All About Trekking Poles

What are Trekking/Walking Poles
Trekking poles are simply walking sticks and they take many forms, ranging from single staves made from found wood to pairs of sophisticated height-adjustable poles made from lightweight composite materials. This article is aimed at the user, or potential user, of purpose built walking poles, which have been both enhancing & improving the experiences of hikers and general walkers for many years.

What are the Benefits
A landmark study done by Dr. G. Neureuther (Physician) in 1981 proved that use of “ski poles” while walking reduces the pressure strain on the opposite leg by approximately 20%. Furthermore, while walking on level ground, poles reduce the body weight carried by the legs by approximately 5 kg every step. Move to an incline, and that reduction increases to 8 kg. Think about this in the context of a multi hour or multi day walk/trek. A more recent study with hikers was published in the American College of Sports Medicine journal, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. The study conducted at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 2001, showed that using poles lets hikers lengthen their strides, put less strain on their knees, and generally feel more comfortable. The hikers studied did not expend less energy, but the increase in stability made long treks easier. Effectively using two trekking poles reduces fatigue, increases speed (level, uphill and downhill), provides excellent stability, increases the distance that can be comfortably travelled in a day, and reduces accumulated stress on the feet, legs, knees and back.

For those tackling some rougher hikes with obstacles like mud, creek crossings & loose terrain, poles could turn out to be your greatest ally. Curious how deep that murky puddle is? Let your pole do the investigation. Maybe it’s a long slippery traverse across wet snow-grass in New Zealand, your poles will have you covered. Think of them somewhat  like engaging the 4wd mode on your car.

How to Use Your Poles
One of the legitimate complaints about trekking poles is that many people simply do not know how to use them correctly. As a result these people get little or no benefit from them and the poles can easily end up getting in the way. Fortunately the proper technique is easy to pick up and can be mastered with a little practice.

Pole Length:
Even though it is often stated that you can adjust the pole to suit the terrain, you will find that generally they can be set at the beginning of a journey and left for the duration. Completing the following procedure should result in a pole length that is a good compromise for both ascending and descending. Adjust the length of your poles as follows:
1. “Unlock” the upper and lower sections of both poles.
2. Extend the lower section of both poles to just less than the maximum limit and “lock”
the lower sections.
3. Stand up straight with shoulders relaxed.
4. Place one pole under an arm and adjust the length so that the top of the pole is half
way between you armpit and elbow.
5. “Lock” the upper section of that pole in place.
6. Use the fully locked pole as a “ruler” to adjust the length of your second pole.
Note: Adjustments to pole length should be made within the limits of the manufacturer’s recommendations and it might also help you in choosing which model, as it is imperative to get one that is long enough for you.

Wrist Straps:
The wrist straps are critical to getting maximum efficiency from your poles. They should be adjusted so that when the hand is inserted through the loop, the wrist can comfortably apply pressure to the pole. If you turn the loop over your hand like a ski pole grip it should not be necessary to grip the pole tightly with your hand in order to apply the pressure. Your thumb and fingers should merely form a “U” or an “O” around the grip. The area between the thumb and index finger becomes a point of articulation. While walking, the poles should act and feel as though the arms extend to the ground creating a second pair of legs. The poles should swing forward for the next step just as though they were legs. The grips can be used as necessary, but for the most part the poles should be loaded using mostly the wrist straps.

Terrain:
Level ground to slight uphill-
Poles are used the same as in cross-country skiing. Tips of the poles are behind the body. Left foot is forward while left pole is back and similarly with the right. Forcefully load the poles to aid in forward movement.
On steep uphills-
Left pole is planted at the same time as the left foot and similarly with the right. Load the pole to reduce the weight that the leg has to lift. Poles are even with the body for moderate upgrades and can be moved in front of the body for steeper inclines. Best to shorten the length of the poles so your hands are not at or over the height of your shoulders.
Slight to moderate downhills-
Descending moderate declines you can use the exact opposite of level to slight uphill technique. The poles are in front of the body. Left foot is back while left pole is forward and similarly with the right. Load the poles to control forward movement.
Steep downhills-
For these the configuration is nearly the opposite of when climbing steep terrain. Left pole is planted just before the left foot and then the right. Load the pole to help control placement of the foot. On slippery surfaces lean forward (the natural tendency is backward) and trust your poles. The poles will help maintain downward force on the feet to prevent them from slipping. On extremely steep slopes or rock steps you might place both poles in front and lower your weight down. Best to extend the poles so you’re not lowering your hands too far that you reduce your weight control.

Note: Practice the various techniques carefully to make sure that you are comfortable and safe using them and that you can learn the limits of the poles on different surfaces.

One Pole or Two?
All the above comments are about using a pair of poles. One pole will achieve some of the above, but not all. One is of course better than none but two will provide more than twice the benefit. If you have knee or back problems, intend to use the poles all the time or are carrying a load, I would recommend two poles. You could always try one and add a second later.

Types of poles
The two most common varieties of poles you will encounter are adjustable telescopic poles & collapsible folding poles. The former are constructed using a series of telescopic pole sections that lock together. These poles offer a great range of length adjustment, but still fold down to a fairly compact length. Some examples are the Komperdell range which are top quality and made in Austria. For those looking for an ultra-lightweight and collapsible option, the Black Diamond Z-Poles (they fold into a Z- shape) might fit the bill.

The construction of poles varies a lot between manufacturers and models. The two main pole materials used are Aluminium (tougher, heavier and cheaper) and Carbon Fiber (lighter, more expensive). Often often a mixture of both is used, which can combine the best attributes of both materials The hand-grips are generally formed from foam or cork, which type you prefer will simply come down to personal preference. In general the lighter and thinner the pole the more flex it will have. As such, a thicker, more robust pole may be heavier, but will also be stiffer and its durability might foster a longer lasting piece of gear.

The last word
In short, using poles has plenty of proven benefits, but don’t simply take our word for it. Try using poles for yourself & decide if they’re right for you. Particularly for those with pre-existing aliments or those tackling some long walks for the first time, using poles will be very rewarding.  Maybe it’s an endurance challenge like the 100km Oxfam Trailwalker that you’re training for. Or you’re soon to be embarking on an 800 km pilgrimage in Europe. Give hiking poles a chance, there’s a very solid chance they’ll become some of your most trusted and valuable gear.

Only a few years ago I was a ‘pole denier’ to appropriate the term from a colleague. Poles in my eyes were for ‘old people’ and not a young, fit, 20-something year old adventurous type like myself. After learning the hard way and finding myself hobbling around after some long walks, I have well and truly seen the light. It’s likely I’ll never embark on longer walks without my trusty poles again!