How To Use Trekking Poles

Here are a few tips on how to use trekking poles so that you can hike longer with fewer aches and pains. Trekking poles are highly recommended as part of everyone's hiking gear.

• Hiking Uphill: Shorten your trekking poles to keep balanced and prevent overextension. On each pole plant, your elbows should be at a 90-degree angle.

• Hiking Downhill: Lengthen your poles so that you stay upright and balanced. This will reduce the stress on your knees and back.

• Hiking on the Flats: Your trekking poles should be set so that your elbows bend at a 90-degree angle.

• Get the Best Grip: Always use the wrist straps. Hold the pole up by the end of the strap so the grip is dangling below. Put your hand through the strap, bring your palm down onto the grip with the strap running between your thumb and forefinger. The strap will run across your palm and loop around your wrist.

If you would like to add some speed to your stride, push off with each plant of the trekking pole. Then release your grip slightly to accellerate it's forward swing.