Hiking
Using walking poles: length, rhythm and when to stow them
Adjust walking poles for the ground, check their locks and practise a comfortable rhythm before taking them on a longer walk.
Walking poles are most useful when their length and rhythm suit the ground. Practise on an easy path before using them on a steep descent or a long day with a pack.
Set the length and check the locks
On level ground, start with your elbow roughly at a right angle while holding the grip. Many walkers shorten poles for climbing and lengthen them slightly for descending. Keep within the marked adjustment range and test each lock under controlled pressure before walking.
Let them support a natural rhythm
Use light, deliberate placements rather than stabbing far ahead. Keep the tips clear of other people's feet and avoid planting them in gaps where they could jam. Practise the grip and strap arrangement described by the manufacturer; on awkward terrain, consider whether a strap could trap your hand in a fall.
Know when to put them away
Stow poles securely when you need both hands for a ladder or scramble. Poles do not make an unsafe river crossing acceptable. If the ground is beyond your skills, change the route rather than relying on another point of contact. I would test adjustments on a short hill first and carry the poles packed away for part of the walk too, so I know they fit securely on the bag without swinging.
Read next: What to check when buying second-hand trekking poles.
Sources and photo credit
Information checked 29 September 2026.
Photo: Alenka Veber. Original photograph; CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized for web display.
