Trekking poles are modern, manufactured versions of the traditional walking stick. Although a convenient, stout branch still does the trick in a pinch, many hikers use one or two trekking poles made of aluminum or carbon shafts. Most models can be adjusted in length.
Level Hiking
On basically flat terrain, adjust your pole so your forearm is parallel to the ground and at a 90-degree angle with the pole when you walk. Depending on the brand and model, trekking poles typically are adjusted by twisting and pulling or pushing, activating a lever or dealing with a similar locking device. Determine a walking rhythm with the pole that suits you and feels comfortable. Exercising your arms in the reverse of your legs often works best--with a pole in the left hand working forward while the left foot is behind, for example.
Negotiating Slopes
When heading uphill, shorten your trekking poles; when descending, lengthen them. Some people find it most comfortable to adjust the pole height to whatever setting allows your forearm to remain at a right angle with a pole, regardless of the slope aspect. Synchronizing your pole and associated leg strokes can help give you more power and control in these situations. Traversing a slope, particularly a steep one, means lengthening your down-slope pole and shortening your up-slope pole to retain stability and balance. Whether you are climbing, descending or marching across a slope, your rhythm usually should be a bit slower than on level ground so you can keep abreast of the changing terrain and avoid obstacles. Make sure any rock you brace a trekking pole against can support your weight. Also, make sure the tips of poles don't jam between rocks; if a pole catches, you could be thrown off-balance.
Stream Crossings
Trekking poles also assist in fording streams and rivers. Be careful, though, when setting the poles; the tips can easily become stuck between rocks, amid branches or other submerged detritus. Use poles to scout the water depth before each step and to test the firmness of the substrate. In a particularly volatile crossing, simply hold the pole grips, instead of tethering your wrists to the hand straps, in case you lose your footing in the water. In "The Backpacker's Field Manual," Rick Curtis suggests using a trekking pole especially on your upstream side during fords.
Other Techniques
Trekking poles can serve non-hiking purposes, such as propping up tarp shelters. They also can be wielded in dense vegetation to clear a path.
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