TOP TREKKING POLE TIPS // 5 Tips & 5 Reasons for using trekking poles 

Do you use trekking poles? Do you like to use two or just one? I switch back and forth. I find some mountains in the Adirondacks I drop to a single pole that I switch between hands.

One thing I do is that I have mine marked with a stripe of white paint (my poles are black) at the same height my boots are, so I know if the depth of the water or mud will be higher than my boots are.

Can’t wait to try the straps from below. I’ve been using them the other way for at least 15 years without problems but I’m super curious. I really like using the straps and putting weight on them. Really helps with hand fatigue. For me, the poles are game changes for knee pain going down hill. I was a college rower and high school distance runner and have challenging knees - particularly with arthritis as I got into my 50s. But where I have nothing but pain without poles going down hill, I have zero pain with the poles. Zero pain. Comically, while doing the hike to Angel’s Landing at Zion last year, a guy my age’s daughter begged me to talk to her dad to convince him to use poles. He thought they were for senior citizens or non-tough guys. Anyway, I let him borrow my poles for a couple of hundred down hill yards and converted he was. I love double poling on steep uphills as you suggested. It makes climbs massively easier. Lastly, on a hike in Yosemite two weeks ago, I left my poles in the car because the hike was dead flat around a lake. About 6 miles in, the trail was completely flooded, think 3 feet deep. So we decided to scramble around the flooding. That turned into an epic climbing, boulder and log scramble through dense brush for 2-3 miles. And, of course, I wrenched my knee slipping on a wet boulder after climbing over a downed log. Result? 5-6 miles of intense pain in my right knee and I wouldn’t have fallen if had had my poles. So, I’ve since bought the 3 part collapsible poles that will always travel with me and might replace my telescopic poles. Miraculously, my knee was 100% fine the next day so we were able to hike for 6 more days. Pro tip, if you visit Yosemite, do not think of missing Sequoia National Park if only for a day trip. OMG. Amazing.

I use the straps exactly as you suggest, with an extra tip to be used going downhill. When the slope is steep, while placing the poles in front of me, I like switching my grip on them with placing the palm of my hands on the top of the handles. It allows me to keep my wrists aligned with my arms, with a very strong hold, and it is very easy to switch to the regular grip on the fly. I have been using that for skying for decades, and it is just natural for me to use those skills for hiking too.

I used Trekking Poles for the first time today. I have gotten very unbalanced , because of having 3 back surgeries. Using the poles were easy to use, once I realized how award I have gotten. I was walking on the concrete by the pool patio, which made it easier. I will be going out into the yard soon. Your video helped me out ! 😊

i call it 4 wheel drive for hiking! its saved my knees coming down the mountains and saved my legs going up ! ( saved my ass a few times too)

Excellent Video

Thank you for this great video. Cheers from Brisbane Australia

Another tip; on that top section where you've got the Gorilla Tape, also add a wrap of retroreflective tape. One more bit of visibility when you have to park away from the trailhead and hike the road back to the car at twilight, and something else to make you visible if you need a rescue at night. Plus it's so much easier to find all your gear while packing up camp to set out at first light if everything that's easily missed has a frickin' beacon to glow from your headlamp.

Well done! I came to find out how tall I should make my poles (and I am glad I checked- I had the wrong idea), then I found all this other great advice, including from the excellent comments.

Very clear and helpful

Thank you so much for your tips! I’m starting trekking @73 yo!

Thank you. I just bought mine, and this was a great video about the correctly size and use them!

Excellent video mate!

thanks for making this video lots of great information!

Great tips 👍

Thank you 😊 I really needed this information

Thank you that was useful

Loved your presentation. Direct, clear, on point!!! Thank You Mike!

Thanks for the info on using poles i recently purchased a pair and realized i needed help in using them properly

Nice video with great tips/advice.

Great info Mike!!! Its the exact checklist I go through with anyone new hiking with me, especially with some of us advancing through our years. Amazing what any one of those little tips will do! Jeff

Great video Many thanks from Canada

Kudos and thanks for a well organized, informative and enjoyable presentation.

Great video! I'm actually making some walking sticks on my lathe now. This helped with final design. New subscriber. Enjoy your content. The "How to ID trees in the winter" video attracted me to your channel. Great job on vids, btw!!!!

I just bought trekking poles this week. This is the best video I've seen and there are many of them. I'm a beginner and this video has been a huge help, thank you!

Clear and useful info. thanks. I just bought a pair for stability as I age and this has been very helpful.

Thank you for the info, I am just in the exploratory consideration of hiking seriously. I believe trekking poles will be instrumental in enjoying the hike and a safe return.

I was skeptical about trekking poles - that is until I hiked the 26-mile ultra at Letchworth park with them. It made such a difference. Now I won't leave home without them. Great video, Mike. Thanks for solidifying my decision to purchase trekking poles.

I have watched scads of nordic/hiking/pole videos and finally found this one. It was perfect and exactly what I needed.

Good stuff....thank you!

Amazing tips! I’m definitely buying trekking poles!

Great video. Very good points. Been using for years even though I have a love/hate relationship with them. Primarily use one.

Thanks for the tips! I love using trekking poles! Makes hikes so much better and less pain on the body.

Your advice for how to hold the poles is spot on. In 1998, I climbed in the Alps with an Austrian who was a professional guide who had spent an earlier career with Komperdell, the pole manufacturer. He introduced me to hiking poles, saying, “Pros always use poles (or ice axes, if appropriate). Amateurs usually don’t.” He also showed me the correct way to use the straps, just the way you showed. Almost no one was using poles in the States in those days. They are much more common now, but few hikers no use them correctly. Most keep a death grip on the handle. Your reasons for using them are also spot on. They save energy, knees on descents, and generally keep you upright in dodgy situations.

Thanks. Good information ⭐⭐⭐

Thanks Mike, Love the tips! I don't step on a trail without mine.

Absolutely excellent instruction/review, thank you very much. I have been using poles for ultra events but not making the most of them. You have helped my learning journey continue.

Tip#1 is great!

I have early Parkinson’s and find these are great for stability and helping me keep arms moving for balance

Intersting facts ❤good stuff

Useful video! I just got trekking poles as an alternative to a walking stick so I can get out and about over mixed terrain with my dogs while I wait for recently re-torn ankle ligaments to strengthen back up .. fallen in love with how natural they feel in comparison to crutch or walking stick .. think I will actually use these permanently like I should have my walking stick if I could have got on with it .. I tore almost right through most of the ligaments in my ankle a few years ago and have had permanent instability in it since .. look after your joints folks, you’ll end up regretting it if you don’t !!

really good info! i don't use the straps and i have an an extended grip on my poles so i generally leave the poles at one length and just move my hands

Thank you for this excellent primer! My wife and I just bought trekking poles and you've helped us avoid the rookie mistakes we surely would have made. Your advice and clear demonstrations are greatly appreciated!

Thanks for the tip. Etleast I’ll look like I know what I’m doing!

I've been using trekking poles for a couple years now. I find using one pole easier on trails with rock scrambles. On my trip up Macomb and South Dix, I liked one pole going up the avalanche slide because I could grab onto rocks and use the pole. Two poles are better in the winter in my opinion. I have a set of Black Diamond poles which are amazing !!!

Nice video! But going to disagree on removing the rubber feet from the tips, I find I get better purchase on most surfaces with the feet on, also less sinking into wetter/softer soils. Definitely rubber feet off in winter.

Thanks! Now make a lots sense due to falls and accident during hiking and climbing. i will looki into of getting pair for my hiking next time i go on step hike

Great tips! I just bought a pair because the Army decided to keep most of the cartilage in my knees, lol. I will apply your advice and let you know how it goes!

Hi OC, great advice and I wish this had been published before my hike in the Lake District( England). Tip 1 is very useful to know. I can't tell you how many times I had to stop to adjust the grip because it was so annoying when I didn't need to use them on the flat. The one you advise would have been better as I would have been able to just drop them and have hands free. The tip about making them longer on downhill stretches is brilliant took me a little while to figure it out but at least on the long and steep downhill trek back to base, I'd cracked it and stopped the lean over if they're too short which obviously means all your weight is forward and there's no balance! Great tip. On tip 5, the funny thing is I'd lost the rubber tip which came off in a crack going uphill ha ha! But then I found it easier just using the tip. On scrambles near the peak of the mountains, I found it easier to trust hands and feet and feet and simply maintain 3/4 points of contact however walking the ridges and gradual climbs and descents- poles are great. Wish I had them 25 years ago! Keep up the great work and hope you can get to the UK sometime

NICE JOB 🙂👍🏻

I never used trekking poles until trekking in the Himalayas. Since then I've seen the benefits, where before I just thought they were silly & for lazy people. I also, before that, climbed Mt Kilimanjaro in severe weather without trekking poles. We had to go as much as 20 feet away from the usual path to avoid water over our heads, & we were still in water above my knees. Trekking poles would have definitely helped. I've saved this video in my contacts to share with others who think like I used to. ☮️💞🙏🏼

I am a trekking Pole and I totally agree with your video.

I've been using some Leki poles for about 2 years and wouldn't go hiking without them. This past vacation I used a tip you gave to great success. On a trail on Beaver Island, Michigan about 1/3 of the trail was a narrow boardwalk that snaked through a marsh with a couple of areas of creek. I didn't have enough width for my poles and shoes on the boards so I used them in the creek bed and marsh. Made it super easy to keep my balance!

Awesome video and tips! That pole length tip was great. I'll use it for my upcoming mountain marathon. I started using poles in 2016 when at 30 I noticed my knees took a beating and realized I couldn't run downhill as I did when I was 10 years old Love the: they're good to fend off a dog, hope you don't meet a bear haha.

Very helpful video. No non-sense approach.

I was able to double my walk time on the first day of using poles. It was amazing! And so fun!

I pretty much always take at least one trekking pole on hikes (unless it's a paved surface). Not only does it help with stability, but with snakes, etc. we might encounter.

It wasn’t a trekking pole but I injured my hand in the exact way you described on a ski pole a few years back which needed surgery to fix and a big ol’ cast for a while…not fun so highly suggest everyone pays attention to the tip on the straps!

Wow the "go through the bottom tip" helped! Now the poles naturally go in that backwards angle. Don't even have to think about them anymore. Poles made a big difference for me; since I train upperbody I no longer have extra weight that isn't doing anything!

Definitely going to try your strap suggestion. I usually don’t use the straps at all. Sooner or later I will probably lose a pole.

If you like 'em, carry 'em. For me, they're just extra weight that gets in the way. I have a pair, but they never leave the garage unless I'm snowshoeing, when stability is actually an issue. I might start carrying them regularly when I'm 90.

Thanks for the tip Mike. Is there a particular brand you like? I know they can get awfully pricey. I do the the cork hand grips and the handles on a slight angle. Thanks again for your help.

I only insert my four fingers and palm through the straps - leaving my thumb out. You have to adjust the length of the strap so you can lean on the straps to reduce the amount of grip you have to use. It's a hybrid to the method you showed and if you take a tumble down a steep slope, the poles can fall away and reduce the risk that you'll break an arm if you roll over your pole.

Awesome video, I agree 100%. You left out not getting swollen hands. Also what brand do you recommend?

I went on a hike on the weekend I have a very weak abdomen because I’m overweight and sit for work, my main issue was not fatigue but the back pain will these alleviate some of the back pain I wanted to continue but my back would give out, I’m thinking of going back with these sticks and maybe create a routine until I reach the top

What about removing the straps/lanyards. People who use walking sticks don't use a lanyard or strap do they? Are they an asset, or just a fashion that is assumed a benefit?

I like them because I feel safer with them. I have pepper spray, but I feel the poles add a layer of protection as we as being functional.😊

I dont like to use any sticks. I rely on continuous use of balance..and practice regularly on rough terrain. Never have liked having to carry something in my hands..but use a small back pack if needed. Grew up in the mountains of East Africa...yes walking stick were used by the natives regularly in case of needing to fend of wildlife...i.guess just depends on personal preference.

1) While trekking on wet rocks or boulders, don't you think there are chances of the pole bottom to slip when exerted body pressure since they don't dig there causing risky body disbalance? 2) Similarly, on such surfaces, shouldn't the rubber covering more surface area at the tip of the pole give more traction and grip than a pointy metal tip which can slip any moment? 3) What is your opinion about using 2 trek poles of 2 different brands in 2 hands with same height though? Informative video. I do Himalayan treks, being from India, and have two trek poles.

its in addition to my 10 essentials..

Regarding the carbide tips on the trail: in some places they are forbidden because they are causing damages. In this case you need to use the rubber tip.

Hey! Are you still using the instinct 2 watch?

I get why you would use them but we're not evolved animals, would they help with lower back osteoarthritis?

do they detach so you can fit it in a suitcase for travel

I really need these for the downhill. I really hate downhill, but my knees hate it more.

HOW ABOUT A WALKING STICK ? WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS , TY FOR YOUR VIEOS

I’m putting the gorilla tape on my poles tonight. Great tip.

I’m new to hiking and bought some after seeing this. Costco win 😂

Now it gives me a good reason to get tracking pole dut to age haha!...

When I see I need a trekking pole, I pick up a branch or stick. In some situations is vital.

That’s it I’m gettin trekking poles

i see the value in all the incidental extra ways poles can help but just to walk? unless you’re frail - poles seem to limit your adventuring ability as you’re hands are not free. you can’t climb over boulders and trunks as quick and easily - they are just in the way. you look like a fit enough person but using the poles you’re not learning to use your body - it’s keeping people clumsy and reliant on something they don’t need if they just learned to use their energy and shift of weight - which is the best part of hiking - not just to walk easily like you’re walking on concrete

I read that your arms are supposed to be at 90 degree angle so I was gunna return mine assuming I was too tall for them, but I notice yours are not at a 90 either

How did you turn your trekking pole into a selfie stick?

I carry a hickory stick, you have to keep one hand open for quick access to your firearm should the need arise.

The grip you use correct but the reason you use it is wrong. The actual reason is so you actually let go of the pole while walking to rest your entire arm and shoulder. Then as you bring your hand forward with the strap adjusted properly the grip will come right back into your hand in the exact same position every time. Cross country skiers use this same grip while trekking or racing. The poles are slightly different but their use is identical.

I tried using trekking poles on a few hikes and hated them. I left them at a trailhead for anyone who wanted them.

Protection against animals. #1

Use my poles to knock spyder webs out of my way. Used to gentle guide a snake on his way.

I like the t-shirt, first thing I noticed! Tight in the arms and chest but loose in the front... wait.... that's a different advertisement 😜

Never used poles just get in the way especially over rough terrain

Don’t break your fall with your hands. Rotate onto your butt. Wrists aren’t meant to break your fall. Take it from a derby girl

*center of mass Your body doesn't have gravity.

Just get rid of the wrist straps

Thats littering! Lol

Lol I'm guessing that those poles you're using are just for demonstration purposes seeing there not set up correctly

Evolution? Ridiculous 😅

In Scandinavia no one is using trekking poles. We use poles for skiing only.

You lost me at we evolved. 🤦‍♂️