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Maximize The Use of your Walking Sticks
By Editor | February 10, 2008
You probably spent many days out hiking without a walking stick, and found that you don’t need one at all, but once you have hiked with a set you will never go back. There are just so much benefits you wonder to yourself…why didn’t I think of using a walking stick earlier?
There are so many advantages to using a trekking or walking pole such as reducing fatigue and prevention of overuse injuries primary by absorbing up to 20 percent of the impact on your legs and back associated with hiking and negotiation challenging terrains.
Trekking or waking poles also assist balance and can increase your hiking distance or pace (swinging your arms naturally speeds up your stride).
However, poor walking technique with a trekking pole can minimize the benefits, so follow these tips below to maximize the use of your walking stick.
1. Adjust pole length –
When you are hiking on a level trail, your elbows should form a 90 degrees angle. When hiking an incline or climbing , the poles should be shortened so that when you plant one pole on the slope, your arm remains below shoulder height.
For descents, lengthen the walking poles until you can comfortably place them just ahead
of your feet.
2. Proper Form is Key-
Plant a pole with each step, right forward with left foot keeping your elbows bent. Make sure you do not reach too far, repeatedly reaching with the pole too far ahead can lead to sore shoulders.
3. Always use two Poles –
Using one pole paddling a canoe with one paddle on one side only. It just doesn’t give you a whole lot of control and it makes no sense.
With the use of two poles there are benefits like absorbing more weight and stability. This is important as the terrain becomes rougher and steeper.
4. Low Impact –
When hiking or walking on normal level dry surfaces, place rubber tips on the trekking pole, and avoid planting poles in weak vegetation (slippage).
Rubber tips should not be used on steep and wet rocks, as you may require the sharp point to dig in and provide resistance.
5. Relaxed Grip –
When hole the walking stick, place your hands up through the straps from the bottom, then grab the handles lightly.
Lean on handles lightly as you use the trekking poles with a relaxed grip, a tight grip will waste your energy.
6. Imitate Nordic Skiers –
For gradual uphill and downhill inclines, make sure you plant the trekking poles just behind each foot to increase stability.
7. Let the poles do the work –
Sharp inclines or ascents can be difficult. To use your walking pole properly, lean slightly into the pole. This will absorb more weight.
To not slip on confusing downhills, tilt forward over your pole and keep your knees bent.
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Topics: Articles, Camping, Hiking and Backpacking | Comments Off on Maximize The Use of your Walking Sticks
