Trekking Pole/Hiking
Trekking Pole/Hiking Staff
The pole has a strap for your hands, a spike at the end, and is fully adjustable for anyone’s height or hand size. When used as a trekking pole, two are generally required; one may suffice for a hiking staff.
Length Adjustment
Slide the grip up or down so that your arm will be at a 90^o angle.
Strap Adjustment
Adjust the knot on the webbing so that your hand falls comfortably on the grip Put your hand in from below, and then move your hand down to grasp the webbing and the grip together (loosely!). You don’t need to have a “death grip” on the poles. Nice and relaxed does it.
The Stride
For up-hills, down-hills, loose rocks, etc., I use two poles and do one pole plant for each step. Swing your arms naturally, and plant the pole opposite to the striking foot. You must move fast with the poles. In general, don’t think about it too much, and develop a natural rhythm with the poles. For cruising, on the flats with few obstructions, I do one pole plant for every two steps. Plant the pole as before with the opposite foot. Then linger behind with a gentle push-off with the pole; there’s plenty of time for this. When it becomes especially dicey, you can move slowly and plant both poles ahead of you. If you are a fisher-person, a single hiking staff will help you with wading. Use some kind of tether so that the staff doesn’t float away when you are in place. Enjoy.