Hello,

Does any one have instructions on how to use hiking poles properly? How
to grip it, and use them on various terrain, etc? I am interested in
using one of the Leki anti-shock ones.

Thanks
Ralph

On Apr 28, 9:45 am, Ralph <NoS...@semqkz.net> wrote:

Ok, this is just from personal experience. Your mileage may have
validity, void where prohibited by good taste, etc. and so on.

I usually only hike with one pole at a time, though sometimes
I do use two at a time, depending on the trail.

My pole has a wrist strap that lets me put most of the weight
on my wrist rather than through gripping. That lets me grip
just hard enough to put the pole where I want it, and that means
a lot less fatigue in my hands and arms. Not familiar with your
particular poles so I don't know if that's how yours work.

Anyway, I find that the primary thing I use the pole for is
balance. I put some weight on it, but I don't try to use
it as an "extra leg" or anything like that. I find that this
reduces the frequency of tripping and falling down to about
once per summer.

I also find that the pole improves my balance enough that
I can hike a lot faster, particular down hill. It also lets me
do the "hip swinging" thing more to make my stride longer.

Experiment with how you want to use it to be comfortable.
Vary the length of the pole's "stride" and how far in front
of you that you plant it, and how far behind you it goes
before you lift it. Vary how much weight you put on the
pole to find something that works for  you. You should
be looking for a way that will be comfy, low impact, and
let you hike quickly. Pay attention to whether it is putting
your hips off-kilter, whether it is pushing your knees or
ankles out of line, and correct if it is.

Once you get comfy with it, it shouldn't be something
you are constantly thinking about.

If the trail is really easy I usually just carry the pole. I find
it's actually more work to put the pole into the ground on
really smooth level trail. Again, mostly for balance.

Another use I have for poles is dog discouragement. Ok,
you dog lovers can sit back down, I don't poke dogs. It's
almost never required. I find if you just put the pole cross-ways
in front of you, about at a 45 degree angle to the ground,
this will confuse the dog enough that it will back up to
think about things. Then you can back up a couple paces
and go round the dog. I don't know why it works, but it
usually does. If a large dog was to actually attack this
wouldn't make any useful difference. But most dogs just
don't seem to want to touch a pole.
Socks

For those not familiar with  pole straps (as I have found a lot of cross
country skiers using them wrong), I would like to mention the correct way;
-Insert your hand into the strap from under the strap
-Grasp the pole handle with the strap tight to the hand grip
-When you press down on the pole, you do not need to grab the pole in a
death grip, the strap (which is looping around the top of your wrist)
will push down on the top of your wrist and provide support.
gr

Ok, thanks all for the response.

Ralph

On Apr 28, 7:45 pm, gr <greif1nos...@rochester.rr.com> wrote:
[snip]

Heh heh. Like the pic here, where the model isn't using
the straps at all.

http://www.ghfactory.com/vantrek_hiking_poles_.htm

Went on a hunt for pics of proper use.

I think this is the sort of thing you are talking about.

http://vforth.com/index.php?act=viewDoc&docId=5

Also found height adjustment.

http://revelsports.com/leki/TN2152.htm?id=848
Socks

Someone has made a DVD on this.
This lady teaches a course on pole use and
makes the rounds of REIs in the US.
I listened to the introductory course some
time ago and learned a few things.  She also
teraches a field course.