First, let’s take a comprehensive look at hiking poles. Professional hiking poles generally consist of a handle, wrist strap, shaft, snow basket, and tip, among which the wrist strap and shaft are the key components to consider.
Let’s start with the wrist strap. Most people grip the handle of the hiking pole tightly when using it, thinking that the wrist strap’s only function is to keep the pole from slipping off their wrist. If you think that way, you’re mistaken—the importance of the wrist strap is no less than the strength of the pole itself. When using hiking poles downhill, the impact force on the pole should be transmitted to your arm via the wrist strap; when going uphill, the pushing force from your arm is transferred through the wrist strap to the pole to create an upward boost. Therefore, when putting your wrist through the strap, you shouldn’t just reach over the top and grab the handle. Instead, lift the strap, insert your hand from underneath, press the strap against the palm of your hand, and then gently grip the handle. The idea is to support the pole with the wrist strap, not to grip the handle tightly.
The shaft is equally crucial to the overall performance of the hiking pole, as it affects the pole’s overall strength. Typically, the materials used to make the shaft include carbon fiber, aluminum alloy, and titanium alloy—all of which ensure the pole is lightweight while being sturdy, rigid, and resilient. Additionally, the interior of the shaft has its own considerations. Some hiking poles contain internal springs that form a simple shock absorption system, which can cushion impact forces as needed. Others do not. There is also a type of hiking pole that allows you to turn the shock absorption system off, but these tend to be more expensive than the other two types. But if the shock absorption system is so beneficial, why would you want to turn it off? This brings us to how hiking poles are used.
According to proper usage, when going uphill, you push back with the pole, and when going downhill, you use the pole along with your legs to absorb the downward impact force. In this case, a shock absorption system is necessary to ease the impact. However, when going uphill, the shock absorption system reduces the backward pushing force, meaning you have to exert more effort to achieve the same effect as with a regular pole—so the shock absorption becomes an unnecessary feature.
Now that we understand the basics of hiking poles, let’s delve deeper into how to use them.
The first thing to consider is adjusting the length of the hiking pole, which is very important. Most three-section hiking poles have two adjustable sections. Start by fully loosening all sections. Extend the lower section of the shaft to its maximum allowable length—there are usually markings on the pole for reference. A more scientific method is to hold the pole on flat ground, let your arms hang naturally, use your elbow as the pivot point, raise your forearm to form a 90-degree angle with your upper arm, and then adjust the tip of the pole downward until it touches the ground. Alternatively, place the top of the pole 5–8 cm under your armpit, then adjust the tip downward until it touches the ground. When purchasing hiking poles, you can adjust the length first to determine if they suit you.
After adjusting the pole to a suitable length for you, it’s essential to become fully familiar with how to use it. It’s not just a stick—there are certain techniques and considerations you should know. The way you use hiking poles varies depending on the outdoor environment. On flat terrain or gentle uphill slopes, move in the same rhythm as normal walking: as your right foot moves forward, bring the right pole forward in sync, but don’t let the tip go past your body, then plant it on the ground and push back. Alternate the same motion with your left and right poles. On steeper uphill sections, move as you normally would, but move your arms forward to position the poles ahead of your body, using them to support your upward movement and reduce leg strain. When necessary, you can use both poles together to help propel yourself upward. As you push up, rest your palms on the tops of the poles to add more pushing power. The most commonly used technique is on downhill sections. Because of the greater impact force when descending, you’ll want to use the poles to reduce the load on your legs. The poles should be positioned ahead of your body and must touch the ground before your leading foot to distribute the force effectively. This will cause your body to lean slightly forward—a movement that isn’t natural when going downhill—so practice is essential. You’ll also need to get a feel for how far forward to place the poles to relieve leg pressure without slowing your pace or rhythm. If needed, you can extend the pole length. In short, adjust based entirely on your own feeling.
The purpose of using hiking poles is to reduce leg pressure and thereby enhance overall endurance. Therefore, correct usage is very important. Of course, this is also a matter of personal preference—in the right approach, everyone can leverage their own style, and making adjustments based on personal habits is perfectly fine. Methods are flexible, but achieving the goal is what matters most.
The above covers the basic functions and usage of hiking poles. But in the ever-changing outdoor environment, hiking poles actually have other hidden uses.
1. As a frame for tent rain shelters
2. Exploring trails in the wild
3. Creating simple stretchers
4. Basic outdoor protection gear
In fact, as a fundamental outdoor tool, hiking poles have even more uses waiting to be discovered and explored. Use your wisdom, enjoy amazing outdoor experiences, and connect with nature.