Black Diamond W'S Trail Cork Trekking Poles

How to use hiking/trekking poles 101. Trekking poles are measured in length from the top of the grip to the tip. They come in adjustable and fixed lengths. If yours are adjustable, use the same method to adjust them. Standing up straight, bend your elbow so that your forearm is parallel to the floor keeping your elbow at your side. Making a fist with thumbs on top, measure from floor to the top of thumb. This is the length you need. Use a light grip. Using a death grip, you'll only tire and cramp your hand. Use opposite arm/leg motion. Right foot, left arm. For level terrain, plant the tip of the pole the same length as your stride. You need not "push" hard on the poles although if you want to quicken your pace you can. It will give you an upper body workout. Uphill terrain, definitely push and get up the incline with less effort. On downhill terrain, lengthen the poles and/or change your grip. For fixed poles, change the grip. Instead on holding the grip in your fist, use the top of the grip in your open palm. "Lower" yourself and use the poles to take weight using them as brakes. This relieves pressure on the knees. Poles help with joints and balance. 4 points of contact instead of 2. In mud/slippery conditions, plant them out wider. Be careful in rocky terrain as the tips can catch in holes. It takes some getting used to. I won't hike without them.