Gear中文
How to Use Trekking Poles: Sizing, Straps, and Rhythm
Ninety degrees on flat ground, shorter going up, longer going down — and let the wrist straps carry the load instead of your grip.
In short
On flat ground, set trekking poles so your elbow bends about 90° when the tip touches the ground. Shorten them 2–4 in (5–10 cm) for climbs and lengthen them the same amount for descents. Thread your hand up through the wrist strap before you grip so the strap bears the load, plant the tip beside your foot, and swing the opposite arm and leg together.
Setting the Length
- Flat ground: with your elbow bent to about 90°, the pole tip should just touch the ground.
- Climbing: shorten 2–4 in (5–10 cm).
- Descending: lengthen 2–4 in (5–10 cm).
- Traversing a slope: shorten the uphill pole and lengthen the downhill one.
Using the Straps
Put your hand up through the strap from below, then grip the handle so the strap lies across your palm. On descents, the load travels through the strap into the pole instead of crushing your grip — your wrist does less work.
Finding the Rhythm
- When your left foot steps forward, your right pole swings forward.
- Plant the tip just outside the foot.
- Settle into a steady cadence — think of walking on four legs.