Hiking Pole Use & Etiquette

Safe technique, smart habits, and happy knees on every trail.

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Holding Your Poles

▸ When not in use, hold poles point forward so you can see the tips and avoid spearing fellow hikers.

▸ When following someone uphill, stay at least 2 metres back — a slipped tip can fly up fast.

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▸ Insert your hand into the loop from below and rest the lower part of your hand on the strap.

▸ Use fingers only to lightly grasp the handle — power transfers through your wrist and the strap, not your fingers.

▸ This technique lets the strap bear the load, and is far stronger and less tiring than gripping tightly.

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Setting base length

▸ Arm at side, elbow bent to a 90° angle, the pole tip should just touch the ground.

Adjusting for terrain

▸ Shorten for uphill, lengthen for downhill.

▸ Adjust as terrain changes for best efficiency.

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▸ Use poles as a third or fourth leg — plant and weight a pole as, or just after, the opposite foot lands.

▸ You don't need to plant every step — deploy only when feeling insecure.

▸ For very tricky sections, use both poles — the second pole adds security after each step is completed.

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General

▸ Use poles consistently throughout the hike for maximum benefit.

▸ Match pole landing to same-side or opposite foot — both work, find what suits you.

Flat / Uphill

▸ Never plant poles ahead of your leading foot — you can't drive forward from that position.

▸ Plant behind or beside you to push yourself forward and reduce knee load.

Downhill

▸ Plant poles ahead of your feet to absorb landing shock through arms and shoulders.

▸ Forward placement also helps control speed on steep descents.