How To Use a Trek Pole Correctly?

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Published On: March 14, 2025

Trekking poles: ever thought about their correct use? You might think, ‘They’re just sticks. How technical can it get?’ Well, about as technical as a trekking trail on Google Maps vs. real life. Miss the slightest detail, and your trekking experience becomes a struggle. And struggles? They either teach you or make you quit.

To avoid an unfortunate end between you and trekking, I have corrected 5 incorrect trek pole uses for you. Read on to avoid unnecessary regrets.

What is a Trekking Pole?

“A trekker’s rhythm manager,” that’s what I like to call it. Popularly it’s defined like this:

“A trekking pole is a lightweight, adjustable support tool designed to maintain balance, reduce strain on joints, and improve stability across various terrains.”

Types of Trek Poles

Trekking poles have different categories based on length and properties. Check out their names and features in the tables below:

Length-Based Categories
Type	Pros	Cons
Fixed-Length Poles	Lightweight, durable, no moving parts.	It cannot adjust for different terrains.
Telescoping Poles	Adjustable for various inclines, versatile.	Slightly heavier, more moving parts.
Folding Poles	Compact, easy to store and carry.	Less durable, and not as sturdy as telescoping poles.

Property-Based Categories
Shock-Absorbing Poles	Reduces joint strain, great for descents.	Heavier, may reduce energy transfer.
Ultra-Light Poles	Easy to carry, less fatigue on long treks.	Less durable, not ideal for rough terrain.
Heavy-Duty Poles	Strong, supports heavy loads, great for rough terrain.	Heavier, less convenient for casual hikes.

How to Use a Trekking Pole Correctly?

Many trekkers, especially seasonal ones, overlook proper trekking pole use. While they seem simple, you might end up using them incorrectly. You do not notice at first until the drawbacks catch up. So, here’s how to right your wrongs:

Incorrect Use #1 (Wrong Pole Height)

Use a trekking pole that’s too long or too short, and you’ll earn a hefty dose of:

Imbalance
Strained arms
Reduced hiking efficiency

Correct Use: Adjust The Height Properly

On Flat Terrain: Set the pole height so your elbow forms a 90-degree angle.
For Uphill climbs: Shorten the pole to reduce strain on wrists.
For downhill descents: Lengthen the pole for extra support.
Mix and match different settings until you have the right (most comfortable) height.

Incorrect Use #2 (Improper Grip)

Like to hold your trekking pole in a death grip? Or better yet, ignore the wrist strap? You’ll be rewarded with:

Hand fatigue
Wasted energy
Zero control over your poles

Correct Use: Proper Grip and Wrist Wrap Use

Your hand should slip up through the strap and have a light grip on the handle.
The hand shouldn’t feel strained because the strap should support your wrist.
The grip should be relaxed to avoid unnecessary tension.
The strap’s length should adjust to your comfort. Alongside, you should have a quick access when changing hand positions.

Incorrect Use #3 (Incorrect Pole Placement)

Plant your poles too far ahead or behind, and you’ll set yourself up for:

Poor balance
Inefficient movement
Extra strain on your legs

Correct Use: Proper Pole Placement

The pole should be put slightly ahead of your leading foot.
Don’t plant the pole too far, it wastes energy.
Your movements with each step should be natural and rhythmic.
On steep terrain, pole positioning adjusts likewise. It gives better traction and balance.

Incorrect Use #4 (Uneven Use of Poles)

Favor one pole over the other, or ditch one entirely, and you’ll enjoy:

Posture imbalances
Uneven muscle strain
Awkward trekking rhythm

Correct Use: Balanced Use of Both Poles

Rare terrains demand single-pole use, so always use both poles.
Both poles should be at an even height creating consistent support.
Sync pole movement with your steps for rhythmic trekking.
For a rocky or sloped surface, adjust pole heights individually.

Incorrect Use #5 (Wrong Pole Tip for Terrain)

Feel like experimenting? Try a mud tip on snow. Enjoy: slipping, skidding, and wrecking your poles faster than you’d expect!

Correct Use: Choosing the Right Tip

Rubber tips: Use for paved trails and rocky terrain.
Carbide tips: Ideal for dirt trails and slippery ground.
Snow baskets: Prevent poles from sinking in snow. You can also check if the snow is more icy or snowy.
Mud baskets: Help maintain balance on soft or muddy ground. Also, prevent mud splatter on your clothes.

Why use a Trek Pole Correctly?

Why walk around quicksand instead of through it? Because the wrong step sinks you. That’s not why you need trekking poles, but using them incorrectly can lead to its own kind of struggle. Here’s why proper use matters:

Stay Balanced: Trekking poles are your extra points of contacts that keep you steady on uneven terrains. They facilitate a proper balance which lessens the risk of slipping on the rocks, mud, or steep trails.

Less Strain on Your Knees: Descents are very hard on your knees, and trek poles reduce that shock’s intensity by absorbing it. You see a noticeable difference using a trek pole especially on longer hikes.

Longer Hikes: Efficient use of trekking poles cause perfect weight distribution therefore reducing fatigue in your legs. This means you get to hike longer distances with less exhaustion.

Smart Moves: Once you know how to use the poles correctly, your trekking efficiency increases. Whether climbing, descending, or crossing tricky terrain, proper technique helps conserve energy and maintain momentum.

Lesser Pain & Injury: Trekking poles’ incorrect usage can lead to unnecessary strain on your wrists, shoulders, and legs. If you’re able to adjust them properly, your discomfort minimizes, which prevents muscle fatigue and injuries over time.

Advice or Vices: What to avoid?

There are times when people will suggest things to you. They mean no harm, but just advice (well…it’s a different thing they’re not qualified to give one). Here is some “advice” you should definitely avoid:

Common Advice (Sounds Right…)	Reality (Turns into a Vice)
Always use the wrist straps for support.	If you rely on straps for everything, then your wrists feel strained. Also, in case of a fall, it’s hard to release the pole quickly.
Plant your poles far ahead for better stability.	We are humans with a natural movement. Placing poles too far ahead, and leaping like a tiger, increases the risk of tripping.
Push down hard on your poles for extra power.	The more the pressure, the more the fatigue, and the more the risk of poles sinking into soft terrain.
Keep poles at a fixed height for all terrain.	No terrain works on the same pole length. Go too short downhill, you lose control. Too long uphill, you won’t ever climb.
Grip the poles firmly for better control.	Tighter grip = hand fatigue = restricted wrist movement; very uncomfortable over long distances.
You don’t need to adjust poles mid-hike.	Hikes aren’t always uphill or downhill. It’s a beautiful mix of both. So, adjust mid-way to avoid poor posture and inefficient trekking.
Trekking poles are only for difficult terrain.	They help on all terrains. Even for casual walks. They reduce joint stress, improve balance, and increase endurance.

Farewell (Conclusion)

Trekking is mostly about learning and enjoying along the way, similar is true for the use of trekking poles too. But, there’s a fine line between going very wrong and wrong. Cross that line, and your adventure will take no time turning into a mishap. To stay on the right side, focus on five key adjustments:

Pole height: Match it to the terrain.

Hand grip: Hold it right, don’t overgrip.

Pole tips: Choose the best fit for the ground.

Even use: Balance both poles, don’t favour one.

Placement: Don’t plant too far ahead or behind.

In the end, trekking is not about knowing everything, it’s about learning along the way. Adjust, adapt, and enjoy!

FAQ’s

How do I determine the right trekking pole height?

Simply adjust them to a height you’re comfortable with. A common practice is to adjust the pole so your elbow forms a 90-degree angle with the ground. Remember to shorten it when trekking uphill and vice-versa.