as you see in this video. Lucky for me, Leki had a short video all those years ago and I realized I was doing it wrong (and, thus, couldn't figure out a real benefit for them). And in the ensuing years seen thousands of people who have never seen this or any other video--or even read the instructions that come with the poles--and seem to use them as fashion accessories. It's hard to keep my mouth shut watching someone struggle up a hill with the poles tucked into their pack, but to each their own.

[mctaguer]

I've used my poles a few times now on fairly steep terrain with unsure footing; also once during low visibility. I think the poles saved my life; certainly kept me from falling numerous times. I got poles based mostly on recommendations and hoping to lessen impact on my knee--my expectations were modest. After one hike on terrain, I was pleasantly surprised 1) how much they improved my footing and balance and 2) over the course of a long day, how much they saved my knees (especially going downhill).

[augtsu]

Agree 100% with the tips you shared. Many of them are common sense but my wife needed to hear it from a person like yourself, not just from me. Thanks for sharing.

[carmenmartinez]

Thanks for the advice! At 67 with osteoarthritis even though I can no longer do long hikes this helps a lot since in spite of everything I’m still tent camping and enjoying nature just not backpacking.

[MattiTrails]

You're gripping them too tightly. Check out how the cross country skiers do it. The strap needs to be tight, the grip of your fingers loose. – Matti

[Vellzi]

I'm just starting out and you're one of the 4 other hiking channels that I've really liked. Feels like real wisdom and not just an ad. Also, I love the 'to the point' approach in the editing and your teaching style. Some of the other channels I've subscribed to are Americans and I love those people but oh boy they sometimes take a while to get to their point! Thanks for the videos

[charlescarlson]

Spot on Oscar! I’ve used trekking poles for over 50 years. It never ceases to amaze me how many folks use them incorrectly. There lots of bad info out there, you’re good.

I was taught correct way to put on skiing poles when I was maybe 4. Never understood why it was done that way but I've done it that way ever since. Now I understand! Thanks :)

[bobmatch]

I found that the rubber tips are useful if you are hiking over boulders. the plain tips may slip on the hard rocky surfaces which can be a problem if you're going downhill!

[earthjustice]

Lots of good info here. In my trek in Iceland I was taught to put all my fingers through the loop, except for the thumbs which wrap part way round the pole. That worked like a charm from then on and I haven't looked back. Before that I wasn't using the loops at all and was considering cutting them off.

[hiw]

The video is a good confirmation for how I use my trecking-poles for years already -- mainly following my own experience.

[grahamnewton]

I have used poles for many years and agree with this video. The only thing I would add is that on very steep climbs on certain terrains I sometimes find it useful to place both poles ahead of me on the higher level and use them like a handrail.

[markram]

Glad to know I’m using poles correctly! I’ve always been a huge advocate for trekking poles and finally convinced my friends to get some. But it always shocks me how often I see hikers using poles incorrectly or not at all since they think it’s only for balance.

[iaina]

Good video.

A good tip for new users of poles is "It takes time to get used to them"
I hear a lot of people say that they tried them once and couldn't get on with them. That's normal, most of us feel like that, you have to get used to walking with them. It takes time but is totally worth it.