Hiking is a fun pastime and an excellent way to get or stay in shape. No matter who you are, there is something you can find to enjoy while on a hike through the woods or on local trails. Anyone who is going to get serious about hiking will want to ensure they have the proper gear, including a good set of hiking poles.
There are several reasons to use hiking poles, from balance to weight distribution. But, while many hikers do use hiking poles, they may not be properly using them. This can render the poles ineffective, and some hikers will not use them when they should.
This article discusses the correct use of hiking poles, including how to use poles while hiking on hills. Let’s get started.
Why Do You Need Hiking Poles?
There are several reasons you would want or need to use hiking poles. For instance, those with certain health conditions, including Parkinson’s disease and MS, can benefit from the added stability of poles in maintaining their balance.
Poles can also help those with osteoarthritis or who are overweight, helping alleviate joint and muscle strain while hiking. You will be able to walk longer distances while feeling less fatigue.
People use hiking poles mainly for added stability, especially on rough terrain. In addition, hiking poles help you burn more calories because you will add an upper body workout to your hike and provide stability.
How to Use Hiking Poles
You will get the best benefits when hiking poles are used correctly. Therefore, it is essential to properly grip the poles and coordinate the arm and leg motions, particularly when going up and down hills.
Proper Grip
The first thing is to learn how to grip the poles correctly. You should be relaxed, holding the poles in a way that allows them to rotate back and forth between your forefingers and thumbs. There are usually handgrips that will help you maintain your grip, which should be relaxed.
A tight grip will end up tiring your wrists and hands. Obviously, you can grip harder if you are slipping, but once you are stabilized, you can loosen your grip and continue.
Proper Arm Motion
While hiking with poles, your elbows should be close to your sides. With each step, flick the opposite pole forward. So, if you step out with your left foot, you will move the right pole, and vice versa. This is simply a flick of the wrist, and with a loose grip, the pole will pivot forward correctly.
Opposite arm and leg motion is critical; you will be off-balance if you move the same pole and leg at once.
Walking with poles with the proper gait may take a bit of practice, so you might want to use the poles around your home, including on stairs, to get used to them. While walking, drag the poles behind you, and watch for the opposite leg and arm pattern.
Once you see how it works, you can bring the poles up so the tips touch the ground each time you step. Then, you really don’t have to worry about pushing the poles hard against the ground or using any forced movements.
Planting the Pole
Once you get the hang of this motion, you can plant the pole lightly on the ground for added stability. Let the pole touch the earth lightly before flicking it again with your next step. For an added workout, you can bear down on the pole. This will also give you more momentum when hiking uphill or on uneven terrain.
It is important to remember that when using this technique, you should put pressure back and down.
Double Poling
There will be times when you will want to use a technique known as double poling. Generally, you will use this technique while going up and downhill, going up and down stairs, or stepping onto a curb.
Double poling involves flicking both poles at the same time. You will still be using that same swing and drop technique. However, instead of flicking one pole, both will be moving simultaneously. This will create an easy motion, and you can walk up to four steps ahead before swinging the poles once more.
Basically, you will be swinging the poles when you need added stability.
Once you have learned this technique, you can start moving a bit faster. Allow your arms to relax and use your shoulders for each movement of the poles. The tip of the poles should be hitting the ground just behind your body. This is a lot like Nordic walking, giving you added propulsion needed for hills and stairs.
Using Hiking Poles on Hills
When using poles while hiking downhill, loosen the straps or even remove your hands from the straps because they can press into your hands. This will give you as much as 10 centimeters of additional pole length, which will make it easier to brake because the poles will be ahead of your body rather than parallel to it.
Then, work down the hill using small steps while keeping your knees relaxed.
If you are hiking uphill, the poles should be close to your body and not planted ahead. This is because you will be using the poles to help push you up the hill, and if they are ahead, you will end up pulling yourself instead.
Conclusion
If you are doing a lot of hiking, invest in a good pair of hiking poles. It won’t take long to get used to them, and before you know it, you will be taking longer and enjoying more of the great outdoors.