Hiking poles help hikers and backpackers with the weight of their backpack.They give you more stability on the trail, give an upper body workout, and take pressure off the knees and back.It is important to know how to adjust your poles before you go hiking.
Step 1: If the poles are dirty, you must clean them.
Simply place a damp rag or paper towel over the pole's surface and allow it to dry.If there is a lot of dirt between the different pieces, it may be harder to twist and move.Dirt and water can ruin the expander pieces in your poles over time, so it's a good idea to clean or disassemble them after each use.Do not use WD40 to clean your hiking poles.The function of the adjusting pieces could be affected by this.
Step 2: Open each pole.
There are two ways to adjust the sections of your hiking poles.The first thing to do is twist the poles to loosen and tighten them.Once you have adjusted the pole length, the second option is a small lever which you can flick open with your thumb.To lock a hiking pole, you have to twist it to the left or right.You should be able to see which way to twist.
Step 3: If you want your arm to form a 90 degree angle, you need to adjust the right pole.
Hold the pole out in front of you.Relax your shoulders, keep your elbows close to your side, and make sure that the pole is touching the ground.Start with the lowest part if you have multiple sections.If you still want it to be longer, extend it until it has reached maximum length, then move onto the next part.It is easier to just adjust the top part if you need to adjust your poles while walking.Most pole sets have a right and left hand pole where the grip is slightly different to adjust to your hands' shape.
Step 4: The length of the left pole should be the same as the right.
To make sure they are the same height, hold them next to each other.It is easier to compare lengths if you place your poles on a flat surface.
Step 5: Both poles should be locked.
Either close the lever or tighten it.The poles should be fully tightened so that they don't adjust as you walk.
Step 6: When hiking downhill, shorten your poles to chest heights.
It's important for steep descents to take some of the pressure off of your knees.You can extend the pole until you can walk on it.Keeping your shoulders relaxed will ensure correct use of the poles.
Step 7: When hiking uphill you should shorten your poles to thigh height.
If you feel like you are reaching out too far in order to plant your poles, they need to be shorter.You should be walking in a natural way.It is easier to adjust the lower section of the pole for flat ground and the top part for going up and down hills.
Step 8: The poles are adjusted to different lengths.
If you are on the uphill side of the hill, use a shorter pole than the downhill side.A good rule of thumb is to keep the uphill pole and the downhill pole at thigh height, even though the terrain and steepness of the hill may affect how much you adjust the poles.You should stop if it feels uncomfortable.The goal of hiking poles is to provide more stability so you don't feel uncomfortable.