Trekking poles are one of the most commonly used equipment in mountaineering. It is necessary to prepare a pair of reliable trekking poles and learn to use them correctly. In addition to effectively protecting your knees, it can also help you lose about 30% of your weight. The left and right weights make your walking easier and more comfortable, and you can enjoy the fun brought by nature.

If it is a simple, or a short recreational route, you can do without trekking poles. If you are climbing for a long time, or climbing with heavy objects or climbing at high altitudes, you must master some methods and skills of trekking poles. Never use trekking poles on steep slopes or routes that require climbing. It is safer to put trekking poles in a backpack, and climb by grasping rocks or branches with your hands, otherwise it will be very dangerous.

A well-used trekking pole is equal to two more legs. If used improperly, it is a burden. Therefore, it is very important to master the correct use of trekking poles. Make a 90-degree angle with your body, open the lock, adjust the two nodes below the trekking pole, hold the trekking pole in your hand, touch the tip of the trekking pole to the ground, lock the lock, pass your hand through the wrist strap, and press the strap against the tiger's mouth , just hold the handle tightly.

How to use trekking poles correctly

1. Adjust the length of trekking poles

① Three-stage trekking poles generally have two adjustable sections. First, loosen all trekking poles.

② Pull the trekking pole near the bottom to the maximum length, there is a scale on the trekking pole for reference.

③ Use the trekking pole to stand on a flat surface to adjust the length of the trekking pole, the arm hangs down naturally, use the elbow as the fulcrum, raise the forearm to 90 degrees with the upper arm, and then adjust the tip of the trekking pole downward to make it touch the ground; The head of the pole is placed 5-8 cm under the armpit, and the tip of the trekking pole is adjusted downward until it touches the ground.

④ Fix all the poles of the trekking pole.

⑤ Another unadjusted trekking pole can be adjusted to the same length as the locked length trekking pole.

⑥ When adjusting the trekking pole, do not exceed the maximum adjustment length displayed on the trekking pole. When buying trekking poles, you can adjust the length first to determine whether you can buy trekking poles of the right length.

2. Use of wristbands

When most people use trekking poles, they hold the handle of the trekking pole tightly and apply force, thinking that the function of the wrist strap is to prevent the trekking pole from leaving the wrist. If you think so, you are wrong. The importance of the belt is no less than the strength of the trekking pole itself! Correct use of the wrist strap can effectively improve the stability of the trekking pole, so as to achieve the purpose of saving effort.

First, distinguish between left and right hands. There will be different signs on the wristband, and you should choose the correct wearing method according to the signs. Trekking poles work better only if the wrist and wristband fit. Next, adjust the wristband. Extend your wrist inward from the bottom of the wristband, and after reaching in, hold the handle of the trekking pole down, remember not to hold it too tightly, so as to better distribute the load on your body.

Keep the wrist, strap and handle together for stable and efficient use of the strap.

3. How to operate on different terrains

① Slowly ascending the slope on the flat ground: The same rhythm as usual walking, the right arm and the left foot move forward with the trekking pole at the same time, but the tip of the pole does not exceed the front of the body, and then push it back to the ground. The left hand interacts with the right hand to perform the same action.

② Steep slope: The action is the same as normal walking, but the arms are moved forward, the position of the trekking pole should be placed in front of the body, and the body should be supported upward with the trekking pole to reduce the pressure on the legs. You can use both if desired. Use trekking poles for climbing movements. As you push your body up, place your palms over the poles to increase the thrust.

③ Downhill: Due to the relatively large impact force, it is necessary to use trekking poles to reduce the load on the legs;

The position of the trekking pole must be placed in front of the body in order to achieve the effect of dividing the force in front of the front foot. You need to feel how far the trekking poles should be placed in order to reduce the pressure on the legs without slowing down the original speed and rhythm. If necessary, the length of the trekking pole can be lengthened according to personal feeling.