Hiking poles: Why, how & what. Using hiking poles (trekking poles).
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- Опубликовано: 11 окт 2024
- Tips for older hikers video: • Tips for older hikers:...
Hiking poles, sometimes called trekking poles, are an important aid to hikers and walkers of all ages, but particularly to older hikers. Hiking poles help with stability, avoid falls, assist in weight transfer to the upper body, and add security near drop-offs.
Hiking poles are usually made of aluminum or carbon fiber. Aluminum is less expensive, but is prone to bend.
The cadence for hiking poles on a level surface is usually three points or contact, but on a large uphill or downhill step, a two pole plant assists in weight transfer and results in safer and less fatiguing travel.
The tips of some hiking poles can be replaced, but the popular Cascade Mountain Tech poles, sold at Costco and sometimes called “Costco Poles,” do not have easily removable tips.
Hiking poles may be a bit awkward and inconvenient, but they allow for safer hiking, a compromise that countless hikers and walkers choose to make.
Hiking poles or trekking poles are an essential piece of equipment for the older hiker (senior hiker), middle-aged hiker, and any hiker who seeks assistance with balance, safety and avoiding falls.
This video was mostly recorded on a Rim to River to Rim day hike at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.
#hikingtips #grandcanyon #olderhiker #brightangeltrail
After so many years of hiking I find your presentation so refreshing, sincere, and useful. Thank you for the effort of producing these videos.
Thank you for your kind comment and appreciation for the effort it takes to make the videos. It is nice to be appreciated. 😃
The most honest hiking pole video I've seen so far, thank you.
Thank you!
I agree with you, hiking poles are important for all hikers but essential for older hikers.
Thank you.
Thank you for this very helpful video. I have adult degenerative scoliosis. Without poles, I can walk for 15 minutes without pain. With poles, I can hike for 5 miles with a bearable amount of pain. I tried them on a whim, and I wish more drs and physical therapists were aware of how miraculous they are. I have foldable carbon fiber poles that I take on trips, but I use aluminum poles for my hiking, because if a pole breaks, I would be in trouble. I wish more disabled people knew about their benefits.
Thanks for your comment. I think adaptive devices can allow people to go further than they would imagine. They are keeping me going when the risk of falls might have held me back. Thank you for your inspirational comment, and I hope you have many happy hikes!
I broke graphite poles 2 different times and went back to aluminum poles, I have bent one but never broke one, as you said how you position your hand is a personal decision. I keep my poles the same length. going down a big step I place my hands on top of the poles, uphill poles are used when needed to take weight off my feet on a high step or most any step uphill. Smooth level trails I will generally just carry the poles in my hands. Thanks again for posting an interesting and informative video
Fair enough, I probably have confirmation bias because the carbon fiber poles have worked out for me. I think we all use the poles differently, and I hope I have conveyed there is not a single way to use them, just to use what works for you. What kind of aluminum pole do you use? Others might be interested. Thank you for your comment.
Thanks for the video. Love the eyeglass metaphor. I’m in Australia aged 59 have been hiking for 30 years and only this year have used hiking poles. Agreed that hiking/trekking poles have changed the way I can now enjoy the outdoors. At the end of the day they make the experience safer, Easier downhill, better balance on slippery river crossings and generally feeling more confident moving
Thanks for the comment, the poles really are an accommodation of the aging process that allow safe progress for many years. For me, the danger of an injury while falling increases with each passing year, but I love hiking and the poles keep me out there! There must be some pretty interesting hikes out in Australia!
@@GC-Hiker Nice to have some active capable content creators like yourself sharing their knowledge. Keep up the great work.
Yes we have plenty of awesome outdoor places to explore. I live in Sydney and can be in the Blue Mountains trout fishing and hiking within a few hours. These days I often solo and love it. Thanks again and looking forward to more of your content
Thanks for your kind words. I am new to this and I try to provide good content, but I am only starting to learn how to provide better production value. Thanks for your patience with me as I improve the videos.
They have saved me more times than I can count. A must add to anyone's hiking, tramping kit.
Thanks for the endorsement!
I own two (2) sets of Costco carbon fiber poles and have replaced the tips on both with black diamond tipsI simply place the lower section, tip down in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes, grab the tip with a pair of pliers ( so as not to burn your self ), and twist and pull . If they do not come off.... cook them a little longer.This method works every time. BTW great video !
Thanks so much. I really do not like the idea of an otherwise functional pole ending up in a landfill. I will give it a try as after I get back from my next hike. Thanks for the tip and the kind words!
We have same Costco poles, love them. Thanks for the tip on the tips, will do that for sure.
The place to use trekking poles at an angle behind you, that I have found useful, is on open, less rocky, and gentle up slopes. That way, by exerting even a slight push, your legs and entire body, get a small boost. It's a small effect, but it adds up over the long haul. Of course, going up really steep terrain you might shorten the poles, or put them away for a while. I find the slight forward push of the poles when used behind me, saves my energy for a longer time. But whatever works for the individual.
Fair enough. My hike is usually either up or down, so perhaps that colors my experience. I use them for support on the downhill, but other than that I see them as an assist with balance and avoiding falls. Thank you for your comment.
I find the best reviews (positive and negative) are from viewers and is why I read through them. I don't trust "ads" one bit, especially on RUclips, and especially regarding healthcare products and remedies. Thanks.
I agree, the internet is inherently unreliable. Thank you for your comment.
Some UNESCO sites may have rules making rubber tips mandatory- to avoid the carbide tips damaging the paths if used regularly like visiting Machu Pichu.
That's good to know. I can see how those tips could cause some damage.
The audio level on the videos I’ve watched is very low compared to other youtube videos. Please increase the mic gain. Otherwise excellent video.
Thanks for your comment. I am new to this and learning as I go. I have ordered a microphone, but it is delayed in shipping, hopefully that will help. I will also try to work on the volume in the editing program. I apologize for the audio issue, and I will strive to improve it.
Useful information provided by someone who obviously has experience. Thank you.
I am always happy to pass on what I have learned, but it is just one person's opinion!
The most important point (imho) of the video is proper strap usage around 3:58 time mark. He also has lengthened the straps such that his fingers are (properly, imho) down at the second finger groove. The strap being like that allows very little grip required which adds up in a long hike but still allowing full weight on the poles. But you also get the ability to rapidly lengthen and shorten the pole with simple hand movement and not needing to actually adjust the poles.
Second point, I have the super expensive poles and the cheapest poles. Unless there is a specific feature you absolutely need I would err on the side of getting the cheaper poles. I use the expensive carbon fiber folding poles for backcountry treks and ultramarathons. But most of my hiking before doing that stuff, the cheap Cascade Mountain Tech poles were excellent and I have thousands of miles on those cheaper poles.
Thanks for those valuable tips, you have much more pole experience than I. I am always suprised how few people take full advantage of the straps, as they are highly valuable to me. That is the one thing the cheap poles do not have, is good padding on the straps, I would imagine more expensive poles have it, but I have never been adequately motivated to explore the issue, or maybe I am just too darned cheap!
Now that I make videos I look at my hand placement on the poles and think it looks odd, but it is for the exact reason you mention, getting different legnths without resetting the poles. I usually only reset the poles once on a hike from downhill to uphill, and it has taken on a bit of a cermonial aspect.
Thanks for your input and contributions!
Realistic vid, thanks!
Glad you liked it!
2nd time to watch & will not be my last. But I’ve seen & thank you
One thing I learned today is take the plastic tips off.
Thanks, the tips might be good on pavement, but for me on a rocky trail, the carbide tips are most effective.
Frum one oll feller ta the other,im lovein yer content.keep it up......
Thanks so much!
Fantastic upload my friend, you presented this so nicely!
Thanks so much!
Would love to hear your thoughts on using one vs two hiking poles.
To be honest, I have never used a single hiking pole, but I did use a cane for a while after an injury. My opinion is that one is better than none. A single pole gives you a hand free, but it will not always result in three points on the ground like with two poles, and when you do a "two-pole-plant" going up or down a big step, it seems a single pole might put you off balance or lead to uneven strain. What is your perspective?
Have you seen Spuds by Dutchwear? It’s magnet things that attach to poles & on your backpack. Just flip them up & they attach. At least on their video 😂
I just took a look, interesting products! Thanks for the tip!
I'm from Illinois but started out hiking on trips into the mountains. I've always used a staff, which provides many of the benefits you mention. Because I'm not using a strap, I can switch hands for challenges on either side, and I have a hand free for adjusting hats and the like. I can see that four points of contact would be safer. If you have experience with a single pole or staff, how do you think that compares to a set?
I have only used the poles. For me, the straps are essential as I use them most for the downhill sections. It also strikes me that three points on the ground is more stable, but I see numerous hikes using a single pole or stick, and it seems to be worthwhile for them. I can actually use my hands quite a bit when I slip the strap over my wrist when I have stopped. It would be interesting if other hikers who use a single support comment. It sure seems like one is a whole lot better than none. Thank you for your comment.
I am right handed and the left hand carbon fiber pole snapped on first use on a very rocky mountain plateau when it got caught between 2 large stones, Carbon fiber doesn't bend but it will suddenly snap when overloaded just as it did tragically on the Titan submersible.
I probably have a bit of confirmation bias as I have always used carbon fiber and it has never caused me a problem. Have you switched to aluminum or abandoned poles entirely?
@@GC-Hiker Currently I am just using the remaining pole as a walking stick. I do a lot of photography and I'm finding it more convenient to only be carrying 1 pole.
Have you tried that thing that attaches to trekking pole & holds camera making pole like a selfie stick? Did it work or feel weird off balanced?
@@sheilahenry7279 I have bought two new trekking poles that are specially designed to fit small cameras at the top of the handle. Because they are on the top of the pole they do not cause a problem with balance.
Excellent advice and thank you for your expertise. Good job 👍
Thanks for watching!
Our bipedalism as cost us as we get older..ha..so poles are good. What kind do you use.
I agree, humans were never meant to walk upright. I use the Cascade Mountain Tech (Costco) poles, about $20 when I bought them.
Thank you for the info! My left rotator cuff is giving me trouble and wanted your opinion on hiking poles with a numb shoulder? Last time I was in the canyon we hiked Hermit trail and the hiking poles were awesome! I haven't used them since my shoulder issues. Just wondering if you have heard of this problem before? By the way, please thank your videographer for me! Whoever it is is great at their job and helps us learn more! Big time!!
That was supposed to say bumb shoulder
I will pass along the thanks to the videographer, who chooses to remain anonymous. I have no experience with a rotator cuff injury, however, it strikes me that a single pole (three points of contact) would be preferrable to no poles at all. Also, what usually gets stressed for me on long hikes is the wrist, as for much of the hike the poles are just for security from falls--not bearing a load at all. You might try both poles, see how you do, and if there is pain, just fold one up! Of course, it would make sense to try it out before your R2R. Have you hiked North Kaibab before? The poles sure make me feel more secure on the sections between redwall bridge and Manzanita.
Great suggestions thank you! I've never been on north Kiabab before. I've been down south Kiabab and up bright angel and on hermit but north Kiabab will be all new to me. Very excited! I definitely will try the hiking poles on a hike or two close to home! I forget to bring them a lot. I just need to make them part of my routine. Thanks again!
The one piece of advice I would give to someone going up North Kaibab for the first time is not to think you are done when you hit Manzanita. There may be only five map miles left, but they are the toughest of the hike. Plus, you go up quite a bit, then drop to Redwall Bridge, then go up again to Supai. It can be exhausting, particularly if it is hot. I see lots of people take naps or breaks at Manzanita. I just water-up and hit the trail, knowing the hardest part is ahead. I hope you have a great hike. Let me know how it goes. I will hopefully have posted a R2R video by then. . .@@DaveHoffmancowboyhiker
We are planning on going down north Kiabab!
You can buy just the lower section of the Cascade pole (which has the carbide tip). Not the best design but it’s better than a complete pole replacement if you’re paying for it.
Thanks for that tip, I will take a look for the lower section. I am not crazy about environmentalism and recycling, but it seems a shame to me to retire a pole when the tip is the only problem. Thank you for your comment.
Thanks, I did follow up on your tip and got the lower replacement sections. I mention your tip in my latest video: ruclips.net/video/zTKvQp0Sfxg/видео.html
I live in Alaska and there is snow and ice on trails 7 months of the year. Poles are indispensible for testing how deep the snow is, extra traction and balance on ice, knee and hip relief. Great channel!
Thanks for your comment. Do you use snow baskets? I hike in the Winter, but mostly I am dealing with ice and not deep snow. I guess every section of the country has different challenges. I appreciate your taking time to comment.
Thank you for the useful information.
Thank you for watching!
Thanks for the video and the video on hiking tips for older hikers. I have followed this guy (follow bigfoot) and found his instructonal videos to be very good. Here's his video on tekking poles: ruclips.net/video/8jH9e4QGUP4/видео.html. I hike the AT pretty often and rely on trekking poles to transfer weight to my upper body for both climbs and decents. The AT is often built with steps in the trial for elevation changes and sometime this steps are 18-24 inches high. Using the poles as Bigfoot suggests allows me to use the poles to transfer wieght off my knees when stepping up or down. They are particularly useful on decents when I have large steps to go down. I can put the poles at the lower level and use them to help reduce the shock of stepping down. I have a knee with some arthritus and this technique lets me hike without inflamming the joint. The poles are also very useful for keeping me upright when hiking on slick terrain like mud and snow.
Thanks for the comments and recommendations. Sorry, I am new to youtube and your comment was tied up in "held for review," without my knowledge. I now know I should check there regularly. Keep on hiking!
Great video 😊
Thanks! 😊
등산 상식 하나 배워갑니다.15:40
I think it is common sense to use them for older people.
👍
Thank you!
Haha, I just checked my local sports and hiking store here in Norway and they go for about 150 USD and nothing below 70 USD ... its crazy expensive here
Understood, the markets around the world vary wildly. But with internet commerce, is there an opportunity to buy direct from a less expensive country? In the US, many goods are shipped directly from China. . .
I wish you would improve the recorded sound of your videos.
Agreed. I am new to this and trying to learn. I will strive to improve the sound on future recordings. I just got a microphone today, which should help. Sorry about the inconvenience and thank you for your comment.
Extra legs..balance
Exactly!
Are you suggesting $30 is expensive for poles?
Admittedly, I forced the analogy a bit in the end to make it work with the glasses. . .
🔥🔥🔥♥️
Thank you.
@@GC-Hiker Yw
,❤
Thank you.
Your wrong hiking poles do not need to be expensive.
You are holing your poles wrong.
Fair enough, I stretched the analogy a bit to fit with the eyeglasses. I paid $32 for those poles. I am always open to learning new things and the people I respect most are the ones who can change my mind. Please let me know how and why to hold the poles differently. Thank you for your comment.
I don't use hiking poles bc they're dangerous
They're dangerous because :
They tie up a hiker's hands
On downhills, they make a hiker lean into rather than away from the slope
On uphills they put the hiker's weight on the poles, and if the poles break the hiker
gets hurt
They get in the way
Fair enough, we all have different approaches and experiences. For me, the poles are indispensable, but you make a good case for the other viewpoint. Thanks for your comment.