Gear Guide: How to use Trekking and Walking poles

Follow the basic steps below for hassle free walking pole use.

Walking with poles gives you a feeling of security, balance and confidence. Once you get used to using trekking poles on your adventures, you won't want to walk without them.

1) Using Trekking Poles

2) Benefits of using Walking and Trekking Poles

3) People who could benefit from using trekking and walking poles

4) Using one trekking pole or two

1) Using Trekking Poles

Here I am discussing the use of walking and trekking poles and assuming that most people will be using the 3-section adjustable type poles such as the Leki Makalu Trail Poles, for hill-walking and trekking. Nordic walking technique is covered in a separate article.

First you may need to adjust the height of your trekking pole.

The three main reasons for using trekking poles are that they offer Support and Stability, Reduced Effort and Propulsion.

Support and Stability: Walking with poles offers a permanent handrail providing extra support and balance particularly on uneven ground, steep ground or for those who need extra confidence for example when tired.

Reduced Effort: Leki trekking poles help reduce effort to keep you going longer and there is evidence of reduced impact on knees. Using poles can reduce the stress placed on joints, ligaments and muscles. Walking with poles can spread the burden of weight carried and they can also benefit your posture while walking, improving breathing and reducing the feel of the effort.

Propulsion: Using the poles to 'push off' from the ground as you move is a technique used to increase your forward motion. This is used increasingly by fell runners, adventure racers and of course in Nordic Walking.

2) Benefits of using Walking and Trekking Poles

The two main benefits from using trekking poles are Stability and Propulsion.

The first and most obvious benefit is improved stability. Once you get used to using poles you are much more secure on all rough terrain and they are great on snowy winter walks, although not to be used in place of an ice axe!

The second advantage of using walking poles is propulsion. When used with good technique poles can dramatically increase your stride length and walking speed over any kind of terrain. By pushing yourself forward with each stride you bring more muscle [from the upper body] into the “going forward” movement, hence the improved pace. Experiment for yourself, or look out for the summer training courses we run and advertise on the site, and come along. Best results are achieved when you push back with the pole at about 45 degrees and move the arm from the shoulder joint rather that the weaker elbow joint.

See our articles on “ What is Nordic Walking” for more on this

3) People who could benefit from using walking or trekking poles

People who…

hike regularly for fitness and enjoyment;
walk distance on undulating terrain;
do hilly walks with steep ascents/ decent;
carry heavy backpacks;
have knee problems;
have weak ankles;
want the confidence of a hand rail;
want to develop upper body strength;
want to use the upper body to move faster …can all gain benefits from using trekking poles.

4) Should I use one walking pole or two?

Generally speaking, if you're travelling easy terrain with no load, one pole may be sufficient. If, however, you're travelling varied terrain or carrying a load, you'll want the support and stability that two poles will provide you.

Good Luck, and please remember to look out for more gear articles here in the future.

Pete Kelly