Some other points I didn’t mention that I’ve been reminded of. SIZING: Ideal height is being able to hold the pole with your arm at a right angle. Some people prefer slightly shorter, some slightly longer. Good idea to start with adjustable pair to experiment. Can be a good idea to not use the straps in certain circumstances. Steep technical descents, crossing rivers. In case you get the poles snagged which can pull you over or trap you. Search for Nordic walking courses near you if you want to get professional training. It’s not expensive and more qualified instructors around than you might think.
Great vid Stephen. Another tip is just to check they are tightly screwed before setting out. One elderly gent (81) I met on the WHW ended up dislocating his finger when he was ascending Conic Hill. One of his poles gave way cos it had worked its way loose.... He went to hospital & took the next day off & in order to keep up with the pre-booked accomm - he was hiking with his daughter & grand-daughter - had to skip the Loch Lomond section!!!
Pro tip = when using poles going downhill ( particularly when running), do not use the straps. If the tip gets caught in a rock crevasse or a crack in the trail you can let go of the pole, way better than stacking it strapped in.
So that’s the reason I get shoulder pain…I have been using them wrong all this time 🙄. Sound advice, thank you. One more question…is there a specific height I should set it too…handle to waist height for example??
Another pro tip (white water kayak coach), when crossing rivers, streams, anything with fast flowing water, first unclip your rucksack, then remove your hands from the pole loops. If you fall into fast flowing water (and it doesnt have to be deep), a rucksack or poles can jam in the rocks, and against the flow of water it can be very difficult to release yourself.
Nice one Stephen. Another issue people have by holding them the"wrong" way is that if you stumble/trip causing you to fall, the first thing you will do is let go of the poles and put your hands out to save yourself. Holding them the "wrong" way causes them to stay in your palm and your hands will hit the ground with them. Hold the the way you described will cause the poles to drop away, less likely to cause injury. Try it.
I actually broke a thumb that way the first time i went skiing. My then-girlfriend afterwards told me "oh yeah, i saw you using the straps wrong". Well, learned it the hard way 😅
Walker in my 40s and trekking poles have been a massive boost for my walking. I was getting to the stage of nearly giving up on long-distance walks cos of how my knees could be. But did the WHW last April with poles and my knees were no issue
Brilliant to hear! It’s scary when it seems like an injury is going to stop you doing something you love. I had hip problems a few years ago that I thought was going to stop me running.
At 62 years old I find with a heavy pack that trekking poles are a God send! I can travel further, less fatigue and more important no issues with joint strain or pain! Using them correctly is also a factor to be utilized as Stephen shows!
I rely on trekking poles. It's nice to transfer some of the load to my upper body. Saves my knees on steep downhills. My hands don't swell since my arms are pumping blood. On uneven ground it keeps my hips straight. In heavy brush/poison oak, I can push it away. With flies and mosquitoes I can shoo them away. When encountering wild pigs I'll makes myself big and bang the poles together. It's needed for my trekking pole tent or tarp. Great video demonstrating them.
4:00 that’s exactly how I was carrying my ski poles when I fell and dislocated a thumb. Got a real hard time about it afterwards as was “doing it wrong” may be different for walking but be careful if you fall, natural reaction is for hand to open out and it can’t land flat due to pole restricting thumb movement. Enjoying this series of vids, keep them coming, and look out for those pesky haggis they’re everywhere!
Great video - thank you! Yes, I pulled my poles out and walked up and down my driveway after watching twice. Taking these tips with me for my WHW trip in a couple months.
This makes so much sense. Using poles always felt so awkward to me and now I know why. Especially the strap part. And what a stunningly beautiful location for a gear usage lesson!
At last.......... Concise, compact & to the point. Fantastic info & very well presented Stephen. I'd requested a wee time ago now, to a different 'outdoors' RUclipsr, a video about poles & how to use correctly (all that happened was I got 'trolled' in the comments section). I'm at the age now, 50, where they are a huge benefit and can make the world of difference..... If used PROPERLY. I knew that I wasn't getting 100% of the full benefit that poles offer but wasn't sure in what area (grip, angle, process, etc, etc) I needed to look at. Thanks again, an upload of real benefit. ATB
I hate how nasty and unhelpful some people in the outdoors community can be. It’s just selfish elitism. There’s no shame in not knowing something. You’ll find it still might take a few hikes to get into a rhythm, took me a while but I’m a slow learner 🙈
THANK YOU!!! I've clearly been using these so wrong - to the point I couldn't see the benefit and have reduced weight by just bring one for probing deeper water as I hike across shallow rivers (to find the best position to take my photos!) NOW I know better...I've very much been looking forward to this video so Thank you so much! Looking forward to trying this properly now 🙂
Lots of good advice, thank you. When I decided to start using walking poles, I signed up with Nordic Walking UK for some tuition sessions. It was well worth the money, being guided by an expert. It’s very easy to think you are Nordic Walking without doing it properly/efficiently. They also run weekly walks, which I joined, up until the pandemic.
I new that I've watched many Nordic walking and country skiing, I'm very impressed with ALL your knowledge Stephen. And 10 out of 10 for putting that out there. TOP Man see you soon on the next instalment of the Highland way.cheers, ⛺💯👍
Great video - it's a much overlooked topic, and I rarely see people using trekking poles correctly. A couple of points I'd add (forgive me if you covered these points, I watched your vid a few days ago and I've slept since ;) ): - you can, and should, adjust the wrist straps. Correctly adjusted straps mean you'll push the pole down and backwards with outer edge of your hand, rather than having to grip the handle tightly. In fact, if you're doing it properly you'll only need form a ring with your thumb and forefinger to lightly hold the handle. - another way they can extend your life is that they can be used to check the ground in front of you, especially bog, or water depth.
Ordered the Harrier trekking poles yesterday, so your timing is perfect for me. Thanks for the very useful advice. Harrier also has a good series on how to use trekking poles as well.
I learned a lot of this from Harrier! I’d been using poles for a couple of years but not quite properly. Then I watched one of Kate’s talks and it finally clicked.
Greetings from Northern California. I have been using hiking poles since the 1970s and am still going strong, no knee problems. I now use the UK based Pacer Poles with ergonomic handles and practice the Nordic style you are talking about, but I didn’t know that’s what it was called. Pacer Poles require no straps but have cords you can use to prevent losing them down a hill.
I’d guess lots of people have been using poles that way for years without knowing there was an “official” name for it. It’s a logical way to use them really. Pacer poles look very interesting.
I've used poles for a couple of years now and need to work on the Norduc style after watching your mist helpful video. Also use them to hold up my Durston xmid, testing the depth of mud or bog and fending off overfriendly cattle!
Thank you for this Stephen...very much appreciated the tips on using poles. Never quite got the knackered, but that Nordic style has got to be the key 🙏
Definitely great for river crossings and without doubt save the legs on descents. Might not happen with all poles but after a while mine (which you make the correct height and then screw clockwise to engage the wires and keep at that height) tend to start to get loose. This can cause either (1) you put the pole down and it folds (2) pole sticks in the ground and when you lift the pole extends to snap the internal wires and thus breaks the pole.
Big believer in trekking poles … thankyou for the Nordic hiking tips .. just awesome 👏 …. You didn’t talk about the handle extensions but for short sections of extreme up hill you can drop your hands down onto those … gripping them there effectively shortens the poles length without actually stopping to adjust them. Using the loops like that is the correct way but personally I find it’s starts to chafe my skin between the thumb and index finger so I only do that when I really have to lean into them on uphill sections … oh and of course the weight saving for a trekking pole style tent like the Durston or Lanshan is a great benefit on the ol joints as well … great video thankyou 👍👍
Good points. I have experienced the chafing a bit as well but only on really long hikes. Wanted to keep this video fairly concise so lots of extra stuff I didn’t cover
Thanks! Yeah the first time I used them I thought they were only useful for probing the group for muddy sections. Took a bit of time before it all clicked
I read a blog by a long distance trekker family some time ago which I think is true - poles turn you from two wheel drive into four wheel drive. I don’t actually put my hands through the loops at all, scared that if I fell my wrist/arm would be the weakest link and snap.
I've been using poles for years yes I'm guilty of not using them properly all of the time.but I definitely feel the benefit when I do.i get a greater benefit down steeper downhill as the pressure on knees and ankles is greatly reduced.there also great for extra stability when crossing streams and such also slippy grass/mud.and also I finally got the xmid so they hold my tent up lol.
I don't quite understand poles as a mountain runner. I do find it frustrating passing people with poles as most people hold them at a 30 degree angle and take up the complete trail or carry them under their arms to stab me when trying to pass. Thank you for the lesson. Hopefully, my life will now be safer in the hills 😊
They are great for mountain running too, I’ve used them as a training aid or a way to get full body conditioning during a mountain run which helps ward off some issues I’ve had with back pain
Been using poles regularly since a tick bite damaged my legs usually placing one at a time straight down but will try adjusting technique. Living in north west highlands i always try to keep a midgie net with me for times like when your packing away tent, only thing that keeps them off in a full out midgie attack
Komperdel used to publish a figure of "up to 21%" saving in energy when using two poles. On technical downhills once used to using these one can almost throw oneself down the down the hill and let the poles and arms take the punishment whereas normally one would be doing some very careful balancing and taking all the pressure on the legs.
Yeah I found that on a few descents, I was flying down arms flailing and poles tapping from rock to rock. It’s a cool feeling once it all starts to come together. Still nowhere near as fast as some.
Still contemplating getting trekking poles....I have have a few issues that they would help. Nerve pain in my lower back, legs, as well as arthritis in my hips / knees. However I also have tendon issues in my wrist. I do walk with a cane now, and I can hold the cane fine in that horizontal way, but to turn my wrist, and grasp the pole, I'm not sure I could do it long without further injuring the wrists.
Thank you. This means that some training is required to use trekking poles effectively. I wonder if there are special exercises? At the end of a hard day, when the concentration of attention is reduced, sticks really save from injuries.
Yes, I have had that dream 😅 Really useful vid, not sure about it for myself currently as my shoulders are in an awful state but maybe at some point if I get that sorted.
@@StephenJReid ha yeah I also have far too many flying ones that do not help the intrusive “that branch is really quite close” thoughts 🫣 Yeah I’m slowly working my way through every physio/chiro/pilates/sports therapist in the area🤞it’s kept me away from climbing and just about everything else for about 8 years now…look after your shoulders! Good tip for life
These poles are quite handy to catch a wild Haggis in Scotland as you said and then you use them walking poles as sticks to grill or barbecue by the fire when at camp, just pierce one Haggis onto stick and voilà - dinner/supper served, enjoy ;)
2:46 "And that comes from, yeaaarrgh!" Gotta say, that caught me by surprise. I guess no more than you being eaten alive, but yeah, it got a reaction. 😂
Personally I remove the straps because that: works out your grip strength, if the pole gets stuck you let go and it won't break, you don't get your arms stuck in the loops when both your legs slip on a boggy downhill and the poles get stuck in the ground basically crucifying you, and on long road walks no straps makes it easier to twirl them when you get bored.
I'm 5'8" and I use 105cm poles (in the Nordic walking style) not 125cm as walking pole size guides would have me use for my height. As you rightly point out it engages the entire upper body, but, by using a shorter pole I am not having to move the pole further forward in the natural arm swing than would be necessary using a pair of 125s. I think in this video your poles are too long (just my opinion here, not a criticism) experiment with a shorter length pair, I bet you'll prefer them. This is still a great video, thanks.
I'm 5'11" and my poles are 120cm. you must have really long legs. or I have very long arms 🤣 I've experimented with pole length using adjustable ones and 120 seemed the best overall. I found shorter poles were not as useful when descending as I have to reach further. But I'll continue experimenting
Hi Stephen great video and confirms I have actually been using my poles correctly 😂 I have an urgent question for you or your loyal followers to solve. How quiet are your carbon fibre poles? I have a pair of carbon fibre ( slide out and tighten to correct height ) and and a pair of aluminium ones that split into 3 parts. Both make annoying noises. The carbon fibre ones twang when they hit the ground and the aluminum ones make a jingly noise from inside. We think the twang is because I set them to 112cm so a lot of pole is inside the top sections and maybe hitting the inside edge but have no clue what jingles in the others. Any suggestions to either solve this ( thought about cutting poles to close to the correct height??) or can you recommend a silent non twangy pair before I have to walk 100 metres behind everyone else 😂
Doesn’t really work with a single pole as you can’t get into the rhythm. I tried it at the start because I like my hands free but it wasn’t much help by comparison
What I dont get is this new fashion with the short brim cap ... is it not more sun protection in the old flat wide and long ones? I cant find them in any stores ... not white ones either
Wasn’t aware it was anything new. My previous hat was longer and I lost it when I gust of wind took it off my head and blew it off a mountain. Advantages to less surface area.
Revisiting this video to say that I'm using the technique you show with my poles just walking my dog for now but what a difference it's made! Just the simple thing of looping the strap under my thumbs was a game changer!
Olympus 5, very comfy. but in hindsight id have been better with a waterproof option or Brought a few more pairs of waterproof socks. Ended up getting blisters, my fault for not dealing with wet feet better
@StephenJReid From the photos I've seen online, the GTX version looks like it has a better heel I might try them out and see if it's a better fit, I also have the Olympus 5 Hiking boots. They're so comfortable.
@@StephenJReid I do use mine in a similar way and with the wrist put through the strap accordingly. I also shorten them for steep ascents. I sometimes see people using only one. I broke one on a hill in Wicklow and so used only one to come down. Had severe sciatica after that descent which I attribute to being off on one side by using one pole. Funnily enough it went away when doing a long distance walk. The pack must have helped.
They just feel like an irritation for me. Its just some crap in my hands slowing me down. Tried them once. Did 3 or 4 miles and trew them in a bin. Did my head in having my hand full every time i wanted a drink or a snack or a spliff or look at my phone. Every time you do anything you go to stop moving drop the sticks on the ground. Do the thing then squat down to pick the stupid things up. Hands free for me.
I felt the same way about them initially but if they really are slowing you down, then you're probably using them wrong. Giving up after just 3/4 miles isn't really giving them a proper test, takes time to get used to them. I just tuck them under my arm, no need to drop on the ground every time. Depends on the type of hike too, they are a bit pointless on short hikes, the real benefits come on long days or hikes with a lot of climbing to do.
Don't grip the poles, the strap takes all the strain, you can hold the poles very lightly almost between finger and thumb. You'll be surprised how much less tension you'll have in that power train.
I vary my grip over a day, I find if I just rely on the straps that my hands will get sore at the contact point. Sometimes very loose, other times solid grip. The official advice from Nordic walking instructors is to grip on the push down and then release, almost like milking a cow
@@StephenJReid I missed that part. That obviously is critical to consider. do you have links to your research maybe? I think I am looking at the wrong stuff.
This podcast my main source podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/nordic-walking/id1560369423?i=1000652629078 In terms of stamina, the other thing to consider outside of just calorie use is impact and fatigue. the poles spread fatigue over the body so the legs can keep going for longer. Hence my experience of being able to go further, faster with the poles than without.
Awwh! Just about got my head around the '90s, when i had to carry more of my rucksac load on my hips rather than my shoulders. Now i need to carry more of my foot load on my upper body rather than my legs. AAHHG! Where is this load all supposed to go? P.S. trolls, just for jokes.
Hi SHEEP😆! I borrowed a pair from the library (...poles😲 not SHEEP 🙄 ). I must have been doing it wrong because I'm so SORE in the weirdest place... MY CROTCH🥺! Who knew you could make your CROTCH sore? Have you ever had a SORE CROTCH 😒? It's hard to walk properly😖. Any thoughts? ... about my SORE CROTCH🥺? ... or is it GROIN😒? Have you ever had a SORE GROIN🥺??? 😒😖🥺
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Some other points I didn’t mention that I’ve been reminded of.
SIZING: Ideal height is being able to hold the pole with your arm at a right angle. Some people prefer slightly shorter, some slightly longer. Good idea to start with adjustable pair to experiment.
Can be a good idea to not use the straps in certain circumstances. Steep technical descents, crossing rivers. In case you get the poles snagged which can pull you over or trap you.
Search for Nordic walking courses near you if you want to get professional training. It’s not expensive and more qualified instructors around than you might think.
Great vid Stephen. Another tip is just to check they are tightly screwed before setting out. One elderly gent (81) I met on the WHW ended up dislocating his finger when he was ascending Conic Hill. One of his poles gave way cos it had worked its way loose.... He went to hospital & took the next day off & in order to keep up with the pre-booked accomm - he was hiking with his daughter & grand-daughter - had to skip the Loch Lomond section!!!
Pro tip = when using poles going downhill ( particularly when running), do not use the straps. If the tip gets caught in a rock crevasse or a crack in the trail you can let go of the pole, way better than stacking it strapped in.
seconded, or on exposed ground too.
Good point! And I often do this myself. Totally forgot to mention it.
Yes. I use T handles for this reason so I can hold them at the top going downhill.
I often rotate pole 180° and put strap between my middle fingers.
Hiking the easy sections.
So that’s the reason I get shoulder pain…I have been using them wrong all this time 🙄. Sound advice, thank you. One more question…is there a specific height I should set it too…handle to waist height for example??
Another pro tip (white water kayak coach), when crossing rivers, streams, anything with fast flowing water, first unclip your rucksack, then remove your hands from the pole loops.
If you fall into fast flowing water (and it doesnt have to be deep), a rucksack or poles can jam in the rocks, and against the flow of water it can be very difficult to release yourself.
Great points!
Nice one Stephen. Another issue people have by holding them the"wrong" way is that if you stumble/trip causing you to fall, the first thing you will do is let go of the poles and put your hands out to save yourself. Holding them the "wrong" way causes them to stay in your palm and your hands will hit the ground with them. Hold the the way you described will cause the poles to drop away, less likely to cause injury. Try it.
Away off to throw myself down a hill to test 😂
I actually broke a thumb that way the first time i went skiing. My then-girlfriend afterwards told me "oh yeah, i saw you using the straps wrong". Well, learned it the hard way 😅
Walker in my 40s and trekking poles have been a massive boost for my walking. I was getting to the stage of nearly giving up on long-distance walks cos of how my knees could be. But did the WHW last April with poles and my knees were no issue
Brilliant to hear! It’s scary when it seems like an injury is going to stop you doing something you love. I had hip problems a few years ago that I thought was going to stop me running.
At 62 years old I find with a heavy pack that trekking poles are a God send! I can travel further, less fatigue and more important no issues with joint strain or pain! Using them correctly is also a factor to be utilized as Stephen shows!
yup! They are great
I rely on trekking poles. It's nice to transfer some of the load to my upper body. Saves my knees on steep downhills. My hands don't swell since my arms are pumping blood. On uneven ground it keeps my hips straight. In heavy brush/poison oak, I can push it away. With flies and mosquitoes I can shoo them away. When encountering wild pigs I'll makes myself big and bang the poles together. It's needed for my trekking pole tent or tarp. Great video demonstrating them.
Thanks Rod! Can’t say we have wild pigs here, yet. Some are arguing to reintroduce them so possible future hazard 😂
4:00 that’s exactly how I was carrying my ski poles when I fell and dislocated a thumb. Got a real hard time about it afterwards as was “doing it wrong” may be different for walking but be careful if you fall, natural reaction is for hand to open out and it can’t land flat due to pole restricting thumb movement. Enjoying this series of vids, keep them coming, and look out for those pesky haggis they’re everywhere!
Ouchy! 😱
Great video - thank you! Yes, I pulled my poles out and walked up and down my driveway after watching twice. Taking these tips with me for my WHW trip in a couple months.
Excellent! That’s what I like to hear, best way to learn is to do. 🙂 Have a great time on the WHW!
This makes so much sense. Using poles always felt so awkward to me and now I know why. Especially the strap part. And what a stunningly beautiful location for a gear usage lesson!
Glad you enjoyed learned something today! 🙂
1:05 The song of a Grasshopper Warbler bird, nice! Great videos btw!
At last.......... Concise, compact & to the point. Fantastic info & very well presented Stephen. I'd requested a wee time ago now, to a different 'outdoors' RUclipsr, a video about poles & how to use correctly (all that happened was I got 'trolled' in the comments section). I'm at the age now, 50, where they are a huge benefit and can make the world of difference..... If used PROPERLY. I knew that I wasn't getting 100% of the full benefit that poles offer but wasn't sure in what area (grip, angle, process, etc, etc) I needed to look at. Thanks again, an upload of real benefit. ATB
I hate how nasty and unhelpful some people in the outdoors community can be. It’s just selfish elitism. There’s no shame in not knowing something.
You’ll find it still might take a few hikes to get into a rhythm, took me a while but I’m a slow learner 🙈
@@StephenJReid Nice one. ATB
THANK YOU!!! I've clearly been using these so wrong - to the point I couldn't see the benefit and have reduced weight by just bring one for probing deeper water as I hike across shallow rivers (to find the best position to take my photos!) NOW I know better...I've very much been looking forward to this video so Thank you so much! Looking forward to trying this properly now 🙂
You’re not alone, I know other people that have done this. You’ll get a lot more from using both, just takes a bit of time to get used to it
Lots of good advice, thank you. When I decided to start using walking poles, I signed up with Nordic Walking UK for some tuition sessions. It was well worth the money, being guided by an expert. It’s very easy to think you are Nordic Walking without doing it properly/efficiently. They also run weekly walks, which I joined, up until the pandemic.
A midge jacket is essential kit for Scotland especially if you are using a bivvy rather than a tent, that was an excellent informative video
I bought a head to toe midge suit last year, hadn’t actually thought about using it to bivvi but of course that’s what it would be perfect for!
I new that I've watched many Nordic walking and country skiing, I'm very impressed with ALL your knowledge Stephen. And 10 out of 10 for putting that out there. TOP Man see you soon on the next instalment of the Highland way.cheers, ⛺💯👍
Thanks Alan! 🙂
Great video - it's a much overlooked topic, and I rarely see people using trekking poles correctly.
A couple of points I'd add (forgive me if you covered these points, I watched your vid a few days ago and I've slept since ;) ):
- you can, and should, adjust the wrist straps. Correctly adjusted straps mean you'll push the pole down and backwards with outer edge of your hand, rather than having to grip the handle tightly. In fact, if you're doing it properly you'll only need form a ring with your thumb and forefinger to lightly hold the handle.
- another way they can extend your life is that they can be used to check the ground in front of you, especially bog, or water depth.
Ordered the Harrier trekking poles yesterday, so your timing is perfect for me. Thanks for the very useful advice. Harrier also has a good series on how to use trekking poles as well.
I learned a lot of this from Harrier! I’d been using poles for a couple of years but not quite properly. Then I watched one of Kate’s talks and it finally clicked.
Greetings from Northern California. I have been using hiking poles since the 1970s and am still going strong, no knee problems. I now use the UK based Pacer Poles with ergonomic handles and practice the Nordic style you are talking about, but I didn’t know that’s what it was called. Pacer Poles require no straps but have cords you can use to prevent losing them down a hill.
I’d guess lots of people have been using poles that way for years without knowing there was an “official” name for it. It’s a logical way to use them really.
Pacer poles look very interesting.
I have that dream! It turns to almost flying above the ground then. Love it
Massive fan of Pacerpoles these last 18yrs. Ergonomics certainly have been best for me. Enjoyed your vids 👍🏼👍🏼
I've used poles for a couple of years now and need to work on the Norduc style after watching your mist helpful video. Also use them to hold up my Durston xmid, testing the depth of mud or bog and fending off overfriendly cattle!
Many a pair of boots has been saved by using a pole to check the depth 😁
Don't forget they hold your trecking pole tent up . My lanshan2 wouldn't be the same without them...
Very true! I used the poles for my X-mid
This is honestly a really useful video. I'd always wondered just what the point of the poles was!
Great advice, used this technique on Monday and much easier moving.
The wife just purchased a set of poles to help with a dodgy knee. Great advice, thanks!
Knees of all kinds are grateful for poles 😁 Hope they help! 🙂
Really good information about walking poles, and with your usual wit, make them also fun to watch :)
😁 Thanks!
Thank you for this Stephen...very much appreciated the tips on using poles. Never quite got the knackered, but that Nordic style has got to be the key 🙏
Definitely great for river crossings and without doubt save the legs on descents. Might not happen with all poles but after a while mine (which you make the correct height and then screw clockwise to engage the wires and keep at that height) tend to start to get loose. This can cause either (1) you put the pole down and it folds (2) pole sticks in the ground and when you lift the pole extends to snap the internal wires and thus breaks the pole.
Big believer in trekking poles … thankyou for the Nordic hiking tips .. just awesome 👏 …. You didn’t talk about the handle extensions but for short sections of extreme up hill you can drop your hands down onto those … gripping them there effectively shortens the poles length without actually stopping to adjust them. Using the loops like that is the correct way but personally I find it’s starts to chafe my skin between the thumb and index finger so I only do that when I really have to lean into them on uphill sections … oh and of course the weight saving for a trekking pole style tent like the Durston or Lanshan is a great benefit on the ol joints as well … great video thankyou 👍👍
For the chafing. I use thin work gloves.
Also keeps hands clean, protects from cuts. Touch screen works.
Good points. I have experienced the chafing a bit as well but only on really long hikes. Wanted to keep this video fairly concise so lots of extra stuff I didn’t cover
Nice job on the video once again. I have tried poles before but never saw the benefit. I will have to try this out.
Thanks! Yeah the first time I used them I thought they were only useful for probing the group for muddy sections. Took a bit of time before it all clicked
I read a blog by a long distance trekker family some time ago which I think is true - poles turn you from two wheel drive into four wheel drive. I don’t actually put my hands through the loops at all, scared that if I fell my wrist/arm would be the weakest link and snap.
I've been using poles for years yes I'm guilty of not using them properly all of the time.but I definitely feel the benefit when I do.i get a greater benefit down steeper downhill as the pressure on knees and ankles is greatly reduced.there also great for extra stability when crossing streams and such also slippy grass/mud.and also I finally got the xmid so they hold my tent up lol.
Yeah I see loads of people climbing hills with the poles firmly strapped on their backpacks 😂 you gotta use them to be useful!
@StephenJReid exactly if your going to carry them might aswell use them or you might aswell just use a tent with tent poles
Great advice, when I done the whw last year a guy showed me how to use them properly 😂 what a difference
night and day!
I don't quite understand poles as a mountain runner. I do find it frustrating passing people with poles as most people hold them at a 30 degree angle and take up the complete trail or carry them under their arms to stab me when trying to pass. Thank you for the lesson. Hopefully, my life will now be safer in the hills 😊
They are great for mountain running too, I’ve used them as a training aid or a way to get full body conditioning during a mountain run which helps ward off some issues I’ve had with back pain
Been using poles regularly since a tick bite damaged my legs usually placing one at a time straight down but will try adjusting technique. Living in north west highlands i always try to keep a midgie net with me for times like when your packing away tent, only thing that keeps them off in a full out midgie attack
I had a midge net with me but had packed it away in the bottom of my bag like an eejit
Komperdel used to publish a figure of "up to 21%" saving in energy when using two poles.
On technical downhills once used to using these one can almost throw oneself down the down the hill and let the poles and arms take the punishment whereas normally one would be doing some very careful balancing and taking all the pressure on the legs.
Yeah I found that on a few descents, I was flying down arms flailing and poles tapping from rock to rock. It’s a cool feeling once it all starts to come together. Still nowhere near as fast as some.
6:04 Very interesting friend thank you for the information. 😊
You’re welcome 😁
I've been doing it all wrong! Thanks Stephen, will give this a go 👍
hope it helps! 🙂
Starting using poles recently they definetley do help although I’m going to have to check my technique now.
This is so informative! Great job, fantastic reporting!🌻🌼🐝 Keep it up 🙌
Thanks!
Still contemplating getting trekking poles....I have have a few issues that they would help. Nerve pain in my lower back, legs, as well as arthritis in my hips / knees. However I also have tendon issues in my wrist. I do walk with a cane now, and I can hold the cane fine in that horizontal way, but to turn my wrist, and grasp the pole, I'm not sure I could do it long without further injuring the wrists.
I've heard that lifting arms with sticks works like a blood pump and is very good for the heart.
They’ve shown that Nordic walking improves heart health
Thank you. This means that some training is required to use trekking poles effectively. I wonder if there are special exercises? At the end of a hard day, when the concentration of attention is reduced, sticks really save from injuries.
Yeah it definitely takes a bit of time to get it right. For me it was just about getting in practise.
Yet another great and informative video
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video Stephen! Could you say a few words on the purpose of the lower handles under the main ones?
Yes, I have had that dream 😅
Really useful vid, not sure about it for myself currently as my shoulders are in an awful state but maybe at some point if I get that sorted.
Glad I’m not the only one 😂 hope you get your shoulders sorted! I had a weird shoulder nerve pain for a while, really annoyinf
@@StephenJReid ha yeah I also have far too many flying ones that do not help the intrusive “that branch is really quite close” thoughts 🫣
Yeah I’m slowly working my way through every physio/chiro/pilates/sports therapist in the area🤞it’s kept me away from climbing and just about everything else for about 8 years now…look after your shoulders! Good tip for life
These poles are quite handy to catch a wild Haggis in Scotland as you said and then you use them walking poles as sticks to grill or barbecue by the fire when at camp, just pierce one Haggis onto stick and voilà - dinner/supper served, enjoy ;)
😂 haggis kebab
knowing my luck, when I go on my first wild camp I will hear you walking through a tunnel and sh*t myself 😂
😂😂 I’ll be lurking in the trees making weird noises
Great tips...but I have no idea about that... I haven't used it yet..Have a nice day sir
😁
@@StephenJReid 😜✌️
2:46 "And that comes from, yeaaarrgh!"
Gotta say, that caught me by surprise. I guess no more than you being eaten alive, but yeah, it got a reaction. 😂
You are a genius, thank you 🙏
Personally I remove the straps because that:
works out your grip strength, if the pole gets stuck you let go and it won't break, you don't get your arms stuck in the loops when both your legs slip on a boggy downhill and the poles get stuck in the ground basically crucifying you, and on long road walks no straps makes it easier to twirl them when you get bored.
I had no issues twirling them with the straps when I got bored 🤪
hahaha, I was about to type that you like to tell/remind people that they are doing things wrong, vwhen you mentioned it yourself.
Thanks Stephen, very informative. ❤❤
Thanks Alan
Really good and even though I've been using poles a lot for years I learned a little. And 😂😂😂
Well done! It's time the truth was told. Just watch any skier on the telly, or on a ski slope in person if one is rich enough, to see how it's done.
I’ve never actually been skiiing. I wondering if starting by hiking with poles would help with the skiing hmmm
@@StephenJReid it's a rhythm thing
this was SUPER helpful.
Yer very welcome
I'm 5'8" and I use 105cm poles (in the Nordic walking style) not 125cm as walking pole size guides would have me use for my height. As you rightly point out it engages the entire upper body, but, by using a shorter pole I am not having to move the pole further forward in the natural arm swing than would be necessary using a pair of 125s. I think in this video your poles are too long (just my opinion here, not a criticism) experiment with a shorter length pair, I bet you'll prefer them. This is still a great video, thanks.
I'm 5'11" and my poles are 120cm. you must have really long legs. or I have very long arms 🤣 I've experimented with pole length using adjustable ones and 120 seemed the best overall. I found shorter poles were not as useful when descending as I have to reach further. But I'll continue experimenting
Great advice Stephen 👌
Thanks!
The amount of times I'v used my poles wrong.!!
Considering I'v only ever used them once... that means Every time. New beginnings.
Love my walking poles, hate the click, clicking of the metal tips on the road.
Same! I brought the rubber tips on this trip and used them for the first couple of days to stop it but they wore through on the second day
On the road, just use one pole and walk on the side. If there is grass on the side.
You really need two poles to benefit properly from them.
I also swear by poles. I have yet to master the technique for down hill on technical ground but practice makes perfect
Yeah downhill is tricky
Hi Stephen great video and confirms I have actually been using my poles correctly 😂
I have an urgent question for you or your loyal followers to solve.
How quiet are your carbon fibre poles?
I have a pair of carbon fibre ( slide out and tighten to correct height ) and and a pair of aluminium ones that split into 3 parts. Both make annoying noises. The carbon fibre ones twang when they hit the ground and the aluminum ones make a jingly noise from inside. We think the twang is because I set them to 112cm so a lot of pole is inside the top sections and maybe hitting the inside edge but have no clue what jingles in the others.
Any suggestions to either solve this ( thought about cutting poles to close to the correct height??) or can you recommend a silent non twangy pair before I have to walk 100 metres behind everyone else 😂
I was considering a single pole as i like a free hand would the technique be the same
Doesn’t really work with a single pole as you can’t get into the rhythm. I tried it at the start because I like my hands free but it wasn’t much help by comparison
hi mate i’ve got the trainers your wearing here ..where did you get your gaiters from ?cheers.
thank you - super helpful
You’re welcome! 🙂
Very interesting :-)
Another great video
thanks!
What I dont get is this new fashion with the short brim cap ... is it not more sun protection in the old flat wide and long ones? I cant find them in any stores ... not white ones either
Wasn’t aware it was anything new. My previous hat was longer and I lost it when I gust of wind took it off my head and blew it off a mountain. Advantages to less surface area.
A wild Hagus, is there any other kind?
The domestic ones, but they don’t taste as good
Currently walking around my living room with my poles.
😂 Excellent
Revisiting this video to say that I'm using the technique you show with my poles just walking my dog for now but what a difference it's made! Just the simple thing of looping the strap under my thumbs was a game changer!
Poles are cheating ;) .. like taking lessons in golf .. cool videos, just found this channel - Subscribed
Them damn Wild Hagis! 😅
Can’t be too careful!
What Altra shoes are you wearing ?
Olympus 5, very comfy. but in hindsight id have been better with a waterproof option or Brought a few more pairs of waterproof socks. Ended up getting blisters, my fault for not dealing with wet feet better
@StephenJReid From the photos I've seen online, the GTX version looks like it has a better heel I might try them out and see if it's a better fit, I also have the Olympus 5 Hiking boots. They're so comfortable.
Horrible time of year in Scotland. In winter, no midges
Aren't Nordic walking poles different from trekking poles? I could be wrong though.
You do get ones specifically labelled as such but you can use the technique with any poles, but ideally with a strap.
@@StephenJReid I do use mine in a similar way and with the wrist put through the strap accordingly. I also shorten them for steep ascents.
I sometimes see people using only one. I broke one on a hill in Wicklow and so used only one to come down. Had severe sciatica after that descent which I attribute to being off on one side by using one pole. Funnily enough it went away when doing a long distance walk. The pack must have helped.
Yeah I think that one pole might be worse than none in some circumstances. I’ve done that before myself and it just feels weird.
Pacer Poles by yes Pacer Poles are even better ergonomically 😊
Interesting design! Although the shape could make them tricky to use with a trekking pole tent.
They just feel like an irritation for me. Its just some crap in my hands slowing me down. Tried them once. Did 3 or 4 miles and trew them in a bin. Did my head in having my hand full every time i wanted a drink or a snack or a spliff or look at my phone. Every time you do anything you go to stop moving drop the sticks on the ground. Do the thing then squat down to pick the stupid things up.
Hands free for me.
I felt the same way about them initially but if they really are slowing you down, then you're probably using them wrong. Giving up after just 3/4 miles isn't really giving them a proper test, takes time to get used to them. I just tuck them under my arm, no need to drop on the ground every time.
Depends on the type of hike too, they are a bit pointless on short hikes, the real benefits come on long days or hikes with a lot of climbing to do.
Don't grip the poles, the strap takes all the strain, you can hold the poles very lightly almost between finger and thumb. You'll be surprised how much less tension you'll have in that power train.
I vary my grip over a day, I find if I just rely on the straps that my hands will get sore at the contact point. Sometimes very loose, other times solid grip. The official advice from Nordic walking instructors is to grip on the push down and then release, almost like milking a cow
This could be just me. But whenever I use poles, my heart and lunges work a bit harder than when I don’t use poles.
which gaiters do you use?
These are Altra trail gaiters specifically designed for Altra shoes. Was wearing Olympus 5 trail shoes. Comfy but not waterproof
Poles are indispensable but if flying you have to put them in the hold.
"Ohh no, a wild haggis!" LOL. Poles also good to keep yourself safe from maniac sheep attacks! ;-)
Maniac sheep attacks have been on the rise
doesn't the increase calorie use suggest it is less efficient in terms of stamina?
That’s offset by the increase in speed
@@StephenJReid I missed that part. That obviously is critical to consider. do you have links to your research maybe? I think I am looking at the wrong stuff.
This podcast my main source podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/nordic-walking/id1560369423?i=1000652629078
In terms of stamina, the other thing to consider outside of just calorie use is impact and fatigue. the poles spread fatigue over the body so the legs can keep going for longer. Hence my experience of being able to go further, faster with the poles than without.
Great for assisting with the squat - wild poo
underrated tip
The wrong way to use the straps is also a way to dislocate a thumb when things go wrong. Don’t ask me how I know this.
Some fantastic tips and pointers there , great job , am going to add 5 years onto my expected life now
#Eatmorecarrots🥕
off to buy some carrots
@@StephenJReid ok bugs
Another pro tip get a headnet 😂
Had one but I’d packed it away at the bottom of my pack and decided it would be faster to just deal with them than dig it out. Mistake 🙈
Darth Reid 😅
🤣
Awwh! Just about got my head around the '90s, when i had to carry more of my rucksac load on my hips rather than my shoulders. Now i need to carry more of my foot load on my upper body rather than my legs. AAHHG! Where is this load all supposed to go? P.S. trolls, just for jokes.
Well Nordic walking was apparently invented around 1966 so you’re well behind the times! 🤪
Hi SHEEP😆! I borrowed a pair from the library (...poles😲 not SHEEP 🙄 ). I must have been doing it wrong because I'm so SORE in the weirdest place... MY CROTCH🥺! Who knew you could make your CROTCH sore? Have you ever had a SORE CROTCH 😒? It's hard to walk properly😖. Any thoughts? ... about my SORE CROTCH🥺?
... or is it GROIN😒? Have you ever had a SORE GROIN🥺???
😒😖🥺
I've had bad groin chaffing before, it's the worst! Body glide sorts that out. but not muscle pains.
😅
At your dream 😅
I would hug you if I could. Thank you.
2 minutes intro...too long
🎻