Trekking Poles: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide for Safe and Effective Use
If you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast or someone planning to embark on a trekking adventure in the beautiful landscapes of Peru, understanding how to use trekking poles correctly is essential. At Peru by Locals, we strive to ensure that every trekker has the tools and knowledge to enjoy a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable journey through the breathtaking Peruvian mountains.
Trekking poles, often referred to as hiking sticks or walking poles, have been used for centuries by hikers, explorers, and mountaineers. Initially crafted from simple tree branches, today’s trekking poles are made from advanced materials that enhance their strength, lightweight properties, and durability. These poles are more than just accessories—they are invaluable companions in improving balance, stability, and overall trekking performance.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll delve into the essential benefits of trekking poles, proper techniques for using them, common mistakes to avoid, and how to maintain them for long-lasting performance.
Why Should You Use Trekking Poles?
Trekking poles are not just another piece of outdoor gear—they are an essential tool for both novice and experienced hikers. These versatile tools offer numerous benefits, from improving stability to reducing fatigue. Here are the key reasons why you should consider using trekking poles on your next adventure:
1. Enhance Stability on Uneven Terrain
Trekking poles are indispensable when it comes to navigating rough and uneven terrain. Whether you’re trekking in the Sacred Valley or tackling the Inca Trail, poles provide added support, helping you maintain balance on rocky paths, slippery slopes, and challenging ascents. By offering a “third point of support,” they stabilize your movements, significantly reducing the risk of falls.
2. Reduce Stress on Joints
Long treks, especially downhill, can put a lot of stress on your knees, ankles, and hips. Trekking poles reduce up to 20% of the load from your lower body, decreasing the impact on your joints. This reduction in strain helps prevent long-term injuries and allows you to hike for longer periods without discomfort.
3. Improve Posture and Endurance
Proper posture is crucial for an efficient and enjoyable trekking experience. Trekking poles encourage you to walk upright, which distributes your body weight evenly across both your legs and arms. This balanced movement enhances your endurance, making it easier to tackle long hikes without fatiguing too quickly.
4. Provide Support During Ascent and Descent
When climbing steep hills or descending challenging slopes, trekking poles play a pivotal role. On ascents, they provide additional leverage, helping you push upwards more effectively. During descents, they act as natural brakes, enabling you to control your speed and reduce the pressure on your knees.
How to Use Trekking Poles: A Step-by-Step Guide
Using trekking poles effectively requires proper technique and understanding of when and how to adjust them for different terrains. Here’s how you can get the most out of your trekking poles on your adventure in Peru by Locals‘s unique trails.
1. Adjust the Length of the Poles
Proper pole length is crucial for maintaining balance and comfort during your hike. Here’s how to adjust your poles based on the terrain:
- On flat terrain: Adjust the poles to a length where your elbows form a 90-degree angle when holding the grips.
- During uphill climbs: Shorten the poles to maintain a better angle and ease the upward push.
- On descents: Lengthen the poles to act as brakes, providing stability and reducing pressure on your knees.
2. Perfect Your Posture
Maintaining proper posture while trekking with poles ensures you get the maximum benefit and minimizes the risk of injury. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Stand tall: Keep your back straight and avoid leaning forward or hunching. Looking ahead, not at the ground, will help you anticipate obstacles.
- Keep your arms relaxed: Bend your elbows slightly and move the poles in sync with the opposite leg (right leg with left pole, and vice versa).
- Engage your core: A strong core will help maintain your balance and avoid unnecessary strain on your lower back.
3. Use Your Poles Correctly on Different Terrains
Each type of terrain requires a slight adjustment in your technique to optimize the performance of your trekking poles:
- For ascents: Shorten the poles and plant them slightly in front of you to assist in upward movement.
- For descents: Lengthen the poles and place them slightly ahead to act as natural brakes and provide more control.
- On rocky terrain: Use the poles as a third point of support, ensuring they’re securely planted before you apply weight, especially on slippery or loose ground.
- In water or snow: Use the poles to test the depth of water or the stability of snow-covered paths before proceeding, ensuring safe passage.
Key Benefits of Trekking Poles for Adventurers
In addition to providing essential support and stability, trekking poles offer several other advantages that enhance your overall trekking experience.
1. Increased Efficiency and Speed
Using trekking poles can help increase your trekking speed, especially on uphill terrain. When using poles, your arms contribute more to forward movement, which helps maintain a steady pace without overloading your legs.
2. Injury Prevention
Trekking poles act as an extra layer of protection, reducing the chances of ankle twists, sprains, and muscle strain. They also promote better walking posture, alleviating pressure from your hips and lower back, which are common sources of discomfort on long treks.
3. Versatility Across Different Terrains
Trekking poles are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for diverse terrains—whether it’s a muddy trail, a rocky path, or a snowy field. With adjustable lengths and robust build, they allow for safe passage through a variety of landscapes.
4. Improve Balance and Posture
As mentioned earlier, trekking poles help distribute weight across your arms and legs, improving overall balance. They also assist in maintaining a more upright posture, preventing slouching, which can lead to back or hip pain.
Common Mistakes When Using Trekking Poles and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced trekkers can make mistakes when using trekking poles. Below are some of the most common errors and tips to avoid them:
1. Incorrect Pole Length
If your trekking poles are too long or too short, they will affect your posture and increase strain on your muscles. Always adjust the poles to suit the terrain and maintain the correct elbow angle.
2. Over-Reliance on Poles
While trekking poles are invaluable, they should not bear all your weight. Using them as your sole support can lead to wrist strain. Instead, use the poles to complement your balance, sharing the load evenly across your body.
3. Not Using the Straps Correctly
The straps on trekking poles are designed to help distribute weight and relieve pressure from your hands. Ensure that you pass your hands through the straps correctly—this will give you more control and reduce hand fatigue during long hikes.
Maintenance and Care for Your Trekking Poles
Taking good care of your trekking poles ensures they will last for many adventures. Follow these simple maintenance tips:
1. Clean and Dry After Every Use
Dirt and mud can affect the performance of your poles. Clean them after every hike, paying special attention to the telescopic sections. Make sure they are completely dry to prevent rusting on metal parts.
2. Lubricate the Mechanisms
To keep your poles working smoothly, lubricate the locking mechanisms occasionally with a light lubricant like silicone oil. This prevents the poles from becoming stiff or difficult to adjust.
3. Store Properly
When not in use, store your poles in a cool, dry place. Disassemble the sections or store them at their minimum length to prevent undue pressure on the locking mechanisms.
Trekking poles are an essential part of any hiking or trekking adventure. They enhance stability, reduce the risk of injury, improve posture, and make hiking more efficient. At Peru by Locals, we believe in providing you with the right tools and knowledge to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable trekking experience. Whether you’re traversing the Inca Trail or exploring the Salkantay Trek, mastering the use of trekking poles will allow you to embrace the journey with confidence.
Ready to explore the mountains of Peru with the right gear? Don’t forget to pack your trekking poles, and let the adventure begin!