What are the instructions for using trekking poles?

More and more people like various outdoor sports. Nowadays, urban pressure is getting higher and higher. Outdoor sports can relieve stress very well and also exercise the body. Mountaineering is a relatively casual sport. Of course, mountaineering can also be assisted by some other external objects, such as trekking poles. However, many people still don’t know what effects trekking poles have and their specific instructions for use. Let’s learn about the instructions for use of trekking poles.

According to the locking method, there are two main types of trekking poles, external lock and internal lock. The external lock is to set an elastic buckle at the connection between the two sections of the trekking pole. The length of the trekking pole can be adjusted by opening the fastener, and the trekking pole can be fixed by closing the fastener. External locking trekking poles are relatively convenient and suitable for users with weaker hand strength. The internal locking trekking pole is locked by holding the two sections of the trekking pole and rotating them in different directions, thereby adjusting the friction between the expansion plug and the inner wall. This locking method is reliable, but it requires a certain level of hand strength from the user. If it is not tightened, the trekking pole may retract during use, so attention must be paid.

If you are doing outdoor hiking, especially when you are heavily loaded, it is best to choose a trekking pole with a straight handle (as shown below). Do not choose a T-handle, otherwise it will not work well when used with a wrist strap.

First, let's take a look at the length adjustment for walking on flat ground. We stand on flat ground, holding the trekking pole, with our arms hanging naturally, using our elbows as fulcrums, and raise our forearms so that they are parallel to the ground and at a 90° right angle to our upper arms. At this time, holding the trekking pole, the length of the tip of the pole vertically touching the ground is the correct length for using the trekking pole on flat ground. Lock the sections of the trekking pole, and then compare the other trekking pole that has not been adjusted with the trekking pole with the locked length to the same length.

When walking on flat ground, people's arms will naturally swing back and forth. Similarly, when using trekking poles on flat ground, the arm swing can be the same as when walking empty-handed. When your arms swing, the wristband will drive the trekking pole gently forward. After the tip of the pole touches the ground, the wristband will push you forward through the action of the wristband, just like rowing. But remember not to let the tip of the pole exceed the front of your body.

2. Uphill with a large slope

Compared with hiking on flat ground, for uphill roads with steeper slopes, the length of the trekking poles needs to be shortened a little, depending on the slope. Use your arms to carry the trekking poles and place them in front of or above your body, then use the wristbands to support your body as you walk upwards. This can effectively reduce the weight on your legs. If necessary, you can use two trekking poles at the same time to climb. At this time, you can hold the handles tightly with your palms to increase your strength.

3. Downhill

Adjust the length of the trekking pole to be slightly longer than the normal length for walking on flat roads, depending on the actual situation. Since the impact on the knee joints is great when going downhill, it is necessary to use trekking poles to reduce the load. When stepping down, insert the trekking pole in front of the body first, and it must touch the ground before the front foot to achieve the effect of sharing the force. It is important to note that when going downhill, the cane has to bear a greater weight than usual, so the various sections of the cane must be fully and securely fixed to avoid the possibility of the cane suddenly retracting when the weight is put on it, causing the body to become unbalanced and dangerous. In addition, based on the same principle, you must pay attention to where the cane lands. Apply a little pressure with your arm when the cane lands to see if the landing point is reliable. Avoid places that are prone to collapse, such as mud, empty floating grass below, and gravel on the cliff that is prone to collapse.

When adjusting a trekking pole, you should not exceed the maximum adjustment length indicated on the pole. Adjust the trekking pole to its longest length. You will see a "STOP" or "MAX" mark near the top of the first two sections of the trekking pole. This requires that the trekking pole should not exceed this mark when adjusting its length, otherwise it is likely to break when encountering a large external force. There are length sizes within the "STOP" mark on the trekking pole that can be used as a reference for adjustment. When purchasing trekking poles, you can determine how long you need based on your height.

The above is a detailed answer to what the instructions for use of trekking poles are. I hope the above information can provide enough help for everyone. After understanding the instructions for use of trekking poles, you can go hiking easily, which can not only ensure your life safety, but also achieve the effect of physical exercise.