How To Use Hiking Poles Properly ( WHW Ep4 )

Рет қаралды 14,199

8 күн бұрын

Do you use trekking poles for hiking? You are probably using them the wrong way and in this video I show you how to get the most from them and talk about how they could even help you live longer.
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Пікірлер: 141

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

Some other points I didn’t mention that I’ve been reminded of. SIZING: Ideal height is being able to hold the pole with your arm at a right angle. Some people prefer slightly shorter, some slightly longer. Good idea to start with adjustable pair to experiment. Can be a good idea to not use the straps in certain circumstances. Steep technical descents, crossing rivers. In case you get the poles snagged which can pull you over or trap you. Search for Nordic walking courses near you if you want to get professional training. It’s not expensive and more qualified instructors around than you might think.

@spuds1002 7 күн бұрын

Pro tip = when using poles going downhill ( particularly when running), do not use the straps. If the tip gets caught in a rock crevasse or a crack in the trail you can let go of the pole, way better than stacking it strapped in.

@Fellmandave1 7 күн бұрын

seconded, or on exposed ground too.

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

Good point! And I often do this myself. Totally forgot to mention it.

@kevinparker9407 7 күн бұрын

Yes. I use T handles for this reason so I can hold them at the top going downhill.

@bcamping1 7 күн бұрын

I often rotate pole 180° and put strap between my middle fingers. Hiking the easy sections.

@mrst284 6 күн бұрын

So that’s the reason I get shoulder pain…I have been using them wrong all this time 🙄. Sound advice, thank you. One more question…is there a specific height I should set it too…handle to waist height for example??

@El-Jefe 7 күн бұрын

knowing my luck, when I go on my first wild camp I will hear you walking through a tunnel and sh*t myself 😂

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

😂😂 I’ll be lurking in the trees making weird noises

@littlegrandadoutdoors 7 күн бұрын

Don't forget they hold your trecking pole tent up . My lanshan2 wouldn't be the same without them...

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

Very true! I used the poles for my X-mid

@turdwarbler 7 күн бұрын

Another pro tip (white water kayak coach), when crossing rivers, streams, anything with fast flowing water, first unclip your rucksack, then remove your hands from the pole loops. If you fall into fast flowing water (and it doesnt have to be deep), a rucksack or poles can jam in the rocks, and against the flow of water it can be very difficult to release yourself.

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

Great points!

@rodoutdoors 7 күн бұрын

I rely on trekking poles. It's nice to transfer some of the load to my upper body. Saves my knees on steep downhills. My hands don't swell since my arms are pumping blood. On uneven ground it keeps my hips straight. In heavy brush/poison oak, I can push it away. With flies and mosquitoes I can shoo them away. When encountering wild pigs I'll makes myself big and bang the poles together. It's needed for my trekking pole tent or tarp. Great video demonstrating them.

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

Thanks Rod! Can’t say we have wild pigs here, yet. Some are arguing to reintroduce them so possible future hazard 😂

@waxman4207 7 күн бұрын

Nice one Stephen. Another issue people have by holding them the"wrong" way is that if you stumble/trip causing you to fall, the first thing you will do is let go of the poles and put your hands out to save yourself. Holding them the "wrong" way causes them to stay in your palm and your hands will hit the ground with them. Hold the the way you described will cause the poles to drop away, less likely to cause injury. Try it.

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

Away off to throw myself down a hill to test 😂

@frankthomsen2350 2 күн бұрын

I actually broke a thumb that way the first time i went skiing. My then-girlfriend afterwards told me "oh yeah, i saw you using the straps wrong". Well, learned it the hard way 😅

@gregoryoutdoors 6 күн бұрын

These poles are quite handy to catch a wild Haggis in Scotland as you said and then you use them walking poles as sticks to grill or barbecue by the fire when at camp, just pierce one Haggis onto stick and voilà - dinner/supper served, enjoy ;)

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

😂 haggis kebab

@alexandergilmour8451 7 күн бұрын

A midge jacket is essential kit for Scotland especially if you are using a bivvy rather than a tent, that was an excellent informative video

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

I bought a head to toe midge suit last year, hadn’t actually thought about using it to bivvi but of course that’s what it would be perfect for!

@bbjunkie 6 күн бұрын

4:00 that’s exactly how I was carrying my ski poles when I fell and dislocated a thumb. Got a real hard time about it afterwards as was “doing it wrong” may be different for walking but be careful if you fall, natural reaction is for hand to open out and it can’t land flat due to pole restricting thumb movement. Enjoying this series of vids, keep them coming, and look out for those pesky haggis they’re everywhere!

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

Ouchy! 😱

@alanslade2319 7 күн бұрын

I new that I've watched many Nordic walking and country skiing, I'm very impressed with ALL your knowledge Stephen. And 10 out of 10 for putting that out there. TOP Man see you soon on the next instalment of the Highland way.cheers, ⛺💯👍

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

Thanks Alan! 🙂

@BackpacksNSnacks 7 күн бұрын

The wife just purchased a set of poles to help with a dodgy knee. Great advice, thanks!

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

Knees of all kinds are grateful for poles 😁 Hope they help! 🙂

@techvillage 6 күн бұрын

Really good information about walking poles, and with your usual wit, make them also fun to watch :)

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

😁 Thanks!

@mrnobodieswildcampingadventure 6 күн бұрын

At 62 years old I find with a heavy pack that trekking poles are a God send! I can travel further, less fatigue and more important no issues with joint strain or pain! Using them correctly is also a factor to be utilized as Stephen shows!

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

yup! They are great

@deaneager 2 күн бұрын

Great video - it's a much overlooked topic, and I rarely see people using trekking poles correctly. A couple of points I'd add (forgive me if you covered these points, I watched your vid a few days ago and I've slept since ;) ): - you can, and should, adjust the wrist straps. Correctly adjusted straps mean you'll push the pole down and backwards with outer edge of your hand, rather than having to grip the handle tightly. In fact, if you're doing it properly you'll only need form a ring with your thumb and forefinger to lightly hold the handle. - another way they can extend your life is that they can be used to check the ground in front of you, especially bog, or water depth.

@totomesch1940 7 күн бұрын

At last.......... Concise, compact & to the point. Fantastic info & very well presented Stephen. I'd requested a wee time ago now, to a different 'outdoors' KZfaqr, a video about poles & how to use correctly (all that happened was I got 'trolled' in the comments section). I'm at the age now, 50, where they are a huge benefit and can make the world of difference..... If used PROPERLY. I knew that I wasn't getting 100% of the full benefit that poles offer but wasn't sure in what area (grip, angle, process, etc, etc) I needed to look at. Thanks again, an upload of real benefit. ATB

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

I hate how nasty and unhelpful some people in the outdoors community can be. It’s just selfish elitism. There’s no shame in not knowing something. You’ll find it still might take a few hikes to get into a rhythm, took me a while but I’m a slow learner 🙈

@totomesch1940 6 күн бұрын

@@StephenJReid Nice one. ATB

@sandyknight3910 7 күн бұрын

THANK YOU!!! I've clearly been using these so wrong - to the point I couldn't see the benefit and have reduced weight by just bring one for probing deeper water as I hike across shallow rivers (to find the best position to take my photos!) NOW I know better...I've very much been looking forward to this video so Thank you so much! Looking forward to trying this properly now 🙂

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

You’re not alone, I know other people that have done this. You’ll get a lot more from using both, just takes a bit of time to get used to it

@Glownlight 7 күн бұрын

Nice job on the video once again. I have tried poles before but never saw the benefit. I will have to try this out.

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

Thanks! Yeah the first time I used them I thought they were only useful for probing the group for muddy sections. Took a bit of time before it all clicked

@iainpaton1865 6 күн бұрын

6:04 Very interesting friend thank you for the information. 😊

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

You’re welcome 😁

@Collected1 7 күн бұрын

This makes so much sense. Using poles always felt so awkward to me and now I know why. Especially the strap part. And what a stunningly beautiful location for a gear usage lesson!

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

Glad you enjoyed learned something today! 🙂

@Brian_Chambers 5 күн бұрын

Thanks for this video Stephen, very useful information to know 👍🏻 I do own a set of poles but I’ve never really used them, I think I will definitely start using them a lot more and practice using them.

@tammywright6636 7 күн бұрын

Great video - thank you! Yes, I pulled my poles out and walked up and down my driveway after watching twice. Taking these tips with me for my WHW trip in a couple months.

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

Excellent! That’s what I like to hear, best way to learn is to do. 🙂 Have a great time on the WHW!

@erikclaasen639 7 күн бұрын

Yet another great and informative video

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@Rationalskeptic49 7 күн бұрын

Ordered the Harrier trekking poles yesterday, so your timing is perfect for me. Thanks for the very useful advice. Harrier also has a good series on how to use trekking poles as well.

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

I learned a lot of this from Harrier! I’d been using poles for a couple of years but not quite properly. Then I watched one of Kate’s talks and it finally clicked.

@GregAdventure 6 күн бұрын

I don't quite understand poles as a mountain runner. I do find it frustrating passing people with poles as most people hold them at a 30 degree angle and take up the complete trail or carry them under their arms to stab me when trying to pass. Thank you for the lesson. Hopefully, my life will now be safer in the hills 😊

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

They are great for mountain running too, I’ve used them as a training aid or a way to get full body conditioning during a mountain run which helps ward off some issues I’ve had with back pain

@SaunterOn 4 күн бұрын

Thank you for this Stephen...very much appreciated the tips on using poles. Never quite got the knackered, but that Nordic style has got to be the key 🙏

@browsman2328 7 күн бұрын

Greetings from Northern California. I have been using hiking poles since the 1970s and am still going strong, no knee problems. I now use the UK based Pacer Poles with ergonomic handles and practice the Nordic style you are talking about, but I didn’t know that’s what it was called. Pacer Poles require no straps but have cords you can use to prevent losing them down a hill.

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

I’d guess lots of people have been using poles that way for years without knowing there was an “official” name for it. It’s a logical way to use them really. Pacer poles look very interesting.

@slothoutdoors 6 күн бұрын

this was SUPER helpful.

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

Yer very welcome

@daveandemmaoutdoors3171 6 күн бұрын

Great advice Stephen 👌

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

Thanks!

@alanrobertson5497 7 күн бұрын

Thanks Stephen, very informative. ❤❤

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

Thanks Alan

@everyoneknowsadave3580 7 күн бұрын

Big believer in trekking poles … thankyou for the Nordic hiking tips .. just awesome 👏 …. You didn’t talk about the handle extensions but for short sections of extreme up hill you can drop your hands down onto those … gripping them there effectively shortens the poles length without actually stopping to adjust them. Using the loops like that is the correct way but personally I find it’s starts to chafe my skin between the thumb and index finger so I only do that when I really have to lean into them on uphill sections … oh and of course the weight saving for a trekking pole style tent like the Durston or Lanshan is a great benefit on the ol joints as well … great video thankyou 👍👍

@bcamping1 7 күн бұрын

For the chafing. I use thin work gloves. Also keeps hands clean, protects from cuts. Touch screen works.

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

Good points. I have experienced the chafing a bit as well but only on really long hikes. Wanted to keep this video fairly concise so lots of extra stuff I didn’t cover

@VanLifeMum 6 күн бұрын

Great advice, when I done the whw last year a guy showed me how to use them properly 😂 what a difference

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

night and day!

@paulamoreton6522 6 күн бұрын

I've used poles for a couple of years now and need to work on the Norduc style after watching your mist helpful video. Also use them to hold up my Durston xmid, testing the depth of mud or bog and fending off overfriendly cattle!

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

Many a pair of boots has been saved by using a pole to check the depth 😁

@malls886 5 күн бұрын

I read a blog by a long distance trekker family some time ago which I think is true - poles turn you from two wheel drive into four wheel drive. I don’t actually put my hands through the loops at all, scared that if I fell my wrist/arm would be the weakest link and snap.

@Wild.cat.adventures 6 күн бұрын

I've been doing it all wrong! Thanks Stephen, will give this a go 👍

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

hope it helps! 🙂

@triestodrum2215 6 күн бұрын

Very interesting :-) Another great video

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

thanks!

@mhlvenier2692 7 күн бұрын

thank you - super helpful

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

You’re welcome! 🙂

@jimf671 7 күн бұрын

Komperdel used to publish a figure of "up to 21%" saving in energy when using two poles. On technical downhills once used to using these one can almost throw oneself down the down the hill and let the poles and arms take the punishment whereas normally one would be doing some very careful balancing and taking all the pressure on the legs.

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

Yeah I found that on a few descents, I was flying down arms flailing and poles tapping from rock to rock. It’s a cool feeling once it all starts to come together. Still nowhere near as fast as some.

@FDGRebel 2 күн бұрын

Definitely great for river crossings and without doubt save the legs on descents. Might not happen with all poles but after a while mine (which you make the correct height and then screw clockwise to engage the wires and keep at that height) tend to start to get loose. This can cause either (1) you put the pole down and it folds (2) pole sticks in the ground and when you lift the pole extends to snap the internal wires and thus breaks the pole.

@dmytrochan7402 7 күн бұрын

I've heard that lifting arms with sticks works like a blood pump and is very good for the heart.

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

They’ve shown that Nordic walking improves heart health

@Trundlebugg 7 күн бұрын

Yes, I have had that dream 😅 Really useful vid, not sure about it for myself currently as my shoulders are in an awful state but maybe at some point if I get that sorted.

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

Glad I’m not the only one 😂 hope you get your shoulders sorted! I had a weird shoulder nerve pain for a while, really annoyinf

@Trundlebugg 6 күн бұрын

@@StephenJReid ha yeah I also have far too many flying ones that do not help the intrusive “that branch is really quite close” thoughts 🫣 Yeah I’m slowly working my way through every physio/chiro/pilates/sports therapist in the area🤞it’s kept me away from climbing and just about everything else for about 8 years now…look after your shoulders! Good tip for life

@craig3401 7 күн бұрын

I've been using poles for years yes I'm guilty of not using them properly all of the time.but I definitely feel the benefit when I do.i get a greater benefit down steeper downhill as the pressure on knees and ankles is greatly reduced.there also great for extra stability when crossing streams and such also slippy grass/mud.and also I finally got the xmid so they hold my tent up lol.

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

Yeah I see loads of people climbing hills with the poles firmly strapped on their backpacks 😂 you gotta use them to be useful!

@craig3401 7 күн бұрын

@StephenJReid exactly if your going to carry them might aswell use them or you might aswell just use a tent with tent poles

@AjaySingh-228 6 күн бұрын

Great tips...but I have no idea about that... I haven't used it yet..Have a nice day sir

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

😁

@AjaySingh-228 6 күн бұрын

@@StephenJReid 😜✌️

@allancrawford9979 6 күн бұрын

Been using poles regularly since a tick bite damaged my legs usually placing one at a time straight down but will try adjusting technique. Living in north west highlands i always try to keep a midgie net with me for times like when your packing away tent, only thing that keeps them off in a full out midgie attack

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

I had a midge net with me but had packed it away in the bottom of my bag like an eejit

@deanwatson9051 6 күн бұрын

Really good and even though I've been using poles a lot for years I learned a little. And 😂😂😂

@easternmenace 6 күн бұрын

Personally I remove the straps because that: works out your grip strength, if the pole gets stuck you let go and it won't break, you don't get your arms stuck in the loops when both your legs slip on a boggy downhill and the poles get stuck in the ground basically crucifying you, and on long road walks no straps makes it easier to twirl them when you get bored.

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

I had no issues twirling them with the straps when I got bored 🤪

@ianrudd7442 6 күн бұрын

I also swear by poles. I have yet to master the technique for down hill on technical ground but practice makes perfect

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

Yeah downhill is tricky

@mickhorsley3169 7 күн бұрын

Currently walking around my living room with my poles.

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

😂 Excellent

@dmytrochan7402 7 күн бұрын

Thank you. This means that some training is required to use trekking poles effectively. I wonder if there are special exercises? At the end of a hard day, when the concentration of attention is reduced, sticks really save from injuries.

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

Yeah it definitely takes a bit of time to get it right. For me it was just about getting in practise.

@TomChaton 6 күн бұрын

Don't grip the poles, the strap takes all the strain, you can hold the poles very lightly almost between finger and thumb. You'll be surprised how much less tension you'll have in that power train.

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

I vary my grip over a day, I find if I just rely on the straps that my hands will get sore at the contact point. Sometimes very loose, other times solid grip. The official advice from Nordic walking instructors is to grip on the push down and then release, almost like milking a cow

@BimbleWithBruce 6 күн бұрын

Them damn Wild Hagis! 😅

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

Can’t be too careful!

@TonyHobbs 7 күн бұрын

Pacer Poles by yes Pacer Poles are even better ergonomically 😊

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

Interesting design! Although the shape could make them tricky to use with a trekking pole tent.

@BonkersAboutAlice 7 күн бұрын

Well done! It's time the truth was told. Just watch any skier on the telly, or on a ski slope in person if one is rich enough, to see how it's done.

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

I’ve never actually been skiiing. I wondering if starting by hiking with poles would help with the skiing hmmm

@BonkersAboutAlice 7 күн бұрын

@@StephenJReid it's a rhythm thing

@karenshannon2772 5 күн бұрын

Hi Stephen great video and confirms I have actually been using my poles correctly 😂 I have an urgent question for you or your loyal followers to solve. How quiet are your carbon fibre poles? I have a pair of carbon fibre ( slide out and tighten to correct height ) and and a pair of aluminium ones that split into 3 parts. Both make annoying noises. The carbon fibre ones twang when they hit the ground and the aluminum ones make a jingly noise from inside. We think the twang is because I set them to 112cm so a lot of pole is inside the top sections and maybe hitting the inside edge but have no clue what jingles in the others. Any suggestions to either solve this ( thought about cutting poles to close to the correct height??) or can you recommend a silent non twangy pair before I have to walk 100 metres behind everyone else 😂

@nozo61 7 күн бұрын

Love my walking poles, hate the click, clicking of the metal tips on the road.

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

Same! I brought the rubber tips on this trip and used them for the first couple of days to stop it but they wore through on the second day

@bcamping1 7 күн бұрын

On the road, just use one pole and walk on the side. If there is grass on the side.

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

You really need two poles to benefit properly from them.

@fredhamond5827 5 күн бұрын

Poles are indispensable but if flying you have to put them in the hold.

@steveschnetzler5471 7 күн бұрын

A wild Hagus, is there any other kind?

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

The domestic ones, but they don’t taste as good

@pixelpeter3883 7 күн бұрын

"Ohh no, a wild haggis!" LOL. Poles also good to keep yourself safe from maniac sheep attacks! ;-)

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

Maniac sheep attacks have been on the rise

@verykeen2please 6 күн бұрын

Great for assisting with the squat - wild poo

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

underrated tip

@keaneeastwood197 6 күн бұрын

which gaiters do you use?

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

These are Altra trail gaiters specifically designed for Altra shoes. Was wearing Olympus 5 trail shoes. Comfy but not waterproof

@RamblingReason 6 күн бұрын

Another pro tip get a headnet 😂

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

Had one but I’d packed it away at the bottom of my pack and decided it would be faster to just deal with them than dig it out. Mistake 🙈

@BrokenBackMountains 7 күн бұрын

Aren't Nordic walking poles different from trekking poles? I could be wrong though.

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

You do get ones specifically labelled as such but you can use the technique with any poles, but ideally with a strap.

@BrokenBackMountains 7 күн бұрын

@@StephenJReid I do use mine in a similar way and with the wrist put through the strap accordingly. I also shorten them for steep ascents. I sometimes see people using only one. I broke one on a hill in Wicklow and so used only one to come down. Had severe sciatica after that descent which I attribute to being off on one side by using one pole. Funnily enough it went away when doing a long distance walk. The pack must have helped.

@StephenJReid 7 күн бұрын

Yeah I think that one pole might be worse than none in some circumstances. I’ve done that before myself and it just feels weird.

@samwhite7197 6 күн бұрын

Awwh! Just about got my head around the '90s, when i had to carry more of my rucksac load on my hips rather than my shoulders. Now i need to carry more of my foot load on my upper body rather than my legs. AAHHG! Where is this load all supposed to go? P.S. trolls, just for jokes.

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

Well Nordic walking was apparently invented around 1966 so you’re well behind the times! 🤪

@avancalledrupert5130 6 күн бұрын

They just feel like an irritation for me. Its just some crap in my hands slowing me down. Tried them once. Did 3 or 4 miles and trew them in a bin. Did my head in having my hand full every time i wanted a drink or a snack or a spliff or look at my phone. Every time you do anything you go to stop moving drop the sticks on the ground. Do the thing then squat down to pick the stupid things up. Hands free for me.

@StephenJReid 6 күн бұрын

I felt the same way about them initially but if they really are slowing you down, then you're probably using them wrong. Giving up after just 3/4 miles isn't really giving them a proper test, takes time to get used to them. I just tuck them under my arm, no need to drop on the ground every time. Depends on the type of hike too, they are a bit pointless on short hikes, the real benefits come on long days or hikes with a lot of climbing to do.