byronreese
By Ryan Kelley
How to Use Hiking Poles
Using hiking poles for balance while hiking can add a sense of security to your experience. They can also build strength, making what was a leisurely hike more of a workout. But what’s the proper way to use hiking poles?
U.S. National Park Service
By Ryan Kelley
OverviewHiking poles are a great piece of equipment for hikers, backpackers and other trail trekkers. The poles will help you keep your balance, reduce strain on your body’s joints and exercise your arms as well your legs.Step 1Buy proper hiking poles from an outdoor-sports or camping-supply store. A good hiking pole will have soft grips that fit your hand well. It should also telescope in and out, making it adjustable and easy to fit into a backpack or clip onto a belt.Step 2Ensure that the tip on the hiking pole is appropriate for the terrain where you will be hiking. For general hiking, a chiseled point will work fine for most conditions.Step 3Practice walking with your new hiking poles. You should not hold them too tightly–most of the weight should actually be on your palms, via the hand straps. Use the poles with every step, not by swinging them along every second or third step you take.Step 4Go to your hiking spot and start the hike. Use the hiking poles as you have practiced, planting the poles onto the ground and then lifting off of them.skill3ingredientHiking poles
Trail necessities such as food and wateringredientsHiking polesingredientsTrail necessities such as food and watertipPut your hiking poles into your backpack when you are not using them. You may not use them on a long stretch of flat terrain, or when taking pictures, drinking water, or eating. Get into the habit of placing them into your backpack so they do not get lost or damaged.
Store your hiking poles where they cannot get bent, the grips will not dry out, and the tips will not get damaged.tipsPut your hiking poles into your backpack when you are not using them. You may not use them on a long stretch of flat terrain, or when taking pictures, drinking water, or eating. Get into the habit of placing them into your backpack so they do not get lost or damaged.tipsStore your hiking poles where they cannot get bent, the grips will not dry out, and the tips will not get damaged.keywordhiking poles trekking backpacking nature walk mountain trailkeywordshikingkeywordspoleskeywordstrekkingkeywordsbackpackingkeywordsnaturekeywordswalkkeywordsmountainkeywordstrailResourcesreferenceOutdoorPlaces.com – Trekking Poles 101resourceTrails.com
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