How to use trekking poles the proper, improper and ...... my way
Рет қаралды 455,470
7 жыл бұрынIn 2016, I thru-hiked tha Appalachian Trail in a short window of 100 days. One of the biggest reasons I was able to complete my journey was how I used my trekking poles to stay free from pain and injury.
This video I will demonstrate the "Proper" and "Improper" techniques as well as my unconventional way.
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Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate links in this video description as well as my gear lists. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
A few recommended Trekking Poles:
Men's Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock: bit.ly/2TWcoVI
Women's: bit.ly/2Oc0rpE
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork: bit.ly/2FkDjSW
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Z: bit.ly/2FlE5iG
Most Affordable:
Black Diamond Trail Back: bit.ly/2OedcA7
Leki Carbon Ti: bit.ly/2OeGBKr
Leki Micro Vario Carbon: bit.ly/2FlaSV3
Leki: Micro Vario Ti COR-TEC: bit.ly/2OeGBKr
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Olympus O-MD E-M5 Mark II- amzn.to/2o8wyIn
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12-50mm - amzn.to/2oZptyo
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Rode Videomicro Shotgun Mic - amzn.to/2oZiqWC
- TriPod -
MeFOTO Carbon Fiber Roadtrip - amzn.to/2opZFbz
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Link to my Finalized Appalachian Trail Gear List:
www.geargrams.com/list?id=38365
Link to my $1500 Complete Ultralight Gear List:
www.geargrams.com/list?id=40442
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www.geargrams.com/list?id=38142
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@React2This Жыл бұрын
So happy to have discovered this video. I’m 68 years old and have decided to become active again. The motivation came from witnessing a dear friend becoming bedridden during the final months of his life. When I’m not feeling inspired to walk or do one of my easy hikes, I remind myself that there may come a time when I can’t do these things, and to do them now with gratitude.
@undergroundchuckeytennesse2526 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for video... first part excellent info... one thing I do and always advise anyone interested in using trekking poles is to set the upper part of pole close to max length as that part is thicker and sturdier. Set the bottom part as a lesser length as this part is not as strong as upper and a misstep or a fall will be less likely to bend or even break the pole.
@golfgirl1619 6 ай бұрын
Thank you for this tip!
@IncogNito-gg6uh Жыл бұрын
This video on technique just happened to be the first I opened. It was a fortunate choice!
@janicechiaretto7082 3 жыл бұрын
I am so happy I never realized that trekking poles were real tools and not something the elderly and 'fraidy-cats needed lol. Being semi-elderly myself, with a so-so hip, I thought my hiking days were behind me. Not so! The use of poles is a revelation! Thanks for giving me my love of walking , um, trekking, back!!
@mrosomane5647 7 жыл бұрын
Excellent! I really enjoyed your explanation of your technique and why. Very helpful.
@mimikcute4662 6 жыл бұрын
For a while, my favourite trekking poles have always been a pair of bamboo poles I made myself. They are plain, but heat-treated so stupidly hard. Watching your guides encouraged me to add a paracord strap to each of them.
@stopasking9745 2 жыл бұрын
Did you put like a polyurethane or shellac on them?
@k1001001 5 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I'm new to hiking and trekking poles, and this was a huge help.
@anitavaughn1968 5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for posting this. I had issues with stepping down and this will help. I have a bad back but still love to hike.
@gspieler 2 жыл бұрын
This is one of the best info on KZfaq about trekking poles. Thanks so much.
@jw934 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the outtakes too. Really made me appreciate not just the expertise you shared but also the effort you took to share them in such an enjoyable video. Learned lots. Thank you.
@markofsaltburn 4 жыл бұрын
I really appreciate your clarity and expertise - thank you!
@gnasha8146 5 жыл бұрын
valuable information, thank you, loved the out-takes
@ericsimons6712 4 жыл бұрын
I never knew how much I needed this video!
@hhmstead 6 жыл бұрын
Having suddenly lost the vision in my right eye, I decided to try poles rather than a cane. I'm on a learning curve & your video was super helpful!
@justwalkjapan6010 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this video. I'll try the technique you showed. Maybe it will help my seriously old knees.
@monicawolf9234 6 жыл бұрын
Dude! Thank you for these great tips on proper trekking pole techniques! Came in handy yesterday especially on the descent of a very slippery trail ...lots of snow melt, and mud. Remembered this video about pole position and weight distribution
@janetfreeman9189 3 жыл бұрын
I just got my first trekking poles. I didn’t know there was a left and a right, or how to use them correctly. Good explanations and demonstrations.
@ThePurposeFullLife 4 жыл бұрын
This video helped me SO MUCH on my first big trip a couple weeks ago!! Thanks for the intel!!
@hawthorneantilles6755 5 жыл бұрын
This was so helpful! It's amazing how many trekking pole videos feature the death grip-I had no idea it wasn't normal! What you say makes so much sense....
@parthshirish 4 жыл бұрын
Sir, You are a great mentor, Thank you for giving me a jump start on using hiking poles.
@2wheelsrbest327 4 жыл бұрын
Thank you for posting this. Having just brought my first pair of TP your information will I am sure prove to be very useful to me.
@MrMage1104 6 жыл бұрын
THANK YOU!!!! Ive had quite a bit of knee pain while hiking the AT. Never knew there was a different way other than the death grip!
@ngumbo 5 жыл бұрын
Great demo, Bigfoot! and I liked that you showed your personal technique, some creative thought there.
@gregraines8082 7 жыл бұрын
Great video, especially the out takes. Many similarities to cross country skiing, such as the grip, flat terrain and ascending techniques.
@Ray_Here 7 жыл бұрын
Great tips! I used your techniques hiking this week in Colorado. Never really needed trekking poles before but with the steep up and down terrain they were a huge help. Thanks!!!
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
+Rmarvids Glad it helped! This is probably one of my best tutorial videos I've made IMO. These techniques were what got me to Katahdin in 100 days
@Musicman2012Now 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this! I just bought my first poles and had no idea what to do with them. Your video has helped greatly. By the way, anyone who has hiked the AT has my respect. Perhaps one day I can do it. If Grandma Gatewood can do it at 67 and then again a couple years later, there is still hope for me. I look forward to more of your videos!
@dougturner790 6 жыл бұрын
I just wanted to give you some feed back on this video by saying thank you. I watched it a few months back and learned a lot in a short time, and now whenever I'm hiking it comes to mind. Thanks again.
@igotn0thin 6 жыл бұрын
Very informative and clear. Started out curious to see what your method was and pleasantly surprised to see it is very similar to how I just naturally ended up using mine over the last few years of hiking with poles. Love how it allows quick changes in grip, not just for terrain or slope, but for variety. It's helped prevent fatigue in my hands and blisters.
@k311ydcart3r 7 жыл бұрын
Not all trekking poles are made in left and right configurations. For example, my Cascade Mountain Tech poles, which came as a pair, are exactly the same. The straps are cleverly designed to work equally well with either hand. Anyhow, great video. And I especially liked your coverage of the technique you developed based on what actually worked better for you.
@hemantheer9738 11 ай бұрын
Good point. I did end up removing the strap from one of them and restrapping it to fix this issue
@michaelbezoski3096 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you, very well done. As an old man that refuses to stop doing "walk about's" I appreciate you sharing your experience. Just my walking sticks alone have spared me "structural damage on many hikes. I subscribed due to your content & suggestions as what works for you plus your experience. I will search your channel for suggestions on hiking shoes & equipment as nothing (to me) every beats experience. Again thank you & stay safe....Mike
@lonelycrescendo 2 жыл бұрын
Your videos are so professional, like an actual course! Thank you for all this info, it could probably save lives!
@mrmrwebb 7 жыл бұрын
Bigfoot........my favorite thru-hiker! Thanks for passing along the skills and knowledge you have aquired! Much appreciated.
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
+Mike Webb Awwww, thanks Mike!!!!!
@Db-sx3du 7 жыл бұрын
Thanks for all the great information!
@sackett68 4 жыл бұрын
Just bought my first set of poles. Your video is great! Thanks alot for sharing it!
@pokemonmalaque 7 жыл бұрын
Awesome video. Learned a lot!
@denisesarazin6753 3 жыл бұрын
Excellent vidéo! I’ve been using my poles the “right” way for years but I’ve started getting the exact thumb/wrist pain you described so I’m going to try your way. I have kept my larger baskets on year round and it really prevents the poles from sinking in.
@notsure6716 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for making this video! I had no idea there was a proper way to use trekking poles until I watched this. I am in the planning stages of an Arizona Trail thru hike and knowing how to use the poles correctly has completely changed my hikes! Looking back, I can’t believe I ever hiked without them. Your tips even changed my husband’s mind about trekking poles. He thought they were a popular but mostly useless item and now he wants a pair. Thanks again for this video and for improving my hiking experience.
@blakew5672 5 жыл бұрын
Never thought about ascending with poles the way you show, I always ascended with them out front. It does help, but probably not as efficient as you show. Awesome video!
@georginaparker3681 4 жыл бұрын
Very informative. I've just started using trekking poles and this is the best instructional video that I've seen. Thanks for your time making this video.
@davidsmith-ri3fi 7 жыл бұрын
Excellent video my friend. Your best yet IMO . I have watched you from the beginning , your pre AT videos . You are a better man now IMO . Thanks for sharing.
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
+david smith You are very welcome. Thank you for the kind words and support
@PE11779 4 жыл бұрын
This is fantastic advice and methods for a beginner! Thank you for posting. :)
@limulus61 7 жыл бұрын
Bravo Bigfoot! At 3:22, I gave you the thumbs up. I have not thru-hiked, but I've been on a crusade when it comes to trekking poles and how to properly use them. Too many people don't know how to properly grip them. I have back pain nearly every day. When I'm wearing a 25lb pack and using my poles, I rarely feel discomfort. My other crusade is toilet paper all along the side of the trail, but that is a different story. BTW, I followed you all the way last year.
@alantaylor6691 4 жыл бұрын
Are tru-hikers littering all along the sides of tru-hike trails with toilet paper? I assume that is females doing a number one, as most males don't use toliet paper for number ones and for numbers twos both sexes are not going on the side of the trail anyway? I'm in Australia and haven't done tru-hiking, but when I do a couple of hours hiking which is nearly everyday, I carry a freezer bag in my pocket and all little tissues and rubbish goes in that during my hike. I devote one pocket to my rubbish, making it a priority. Because the freezer bag is in my pocket easily accessible, I'm far more likely to actually take my rubbish out with me as I don't have to think about whether I could be botherered to take off and open my pack to stow my rubbish.
@msmit245 4 жыл бұрын
Huge help mate! I’m new to Washington state and the terrain will beat me up! I love hiking and now I know how to leverage my poles properly. Thank you!
@jefftrimm7806 7 жыл бұрын
Now I know how to hold onto the pole properly! Thanks!
@AlexBartok 4 жыл бұрын
Follow Bigfoot, thank you for this! The video is not only very helpful but also very pleasant to watch. You have a very good style of presentation and explanation. I subscribed. :) Thanks again!
@phrekkleface 5 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for this. I just ordered poles this morning and didn't know what I didn't know about them. This was really, really helpful.
@FollowBigfoot 5 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@WheretheJones 6 жыл бұрын
Love it very helpful. Doing EBC with the kids here in April.
@diligante 4 жыл бұрын
today is my first day hiking using sticks like these. Thanks for sharing your tips. super cool
@SkyDawg108 7 жыл бұрын
Thanks. Excellent vid. Well-paced, info-rich, clear narration and thought-provoking alternatives to the conventional wisdom. Congrats on your 100 days to Katahdin!
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
+SkyDawg108 Thank you!
@MsSparkleyspice 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for these tips. Previously I only walked with one pole and struggled so much with my knees on decent and these techniques have helped tremendously.
@e.s.l5861 5 жыл бұрын
I’m new to trekking poles, thanks for the tutorial, well scripted and informative
@mattm8269 5 жыл бұрын
Great thorough video. Thank you sir!!!
@derekhill635 5 жыл бұрын
This is a wicked informative video. Every hiker should watch
@MsHp311 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for discussing and demonstrating the use of trekking poles. Much appreciated
@julessanchez9216 5 жыл бұрын
Very nice video, good info. I I like your poles, I have the exact pair and I love mine.
@txhypnotist 6 жыл бұрын
Great instructional video. Thanks for sharing.
@FollowBigfoot 6 жыл бұрын
+txhypnotist 👍👍
@barnaclebill1615 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks Bigfoot. I was really lost before watching this video on proper techniques. I don’t ski so I have no idea. I’ll end up watching this a couples times more to get all the ways down. Love the outtakes too!!
@davidterrie7661 4 жыл бұрын
As a Sierra hiker where we run into huge granite steps, when ascending I'll push off with both poles to make the big steps up easier. Also, I shift my hands so the top of the grip is in the hollow above the base of my palm, and I can push directly down on the top of the pole. I find this gives me better leverage without having to cock my wrists. Better ergonomically. I'll do the same on steep descents and large steps down. Still easy to control poles. One other note as an older hiker: I try not to rely too much on the poles for balance. If you do and you miss a pole plant, you may fall. I often train without poles to encourage proper balance. Works for me. YMMV.
@snoo333 7 жыл бұрын
appreciate the video. new to this and it was helpful...
@Gusto20000 4 жыл бұрын
I sometimes use alternative technique like yours when I just want to change the grip for a while and let my wrists rest. Also on descends I thought I was doing it wrong, but I lean with all my weight too
@CLLeigh 7 жыл бұрын
Nice when someone actually knows what they're talking about....Thanks!
@turkeyphant 4 жыл бұрын
Would be good if you could actually hear him though...
@jpdrummer86 4 жыл бұрын
Jon turn up your speakers
@revmalika 3 жыл бұрын
Great video and information on how to use the poles. Thank you!
@guardianx1328 5 жыл бұрын
Great video. I'm hiking the AT in a couple of weeks and I'm so glad to learn how to properly use my poles. Thanks a bunch and I will continue to watch your vids.
@FollowBigfoot 5 жыл бұрын
Hope this helps you on your journey on the AT. I just got back from hiking across Scotland and was of the few hikers with no injuries during the trip. I have never had an injury that has inhibited me from hiking day to day since I used this technique along with having a UL load and stretching BEFORE and AFTER hiking every day
@metoo9360 3 жыл бұрын
So, how was your trip?
@nikolagovorko7196 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for making this video, simple and to the point guide.
@geraldhenrickson7472 4 жыл бұрын
This was a great primer on poles. The logic of what you present is impeccable yet I mostly take the poles for defensive purposes and to hold up my tarp. I am too lazy to search for fallen branches. HOWEVER, if you completed the AT in just 100 days...I shall give it a try. I can use all the help I can get. Thanks for the video.
@Bhamlunker 5 жыл бұрын
In paddling racing - each stroke is critical over distance - efficiency is crucial for longer hikes like that so this seems awesome advice! Enjoying your channel
@keithshwalbe6981 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing your skills and experience with us.
@angusdyson248 3 жыл бұрын
At last, an indepth, no nonsense, video, from someone who has been there, done that, with trekking poles. Answered all my questions, without all the "bulls*+t" of "flashing lights" and fancy dramatic editing! Perfect.
@jaschroeder59 5 жыл бұрын
Very informative and beneficial. Thank you!
@kathrineswango 4 жыл бұрын
Best video I’ve seen on using trekking poles. Thanks!!
@cindyvermillion7866 3 жыл бұрын
Great instructional video for those new to hiking like me. Thank you!
@placentahelper1 7 жыл бұрын
Excellent video
@intacc2392 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you Big Foot for this invaluable information. Keep up the good work. I'll go to your affiliate associates to look for my equipment.
@What_If_We_Tried 7 жыл бұрын
A lot of food for thought, and I liked the tip about swapping out the trekking baskets, for the XC skiing variety. I was going to order your Black Diamond poles you recommended, but because I'm on a tight budget, I just ordered the Montem Ultra Strong Hiking / Trekking poles because they are 50% less, and, slightly lighter as well. They should be arriving in the mail sometime next week. There are several good thru-hiker KZfaq channels, but I seem to be spending more time watching your videos lately. Appreciate all the time you put into these invaluable tutorials, as I start planning for my AT thru-hike in March 2019.
@CoderShare 5 жыл бұрын
I'll see you there random KZfaqr with my name.
@BobbyBubbles 4 жыл бұрын
Very informative video, I took a lot from it, thank you for your time
@edadan 6 жыл бұрын
Great video. Just bought two sets of trekking poles for me and my son but we were thinking about taking them back. After watching your video, I think I'll keep them.
@kenk2345 7 жыл бұрын
Good explanation of things and about the benefits of good load distribution between the lower and upper body when hiking with a back pack. Downhill descends are the biggest danger to the knees. And on descends, transferring that weight to the trekking poles mainly through the straps, not the grip. Making it a sort of feather-weight dropping to each lower level. thanks for these updates...to a long way, one must have good form. I've learned this in my running. And especially as we age, the value of good form and technique increases.
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
+jonnken Very true!
@LisaLaMagna 5 жыл бұрын
Thank you this is helping me correct some issues
@mixalis11111 5 жыл бұрын
Great guy, great video, and learned a lot. Thank you
@outdoorjohnny4794 5 жыл бұрын
This video by Bigfoot was inspirational to me and got me started with my own outdoor journey. I even started my own channel in hopes that I can help inspire/educate others as I learn myself.
@dylanlabiak 7 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the great video. No more death grip for me. Just got back from a 24 miler on the AT in PA...didn't have to use my knee brace once!
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
EXCELLENT!!!!!! Glad it helped Dyln!
@mdnite2941 7 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Good information on the different techniques of using trekking poles.
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
+frank sheffield Glad you found them useful Frank!
@SMcGee-nb8du 6 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for posting this video.
@KathrynLee50 6 жыл бұрын
Very helpful tips. Thanks!
@fbnc11 7 жыл бұрын
Thanks for making this video, it really cleared things up for me. Can't wait to try this technique. As always appreciate your effort.
@melvinhowell5469 6 жыл бұрын
Thank you...much appreciated!
@lanehollar9891 4 жыл бұрын
You are definitely smooth, very connected with these trekking poles. You look like one with them. Thanks for a great vid. I learned a lot.
@jerryparnell1064 3 жыл бұрын
Very good info. Learned a lot, thanks for sharing.👍👣
@onebackpackandavan4808 7 жыл бұрын
Learned a lot ! Thanks so much !
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
+One Backpack 😉
@dredredringoproject 4 жыл бұрын
I agree
@RenggaThe 4 жыл бұрын
Wow. this is amazing. You're not only sit and talk, but you give us the proper way with thhe poles. And you looking so damn good in green shirt. Watching from a small island in Southern Pacific, Sangihe island
@Katiebug4lake Жыл бұрын
Great informative video! I just recently bought trekking poles and you have the best instruction I’ve seen. Thank you.
@Woodenarrows 7 жыл бұрын
Subbed - I always use my trekking poles.... and the straps as they are meant to be used. I really like having the extra help they provide and extra balance points for rocky stream crossings, necessary log walks, etc. They are great too in heavy leaf cover to check for holes and drop offs.
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
+Woodenarrows 👍👍
@TYNelson 7 жыл бұрын
Very Informative Video. I have been binge watching your videos over the last few weeks. Great content your putting out there compared to others. Keep up the top notch videos. We all greatly appreciate it!
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
+TY Nelson Thank you so much TY!
@yhagood4119 Жыл бұрын
I just finished a 6 mi hike up and down a mountain using your technique and LOVED it!! I really felt I could leverage the poles to take more of my weight and there was less jarring. I showed my daughter how to do this and she agreed with me. I'm going to be using them from now on! I also could not find a difference in my poles. I think the way the straps are attached makes it possible to use it with either hand. Thanks for a great video!!
@bigdavekc1 6 жыл бұрын
Excellent pointers! You might mention Skiers' thumb or Gamekeeper's thumb which is a thumb fracture-dislocation that requires surgery to correct. it happens when your thumb is on the other side of the pole from the fingers, pushing the thumb out of place.
@darrellcrowson8588 3 жыл бұрын
Very informative. I never knew how important trekking poles could be for a longevity of my joints and for the enjoyment of my hikes
@47Custom 4 жыл бұрын
For my 30 year anniversary I got a set of Trekking poles, since I never had or tried using walking poles before, I was looking for some good information on how to do things right before starting any bad habits. And what's the first thing I learn is that the poles should be marked Left and Right. As I look at my poles no markings and I notice that both poles look correct on my left hand but not the right. Has to do with the padding not coming over my thumb on my right hand. These are Coleman AntiShock (Green in color) and I have sent a message asking about this problem with the poles seem to be both Left handed. Thanks for the excellent Video, out of all the other videos I've watched no one talks about which pole for which hand. Keep up the good work. Thanks! Wes
@michaelboatright3469 6 жыл бұрын
Really good informative information. At 68 years young it's important to avoid injuries.
@Fortuneadventures 2 жыл бұрын
Sup brother. Love your channel. I'm out hiking all the time...it's my therapy. I've learned a lot from your channel. Preparing for the AT thru hike. The time is approaching. I can't wait
@oscarhuynh8066 7 жыл бұрын
Appreciate the video. Just bought the family their first trekking poles & thanks to your video, we'll be using the proper techniques this coming weekend vs last weekend. I also liked your personal technique, which looks like it will alleviate pressure differently for the hand & wrist.
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
+Oscar Huynh It worked amazing for me! You'll love the poles once you get used to them. I can't hike without them.... feels like walking without shoes or something, it's weird
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