How to Use Hiking Poles: A Complete Guide

Learn how to use hiking poles with this complete guide for all trekkers and walkers. Once you have mastered how to use hiking poles (and how to use trekking poles properly), you’ll wonder how you ever survived without them.

Whether you call them walking poles, trekking sticks, or just “my trail sticks,” this guide will help you master the art.

Why Bother with Hiking Poles?

Aside from looking like a mountaineering boss, using trekking poles actually offers a pile of real benefits:

Save Your Knees: Especially on the way down — Poles distribute impact, especially on downhill sections, reducing pressure on knees and ankles.
Spider Senses Engaged: You’ll feel the terrain more, and keep your balance when things get rocky… literally.
Arm Day Bonus: Surprise! You’re working your upper body too. Engaging your upper body can reduce leg fatigue and help you hike longer with less strain.
Posture Patrol: Walking with poles encourages a more upright position, reducing back strain and improving breathing.

Still not convinced? Well, once you figure out how to use trekking poles for hiking, you’ll have a hard time going back to two-legged hiking.

How to Use Hiking Poles: Trekking Pole Basics

1. Adjust the Height Like a Pro

On flat ground, your elbow should be at a 90-degree angle.
Going uphill? Shrink ‘em a little.
Heading downhill? Lengthen them.

2. Wrangle Those Wrist Straps

Yes, they’re not just decorative. Here’s how to use a trekking pole correctly:

Slide your hand up through the strap and then grip the handle. This allows the strap to bear some of your weight, giving your hands a break.
The strap should cradle the base of your palm — not just your wrist.

3. Master the Rhythm

If you’re wondering how to use walking poles or how do you use walking poles, it’s all about timing:

Use a natural, alternating rhythm: when your left foot steps forward, your right pole moves forward, and vice versa.
On steep inclines or descents, plant both poles ahead of you for added support

4. Plant With Purpose

Keep poles close to your body and plant them firmly for maximum stability.
Jab lightly, but firmly. You’re aiming for support, not vampire slaying.

Trekking Sticks: How to Use Them Without Tripping Over Yourself

Some people say trekking sticks, others say walking poles, but the question remains: trekking sticks how to use them without poking your hiking buddy?

Tips:

Pointy end down. Always.
Stay in sync. Poles are rhythm tools, not helicopter blades.
Use them to test mud, snow, or anything suspicious-looking.

Walking Poles: How to Use Them for Casual or Urban Walks

Walking poles, often used for Nordic walking, share similar techniques. Here’s how to use walking poles or walking poles how to use:

Keep a brisk pace and use the poles to propel you forward.
Maintain an upright posture and use your arm swing to enhance your stride.

Feeling Crafty? Here's How to Make a Hiking Staff

Want to go full Gandalf? Here’s how to make a hiking staff with some DIY flair:

Find a sturdy stick (bonus if it has mystical energy).
Sand it down so it doesn’t splinter your soul.
Decorate if you’re feeling artsy: wrap it in leather, carve initials, or glue on a crystal (no judgment).
Add a rubber tip or ferrule so you’re not just dragging bark across trails.

Boom. You’re now a wizard of the woods.

If you would like to purchase ready made hiking poles check out Go Outdoors’s collection.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re asking how to use trekking poles, how to use a trekking pole correctly, or how to make a hiking staff from scratch, the goal is the same: make hiking easier, safer, and more fun.

Plant those poles, and keep cruising — because now you know exactly how to use hiking poles correctly. And trust us, your knees, back, and swagger will thank you.

Emma & The Team xx