How to use trekking poles the proper, improper and ...... my way
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- In 2016, I thru-hiked tha Appalachian Trail in a short window of 100 days. One of the biggest reasons I was able to complete my journey was how I used my trekking poles to stay free from pain and injury.
This video I will demonstrate the "Proper" and "Improper" techniques as well as my unconventional way.
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This video on technique just happened to be the first I opened. It was a fortunate choice!
So happy to have discovered this video. I’m 68 years old and have decided to become active again. The motivation came from witnessing a dear friend becoming bedridden during the final months of his life. When I’m not feeling inspired to walk or do one of my easy hikes, I remind myself that there may come a time when I can’t do these things, and to do them now with gratitude.
Thanks for video... first part excellent info... one thing I do and always advise anyone interested in using trekking poles is to set the upper part of pole close to max length as that part is thicker and sturdier. Set the bottom part as a lesser length as this part is not as strong as upper and a misstep or a fall will be less likely to bend or even break the pole.
Thank you for this tip!
For a while, my favourite trekking poles have always been a pair of bamboo poles I made myself. They are plain, but heat-treated so stupidly hard. Watching your guides encouraged me to add a paracord strap to each of them.
Did you put like a polyurethane or shellac on them?
This is one of the best info on RUclips about trekking poles. Thanks so much.
I am so happy I never realized that trekking poles were real tools and not something the elderly and 'fraidy-cats needed lol. Being semi-elderly myself, with a so-so hip, I thought my hiking days were behind me. Not so! The use of poles is a revelation! Thanks for giving me my love of walking , um, trekking, back!!
Great tips! I used your techniques hiking this week in Colorado. Never really needed trekking poles before but with the steep up and down terrain they were a huge help. Thanks!!!
+Rmarvids Glad it helped! This is probably one of my best tutorial videos I've made IMO. These techniques were what got me to Katahdin in 100 days
Thank you, very well done. As an old man that refuses to stop doing "walk about's" I appreciate you sharing your experience. Just my walking sticks alone have spared me "structural damage on many hikes. I subscribed due to your content & suggestions as what works for you plus your experience. I will search your channel for suggestions on hiking shoes & equipment as nothing (to me) every beats experience. Again thank you & stay safe....Mike
Thank you for this! I just bought my first poles and had no idea what to do with them. Your video has helped greatly. By the way, anyone who has hiked the AT has my respect. Perhaps one day I can do it. If Grandma Gatewood can do it at 67 and then again a couple years later, there is still hope for me. I look forward to more of your videos!
I just got my first trekking poles. I didn’t know there was a left and a right, or how to use them correctly. Good explanations and demonstrations.
Not all trekking poles are made in left and right configurations. For example, my Cascade Mountain Tech poles, which came as a pair, are exactly the same. The straps are cleverly designed to work equally well with either hand. Anyhow, great video. And I especially liked your coverage of the technique you developed based on what actually worked better for you.
Good point. I did end up removing the strap from one of them and restrapping it to fix this issue
Dude! Thank you for these great tips on proper trekking pole techniques! Came in handy yesterday especially on the descent of a very slippery trail ...lots of snow melt, and mud. Remembered this video about pole position and weight distribution
At last, an indepth, no nonsense, video, from someone who has been there, done that, with trekking poles. Answered all my questions, without all the "bulls*+t" of "flashing lights" and fancy dramatic editing! Perfect.
Finally someone that knows how to use the straps. At least 90% of the people that I see do that wrong. There are also some more advantages of doing this correctly. It allows you to grip the pole in different locations and still maintain control of the pole, for example reaching a long ways down you can move your hand to the very top of the pole holding it in your palm. Also for long strides you can actually release the grip when it passes your hip and pull the pole back using the strap and it will just come back to the correct spot and you can re-grip quickly. I am giving you a big thumbs up, even though I am a single pole user.
Some good pointers Bigfoot. I've hiked many miles and always avoided the straps thinking they were basically useless. Been trying them out and they really to aid with support so thanks for the tips. One thing I've always done while descending that has always worked for me was placing my palms on top of the poles supporting my weight on to the poles.
+Stanley Sutter That's another way you can do that. When I have done that before, I just didn't like the feeling of it and developed what I now. I think the most important part is you are transferring the weight distribution to your poles and off your lower body.
I agree with placing your palms on top of the poles because if you don't, you are placing your wrist in an unnatural position, unless of course you extend the poles based on the angle of the descent.
Palming the top works better if you have the type of poles with the knob on top. I have Leki Carbonlite XL, which have the knob, so I never have to change the length of my poles. I have four different grips for different terrain with a fixed length. Otherwise I use a lot of the same techniques outlined here, including moving the poles in unison, and the gentle descent down a step (also with poles in unison), etc. I do use the straps correctly, though. That enables me to employ 3 out of 4 of my grips while still in the straps, and I can change up on the fly.
+Diane, I am new to poles and intrigued by your reply. How do your four different grips work within the confines of straps? Do you have to keep the straps looser than might otherwise be the case, or can you accommodate all 4 grips with a "typically snug" strap configuration?
I keep the straps pulled up to a normal length. They aren't any longer, and as stated above, I use them as they are designed to be used, inserting the hands up thru the bottom. The only grip wherein I have to pull out of the straps is the one I rarely use anyway, and that is on the lower, extended grip section way down the pole. If I'm going up a really steep embankment, I might use that, but those times are very rare. For the other three, as in palming the top, and the normal grip on the handles, and the one in between those two, the straps stay in place and secure the poles as I'm changing between them.
After owning the Leki poles with the rounded top, I would never buy anything else. My husband has the same design, but can't palm the top, because he uses the straps incorrectly (as shown in this video). He does the entire hike in the same position (we do long day hikes, up to 19 miles so far). I think it helps not only the hands, but also shoulders and elbows and really the entire body, to change grips with the terrain. It certainly doesn't hurt to experiment, though! Try the correct strap configuration, and try the one outlined at the end of this video, and see what works best for you.
As a Sierra hiker where we run into huge granite steps, when ascending I'll push off with both poles to make the big steps up easier. Also, I shift my hands so the top of the grip is in the hollow above the base of my palm, and I can push directly down on the top of the pole. I find this gives me better leverage without having to cock my wrists. Better ergonomically. I'll do the same on steep descents and large steps down. Still easy to control poles. One other note as an older hiker: I try not to rely too much on the poles for balance. If you do and you miss a pole plant, you may fall. I often train without poles to encourage proper balance. Works for me. YMMV.
THANK YOU!!!! Ive had quite a bit of knee pain while hiking the AT. Never knew there was a different way other than the death grip!
Having suddenly lost the vision in my right eye, I decided to try poles rather than a cane. I'm on a learning curve & your video was super helpful!
For my 30 year anniversary I got a set of Trekking poles, since I never had or tried using walking poles before, I was looking for some good information on how to do things right before starting any bad habits. And what's the first thing I learn is that the poles should be marked Left and Right. As I look at my poles no markings and I notice that both poles look correct on my left hand but not the right. Has to do with the padding not coming over my thumb on my right hand. These are Coleman AntiShock (Green in color) and I have sent a message asking about this problem with the poles seem to be both Left handed. Thanks for the excellent Video, out of all the other videos I've watched no one talks about which pole for which hand. Keep up the good work. Thanks! Wes
Bigfoot........my favorite thru-hiker! Thanks for passing along the skills and knowledge you have aquired! Much appreciated.
+Mike Webb Awwww, thanks Mike!!!!!
Thanks for making this video! I had no idea there was a proper way to use trekking poles until I watched this. I am in the planning stages of an Arizona Trail thru hike and knowing how to use the poles correctly has completely changed my hikes! Looking back, I can’t believe I ever hiked without them. Your tips even changed my husband’s mind about trekking poles. He thought they were a popular but mostly useless item and now he wants a pair. Thanks again for this video and for improving my hiking experience.
Thank you! I'm new to hiking and trekking poles, and this was a huge help.
Very informative and clear. Started out curious to see what your method was and pleasantly surprised to see it is very similar to how I just naturally ended up using mine over the last few years of hiking with poles. Love how it allows quick changes in grip, not just for terrain or slope, but for variety. It's helped prevent fatigue in my hands and blisters.
Thank you for posting this. I had issues with stepping down and this will help. I have a bad back but still love to hike.
Section hikers here! Now "on the clock" for a thru next year. Great Videos all around but thought I would let you know how much this one has helped my wife...especially the down hill technique...she now will yell out "I'm Bigfootin!" on the downs. After breaking her leg on a summit in New England and then hiking out with it busted she was pretty gun shy on and this has really helped!
+don orcutt Love it! Bigfootin'. I am so honored that you feel that way and it's making a difference!
Never thought about ascending with poles the way you show, I always ascended with them out front. It does help, but probably not as efficient as you show. Awesome video!
I never knew how much I needed this video!
Your videos are so professional, like an actual course! Thank you for all this info, it could probably save lives!
Great video. I'm hiking the AT in a couple of weeks and I'm so glad to learn how to properly use my poles. Thanks a bunch and I will continue to watch your vids.
Hope this helps you on your journey on the AT. I just got back from hiking across Scotland and was of the few hikers with no injuries during the trip. I have never had an injury that has inhibited me from hiking day to day since I used this technique along with having a UL load and stretching BEFORE and AFTER hiking every day
So, how was your trip?
Huge help mate! I’m new to Washington state and the terrain will beat me up! I love hiking and now I know how to leverage my poles properly. Thank you!
Bravo Bigfoot! At 3:22, I gave you the thumbs up. I have not thru-hiked, but I've been on a crusade when it comes to trekking poles and how to properly use them. Too many people don't know how to properly grip them. I have back pain nearly every day. When I'm wearing a 25lb pack and using my poles, I rarely feel discomfort.
My other crusade is toilet paper all along the side of the trail, but that is a different story. BTW, I followed you all the way last year.
Are tru-hikers littering all along the sides of tru-hike trails with toilet paper? I assume that is females doing a number one, as most males don't use toliet paper for number ones and for numbers twos both sexes are not going on the side of the trail anyway?
I'm in Australia and haven't done tru-hiking, but when I do a couple of hours hiking which is nearly everyday, I carry a freezer bag in my pocket and all little tissues and rubbish goes in that during my hike. I devote one pocket to my rubbish, making it a priority.
Because the freezer bag is in my pocket easily accessible, I'm far more likely to actually take my rubbish out with me as I don't have to think about whether I could be botherered to take off and open my pack to stow my rubbish.
Great informative video! I just recently bought trekking poles and you have the best instruction I’ve seen. Thank you.
I just wanted to give you some feed back on this video by saying thank you. I watched it a few months back and learned a lot in a short time, and now whenever I'm hiking it comes to mind. Thanks again.
My wife and I just purchased trekking poles for our smoky mountains trip. Your video was very helpful , thanks
Thank you so much for this. I just ordered poles this morning and didn't know what I didn't know about them. This was really, really helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
I just did my first backpacking trip with trekking poles this week in the Rockies and found myself naturally developing a similar style to your technique - leaning heavily into the straps and gripping primarily with my 4th and 5th fingers. It allowed nimble pivoting action around the wrist strap which let me bomb down trails like I was in a “flow state” letting the poles find where they want to plant.
Very informative. I've just started using trekking poles and this is the best instructional video that I've seen. Thanks for your time making this video.
Excellent vidéo! I’ve been using my poles the “right” way for years but I’ve started getting the exact thumb/wrist pain you described so I’m going to try your way. I have kept my larger baskets on year round and it really prevents the poles from sinking in.
I use a similar technique to you as well. I don't like the straps to be tight. The only difference for me is that when I go down really steep hills I will sometimes palm the top of the pole to get an extension of several inches on the pole without having to stop and adjust them. Leaving the straps loose allows me to do that.
I'm glad that later in your video that you went to move your hands directly through the hand straps. I off trail on a great deal of my hikes and had found many years ago that to NOT utilize the standard technique is not as conducive in almost all situations including safety as is just running the hands directly through the strap. Also many types of trekking pole straps are much thicker than the thin ones you are using and are much more abusive to your hands using the std. technique. Your hands are also more trapped when you utilize the std. technique. With the revised technique you used your hands are not trapped and can quickly release the pole and use your hands directly to the ground should you be off balance and hence then no trapping of the hand or fingers. Loved your remaining part of your video. You learn a lot of new ideas when you have worked your poles to extremes in all various situations.
I hiked Philmont with my sons a few years ago and experimented with different ways of using trekking poles. By the end of our trek, I had landed on the same techniques you describe in the second part of the video, but didn't give it much thought, much less take the time to share what I had learned on RUclips. Thanks for a great presentation!
+Joe Gill Thank you Joe!
This was so helpful! It's amazing how many trekking pole videos feature the death grip-I had no idea it wasn't normal! What you say makes so much sense....
Sir, You are a great mentor, Thank you for giving me a jump start on using hiking poles.
Excellent pointers! You might mention Skiers' thumb or Gamekeeper's thumb which is a thumb fracture-dislocation that requires surgery to correct. it happens when your thumb is on the other side of the pole from the fingers, pushing the thumb out of place.
I really appreciate your clarity and expertise - thank you!
I had no idea that I needed to learn the proper way to use trekking poles till I seen this video. Thanks so much
I just finished a 6 mi hike up and down a mountain using your technique and LOVED it!! I really felt I could leverage the poles to take more of my weight and there was less jarring. I showed my daughter how to do this and she agreed with me. I'm going to be using them from now on!
I also could not find a difference in my poles. I think the way the straps are attached makes it possible to use it with either hand.
Thanks for a great video!!
Sup brother. Love your channel. I'm out hiking all the time...it's my therapy. I've learned a lot from your channel. Preparing for the AT thru hike. The time is approaching. I can't wait
Thank you for posting this. Having just brought my first pair of TP your information will I am sure prove to be very useful to me.
Good explanation of things and about the benefits of good load distribution between the lower and upper body when hiking with a back pack. Downhill descends are the biggest danger to the knees. And on descends, transferring that weight to the trekking poles mainly through the straps, not the grip. Making it a sort of feather-weight dropping to each lower level.
thanks for these updates...to a long way, one must have good form. I've learned this in my running. And especially as we age, the value of good form and technique increases.
+jonnken Very true!
Really good informative information. At 68 years young it's important to avoid injuries.
This is a wicked informative video. Every hiker should watch
This is a great video. My technique is similar to yours since I have a compromised meniscus in my right knee. I, therefore, can’t jump at all. I allow my poles to swing forward as I loosen my grip as my arms swing forward. I then use the poles at an angle to help my forward stride. I walk on paved surfaces but I do uphill and downhill whenever possible.
Thanks. Excellent vid. Well-paced, info-rich, clear narration and thought-provoking alternatives to the conventional wisdom. Congrats on your 100 days to Katahdin!
+SkyDawg108 Thank you!
Excellent! I just bought a set of poles and am now ready to go. Completely understandable.
New hiker here... just bought a good pair of hiking boots and trekking poles. Thanks for this helpful info!
Very informative. I never knew how important trekking poles could be for a longevity of my joints and for the enjoyment of my hikes
Thank you for these tips. Previously I only walked with one pole and struggled so much with my knees on decent and these techniques have helped tremendously.
Nice when someone actually knows what they're talking about....Thanks!
Would be good if you could actually hear him though...
Jon turn up your speakers
Soaking up all of Bigfoot's knowledge before summer comes. Can't wait to get out.
A lot of food for thought, and I liked the tip about swapping out the trekking baskets, for the XC skiing variety.
I was going to order your Black Diamond poles you recommended, but because I'm on a tight budget, I just ordered the Montem Ultra Strong Hiking / Trekking poles because they are 50% less, and, slightly lighter as well. They should be arriving in the mail sometime next week.
There are several good thru-hiker RUclips channels, but I seem to be spending more time watching your videos lately. Appreciate all the time you put into these invaluable tutorials, as I start planning for my AT thru-hike in March 2019.
I'll see you there random RUclipsr with my name.
Thanks for the great video. No more death grip for me. Just got back from a 24 miler on the AT in PA...didn't have to use my knee brace once!
EXCELLENT!!!!!! Glad it helped Dyln!
Thanks Bigfoot. I was really lost before watching this video on proper techniques. I don’t ski so I have no idea. I’ll end up watching this a couples times more to get all the ways down. Love the outtakes too!!
Thanks for the video. I learned a couple things. Never knew about the left/right thing. I just looked at the wrist pads. Also, I noticed your zpacs chest pouch. I’ve never seen one being used before. I’ve been considering buying it and this video caused me to pull the trigger on the purchase.
This video by Bigfoot was inspirational to me and got me started with my own outdoor journey. I even started my own channel in hopes that I can help inspire/educate others as I learn myself.
Subbed - I always use my trekking poles.... and the straps as they are meant to be used. I really like having the extra help they provide and extra balance points for rocky stream crossings, necessary log walks, etc. They are great too in heavy leaf cover to check for holes and drop offs.
+Woodenarrows 👍👍
In paddling racing - each stroke is critical over distance - efficiency is crucial for longer hikes like that so this seems awesome advice! Enjoying your channel
Great video, especially the out takes. Many similarities to cross country skiing, such as the grip, flat terrain and ascending techniques.
Follow Bigfoot, thank you for this! The video is not only very helpful but also very pleasant to watch. You have a very good style of presentation and explanation. I subscribed. :) Thanks again!
Good when someone demonstrates the correct way to do this. So many people do it wrong. 👍🏻
Thank you so much for discussing and demonstrating the use of trekking poles. Much appreciated
Great demo, Bigfoot! and I liked that you showed your personal technique, some creative thought there.
Wow. this is amazing. You're not only sit and talk, but you give us the proper way with thhe poles. And you looking so damn good in green shirt. Watching from a small island in Southern Pacific, Sangihe island
I sometimes use alternative technique like yours when I just want to change the grip for a while and let my wrists rest. Also on descends I thought I was doing it wrong, but I lean with all my weight too
This video helped me SO MUCH on my first big trip a couple weeks ago!! Thanks for the intel!!
Glad you addressed what happens when you put a lot of force into the pole and getting caught in the ground. I hike similarly to you, and my poles get stuck in the ground fairly often when it's soft or wet.
+Ryan Watkins Yep. I hope my bigger basket theory will prevent most of my problems with the tips bending and breaking
I think the bigger basket will just cause it to get caught more on rocks and roots.
I have big and small baskets. Yes the big ones get caught in brush etc, but also they keep you from sinking into marsh, mud etc. So plan accordingly! :)
Good video.. Before I start my decline I shorten my poles, I place my hands on top of the poles into the palms of my hands and the rest of the video is as is instructed.
+Peter Larrivee Thanks for sharing, this is another way to do it.
Now I know how to hold onto the pole properly! Thanks!
Great video. Just bought two sets of trekking poles for me and my son but we were thinking about taking them back. After watching your video, I think I'll keep them.
This was a great primer on poles. The logic of what you present is impeccable yet I mostly take the poles for defensive purposes and to hold up my tarp. I am too lazy to search for fallen branches. HOWEVER, if you completed the AT in just 100 days...I shall give it a try. I can use all the help I can get. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for the outtakes too. Really made me appreciate not just the expertise you shared but also the effort you took to share them in such an enjoyable video. Learned lots. Thank you.
Great video! I was looking for a reason to remove the big baskets on my Mont Blanc poles and your video gave me a good reason to leave them on.
+Richard Bruce Yes, its my theory but I think it will work. Some folks said that they think the bigger baskets will get caught on roots and other backcountry stuff, but I haven't noticed that at all yet.
Thank you! We shared this on our Facebook page to help people learn this!
Who would have thought there was so much to trekking poles. Had no idea the strap had an actual purpose other than keeping you from dropping it. Lol Thanks for the insight!👍🏼
Best video for a first time poles owner!
I suffered a back injury and have degenerated disc‘s in the lower back and have chronic pain and aching and would like to do more walking which I believe will help. I’ve been using a walker and that does not really help too much for walking outside. I Believe walking is very good for a low back injury as it increases blood flow. I’m 78 years old and it seems we heal much more slowly so I’m going to give them a try. It can’t hurt anything I’m sure and I can get some much-needed walking. Thank you very much
You are definitely smooth, very connected with these trekking poles. You look like one with them. Thanks for a great vid. I learned a lot.
I’m new to trekking poles, thanks for the tutorial, well scripted and informative
Nice video narrative on the various approaches to effective hiking with trekking poles; explaining the pro side and con side of their respective equation side; enlightening for the beginner hiker to consider, contemplate and then decide for themselves after trying out what works for each individual particular hiker;
I would definitely bring a set of conventional trekking poles with conventional hand wrist straps and also an alternate pair of Leki trekking poles with the vertically integrated built-in trigger "S" glove/hand system; actually tried it out in local REI store and it is a very compelling option to have on a prospective hike; as it feels very solid, stable, highly efficient and definitely worth it have on a hike in ones hiking tool bag to be able to utilize;
I could see also that by using the conventional hand strap trekking pole with ones wrists going directly through them instead of coming from directly underneath; that one definitely might be able to get better angle of attack when potentially pushing off using ones conventional trekking pole; on an ascending hill that one is trying to actually climb up and over; I would definitely want to have the option to be able to decide to potentially be able to do both techniques in the field; whichever one works best in trail conditions being experienced.
Thanks, husband bought these for me instead of a cane after a motorcycle accident. Keeps me more upright. Will be a long haul.cheers
this guy is awesome, he found his own technique and it worked out well
Love it very helpful. Doing EBC with the kids here in April.
Thanks for this video. I'll try the technique you showed. Maybe it will help my seriously old knees.
At the beginning of the year a friend introduced me to Pacerpoles and i can honestly say i can't see myself EVER settling for ANY other type of pole ever again!!! Thus far of all my gear my Pacerpoles and the attachable mitts are literally the only items i dont have a single gripe ("wish i could change: x, y, z") about the product itself!!! I absolutely LOVE em!!! In fact the one and only point i would list in the con column would be that they arent readily available for purchase in stores and must be ordered online. That being the case, i will try to give a thorough explanation of why i recommend em every chance i get:
1st off Ive always been one of those people that hates to carry anything in my hands for any duration of time. The way the handles are designed on these poles though literally make it so that i dont even feel like i am carrying anything. They are designed to fit the left and right hands in the natural relaxed shape which makes holding em effortless!!! Which brings me to my #2 point:
Im disabled and have an incredibly painful disease in 3/4 of my body: the entire right half of my body and my left leg from just above the knee down. With ever other trekking pole design, walking stick and cane i have ever used each and every single one has caused me more pain, primarily in my right arm/hand and/or shoulders. With Pacerpoles my pain is actually DECREASED AND my stamina is DRAMATICALLY INCREASED!!! Its amazing and something i never would have believed possible before i purchased these poles!!! Saying Im appreciative of the company/designer is an understatement that defies description. Point is, these poles allow me to hike FAR longer durations and MUCH harder trails than i would have believed my body capable of previously, not to mention Im now able to hike more than triple the miles i could with other poles.
#3) Ive put quite a few miles on em in the rocky mountains this year training my body for a through hike next year and thus far they are durable and showing very minimal signs of wear on the tips only.
4) Used the mitts for the 1st time today and am so happy i chose to get em! They actually attach to the pole handles so that you dont have to struggle to take gloves off every time you need to use your fingers, instead the mitt is part of the pole so while your holding the handle your hand is warm yet still easily accessible, love it! They were actually a bit too warm after a while so i just folded em back a bit and didnt even notice they were still attached until my hands started getting chilly again at which point i just flipped em back over the handle. literally took less than 3-5seconds to initially slide onto the pole and flipping it up/down took less than 1-2seconds.
5) A feature ive not yet used so cant review but will include as you may find it useful is that the pole handles actually have a place to attach a camera...though as Ive said ive not yet utilized this feature so i cant speak to its usefulness...and have a vague possible memory of seeing an accessory for that purpose on theyre website but not sure.
6) In my opinion the pricing is absolutely worth it and after experiencing the difference these poles have made in my quality of life id say theyre under priced!!!
7) Weight isnt much, as i said i dont even notice carrying em all day aside from less pain and more stamina! I did get the heavier/sturdier type as i often lose balance easily and wanted to be sure they could support my weight-and theyve saved my ass NUMEROUS times so far!!!
All in all, if you can try em DO IT!!!! I highly doubt you'll ever consider using anything else ever again!
Sorry this is so long, i never leave comments on videos but as is evident above these poles changed my life for the better in a huge way and im excited to pass that joy on to others!
Love your videos, thanks for doing em!
Great instructional video for those new to hiking like me. Thank you!
Excellent video my friend. Your best yet IMO . I have watched you from the beginning , your pre AT videos . You are a better man now IMO . Thanks for sharing.
+david smith You are very welcome. Thank you for the kind words and support
This is fantastic advice and methods for a beginner! Thank you for posting. :)
Appreciate the video. Just bought the family their first trekking poles & thanks to your video, we'll be using the proper techniques this coming weekend vs last weekend. I also liked your personal technique, which looks like it will alleviate pressure differently for the hand & wrist.
+Oscar Huynh It worked amazing for me! You'll love the poles once you get used to them. I can't hike without them.... feels like walking without shoes or something, it's weird
Good tips, Bigfoot. Using straps correctly is especially important for snowshoeing. But, you left out the circumstances in which you should collapse the poles and strap them to your backpack -- rough terrain where you need your hands free to grab rocks, trees, etc for support. If you stay on major trails like the AT, poles are great, but I'm always amazed when I see hikers stubbornly trying to use poles when scrambling over boulders, scree fields, fallen timber, etc.
That was a great video. Very informative. Thank you for reshooting it. Also a big thanks to your camera person.
A B thank you! I need to work on stabilization and giggling each time he says "mountain goat"
Tami Wynn Lol! You did a great job!
+Tami Wynn 😊