Hiking or trekking provides challenging aerobic exercise that you can get just about anywhere as long as you have an interesting place to explore outdoors. With the sport’s popularity, hikers started demanding, then investing in, expert equipment to help them traverse more trails. Similar to ski poles, trekking poles provide hikers with extra support, especially for more demanding and longer treks.
Benefits
Although some hikers believe trekking poles are often cumbersome and impossible to store when they’re not needed during a hike, new technologies have improved trekking poles and have made them collapsible and more portable. They’re especially useful when it comes to longer and more difficult hikes. “Extremely popular in Europe for years, more and more Americans are realizing the benefits of a quality set of trekking poles,” according to Outdoorplaces.com. The main benefit of using trekking poles for hiking is the instant pressure relief you get for knees, especially when it comes to downhill and lengthy hikes. “When you hike with a set of trekking poles you are balancing the weight distribution and shock over four limbs, instead of two,” according to Outdoorplaces.com. Overall, legs have it easier with trekking poles, so they work a bit less and endure longer hikes better. Arms get a good workout also since they’re engaged in maneuvering trekking poles.
Adjusting Poles
Although trekking pole makers often recommend pole adjustments for any change in terrain, it’s not necessary in most instances, according to Backpacking.net. You’re likely to quickly feel frustrated with constant pole adjustments. Instead, adjust poles as needed--for more extreme changes in hiking terrain. For changing pole length, adjust the top and bottom parts of trekking poles by “unlocking” them; then extend and lock the poles in place so that you can feel where the poles will fit you best. Next, adjust one trekking pole accordingly, so the “top of the pole is 5-8 cm (2-3 inches) below the armpit,” according to Backpacking.net. After adjusting and locking that pole in place, use it as a guide to adjust the other pole. Ideally, you want your poles adjusted for uphill and downhill trekking. Pay attention to trekking pole manufacturer's recommended pole length limits.
Adjusting Hands in Straps
Put your hands in through the bottom of the straps to grip so that if a hand slips, the strap will help to catch you, according to the “Proper Trekking Pole Strap Usage” video. Also, adjust straps for a comfortable grip and for applying pressure when needed. “It should not be necessary to grip the pole tightly with your hand in order to apply the pressure,” says Backpacking.net.
Holding Poles
Avoid maintaining a “death grip” while holding poles, according to Outdoorplaces.com. Continuously holding poles too tightly will only strain your hands. Instead, distribute the weight evenly across the palms of your hands through straps. When hiking, think of trekking poles as arm extensions helping you to negotiate the terrain, says Backpacking.net.
Trekking With Poles
Avoid unnecessary movements with your trekking poles such as swinging back and forth movements with steps, according to Outdoorplaces.com. Trekking poles do provide your arms with exercise, but you get no benefit from extra movement. “You should plant your pole and leverage off of it with each step you take,” according to Outdoorplaces.com.
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