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How to use trekking poles the proper, improper and ...... my way

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Follow Bigfoot

Follow Bigfoot

7 жыл бұрын

In 2016, I thru-hiked tha Appalachian Trail in a short window of 100 days. One of the biggest reasons I was able to complete my journey was how I used my trekking poles to stay free from pain and injury.
This video I will demonstrate the "Proper" and "Improper" techniques as well as my unconventional way.
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Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate links in this video description as well as my gear lists. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
A few recommended Trekking Poles:
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Women's: bit.ly/2Oc0rpE
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork: bit.ly/2FkDjSW
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Z: bit.ly/2FlE5iG
Most Affordable:
Black Diamond Trail Back: bit.ly/2OedcA7
Leki Carbon Ti: bit.ly/2OeGBKr
Leki Micro Vario Carbon: bit.ly/2FlaSV3
Leki: Micro Vario Ti COR-TEC: bit.ly/2OeGBKr
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MeFOTO Carbon Fiber Roadtrip - amzn.to/2opZFbz
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Link to my Finalized Appalachian Trail Gear List:
www.geargrams.com/list?id=38365
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www.geargrams.com/list?id=40442
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www.geargrams.com/list?id=38142
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Пікірлер: 483
@IncogNito-gg6uh
@IncogNito-gg6uh Жыл бұрын
This video on technique just happened to be the first I opened. It was a fortunate choice!
@React2This
@React2This Жыл бұрын
So happy to have discovered this video. I’m 68 years old and have decided to become active again. The motivation came from witnessing a dear friend becoming bedridden during the final months of his life. When I’m not feeling inspired to walk or do one of my easy hikes, I remind myself that there may come a time when I can’t do these things, and to do them now with gratitude.
@undergroundchuckeytennesse2526
@undergroundchuckeytennesse2526 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for video... first part excellent info... one thing I do and always advise anyone interested in using trekking poles is to set the upper part of pole close to max length as that part is thicker and sturdier. Set the bottom part as a lesser length as this part is not as strong as upper and a misstep or a fall will be less likely to bend or even break the pole.
@golfgirl1619
@golfgirl1619 6 ай бұрын
Thank you for this tip!
@jw934
@jw934 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the outtakes too. Really made me appreciate not just the expertise you shared but also the effort you took to share them in such an enjoyable video. Learned lots. Thank you.
@monicawolf9234
@monicawolf9234 6 жыл бұрын
Dude! Thank you for these great tips on proper trekking pole techniques! Came in handy yesterday especially on the descent of a very slippery trail ...lots of snow melt, and mud. Remembered this video about pole position and weight distribution
@anitavaughn1968
@anitavaughn1968 5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for posting this. I had issues with stepping down and this will help. I have a bad back but still love to hike.
@igotn0thin
@igotn0thin 7 жыл бұрын
Very informative and clear. Started out curious to see what your method was and pleasantly surprised to see it is very similar to how I just naturally ended up using mine over the last few years of hiking with poles. Love how it allows quick changes in grip, not just for terrain or slope, but for variety. It's helped prevent fatigue in my hands and blisters.
@Musicman2012Now
@Musicman2012Now 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this! I just bought my first poles and had no idea what to do with them. Your video has helped greatly. By the way, anyone who has hiked the AT has my respect. Perhaps one day I can do it. If Grandma Gatewood can do it at 67 and then again a couple years later, there is still hope for me. I look forward to more of your videos!
@dougturner790
@dougturner790 6 жыл бұрын
I just wanted to give you some feed back on this video by saying thank you. I watched it a few months back and learned a lot in a short time, and now whenever I'm hiking it comes to mind. Thanks again.
@notsure6716
@notsure6716 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for making this video! I had no idea there was a proper way to use trekking poles until I watched this. I am in the planning stages of an Arizona Trail thru hike and knowing how to use the poles correctly has completely changed my hikes! Looking back, I can’t believe I ever hiked without them. Your tips even changed my husband’s mind about trekking poles. He thought they were a popular but mostly useless item and now he wants a pair. Thanks again for this video and for improving my hiking experience.
@michaelbezoski3096
@michaelbezoski3096 4 жыл бұрын
Thank you, very well done. As an old man that refuses to stop doing "walk about's" I appreciate you sharing your experience. Just my walking sticks alone have spared me "structural damage on many hikes. I subscribed due to your content & suggestions as what works for you plus your experience. I will search your channel for suggestions on hiking shoes & equipment as nothing (to me) every beats experience. Again thank you & stay safe....Mike
@k1001001
@k1001001 5 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I'm new to hiking and trekking poles, and this was a huge help.
@mrmrwebb
@mrmrwebb 7 жыл бұрын
Bigfoot........my favorite thru-hiker! Thanks for passing along the skills and knowledge you have aquired! Much appreciated.
@FollowBigfoot
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
+Mike Webb Awwww, thanks Mike!!!!!
@hawthorneantilles6755
@hawthorneantilles6755 5 жыл бұрын
This was so helpful! It's amazing how many trekking pole videos feature the death grip-I had no idea it wasn't normal! What you say makes so much sense....
@MrMage1104
@MrMage1104 6 жыл бұрын
THANK YOU!!!! Ive had quite a bit of knee pain while hiking the AT. Never knew there was a different way other than the death grip!
@lonelycrescendo
@lonelycrescendo 2 жыл бұрын
Your videos are so professional, like an actual course! Thank you for all this info, it could probably save lives!
@limulus61
@limulus61 7 жыл бұрын
Bravo Bigfoot! At 3:22, I gave you the thumbs up. I have not thru-hiked, but I've been on a crusade when it comes to trekking poles and how to properly use them. Too many people don't know how to properly grip them. I have back pain nearly every day. When I'm wearing a 25lb pack and using my poles, I rarely feel discomfort. My other crusade is toilet paper all along the side of the trail, but that is a different story. BTW, I followed you all the way last year.
@alantaylor6691
@alantaylor6691 4 жыл бұрын
Are tru-hikers littering all along the sides of tru-hike trails with toilet paper? I assume that is females doing a number one, as most males don't use toliet paper for number ones and for numbers twos both sexes are not going on the side of the trail anyway? I'm in Australia and haven't done tru-hiking, but when I do a couple of hours hiking which is nearly everyday, I carry a freezer bag in my pocket and all little tissues and rubbish goes in that during my hike. I devote one pocket to my rubbish, making it a priority. Because the freezer bag is in my pocket easily accessible, I'm far more likely to actually take my rubbish out with me as I don't have to think about whether I could be botherered to take off and open my pack to stow my rubbish.
@georginaparker3681
@georginaparker3681 4 жыл бұрын
Very informative. I've just started using trekking poles and this is the best instructional video that I've seen. Thanks for your time making this video.
@janicechiaretto7082
@janicechiaretto7082 3 жыл бұрын
I am so happy I never realized that trekking poles were real tools and not something the elderly and 'fraidy-cats needed lol. Being semi-elderly myself, with a so-so hip, I thought my hiking days were behind me. Not so! The use of poles is a revelation! Thanks for giving me my love of walking , um, trekking, back!!
@Ray_Here
@Ray_Here 7 жыл бұрын
Great tips! I used your techniques hiking this week in Colorado. Never really needed trekking poles before but with the steep up and down terrain they were a huge help. Thanks!!!
@FollowBigfoot
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
+Rmarvids Glad it helped! This is probably one of my best tutorial videos I've made IMO. These techniques were what got me to Katahdin in 100 days
@2wheelsrbest327
@2wheelsrbest327 4 жыл бұрын
Thank you for posting this. Having just brought my first pair of TP your information will I am sure prove to be very useful to me.
@gspieler
@gspieler 2 жыл бұрын
This is one of the best info on KZbin about trekking poles. Thanks so much.
@denisesarazin6753
@denisesarazin6753 3 жыл бұрын
Excellent vidéo! I’ve been using my poles the “right” way for years but I’ve started getting the exact thumb/wrist pain you described so I’m going to try your way. I have kept my larger baskets on year round and it really prevents the poles from sinking in.
@Katiebug4lake
@Katiebug4lake Жыл бұрын
Great informative video! I just recently bought trekking poles and you have the best instruction I’ve seen. Thank you.
@angusdyson248
@angusdyson248 3 жыл бұрын
At last, an indepth, no nonsense, video, from someone who has been there, done that, with trekking poles. Answered all my questions, without all the "bulls*+t" of "flashing lights" and fancy dramatic editing! Perfect.
@mrosomane5647
@mrosomane5647 7 жыл бұрын
Excellent! I really enjoyed your explanation of your technique and why. Very helpful.
@gregraines8082
@gregraines8082 7 жыл бұрын
Great video, especially the out takes. Many similarities to cross country skiing, such as the grip, flat terrain and ascending techniques.
@SkyDawg108
@SkyDawg108 7 жыл бұрын
Thanks. Excellent vid. Well-paced, info-rich, clear narration and thought-provoking alternatives to the conventional wisdom. Congrats on your 100 days to Katahdin!
@FollowBigfoot
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
+SkyDawg108 Thank you!
@ngumbo
@ngumbo 5 жыл бұрын
Great demo, Bigfoot! and I liked that you showed your personal technique, some creative thought there.
@blakew5672
@blakew5672 5 жыл бұрын
Never thought about ascending with poles the way you show, I always ascended with them out front. It does help, but probably not as efficient as you show. Awesome video!
@msmit245
@msmit245 4 жыл бұрын
Huge help mate! I’m new to Washington state and the terrain will beat me up! I love hiking and now I know how to leverage my poles properly. Thank you!
@AlexBartok
@AlexBartok 4 жыл бұрын
Follow Bigfoot, thank you for this! The video is not only very helpful but also very pleasant to watch. You have a very good style of presentation and explanation. I subscribed. :) Thanks again!
@parthshirish
@parthshirish 4 жыл бұрын
Sir, You are a great mentor, Thank you for giving me a jump start on using hiking poles.
@guardianx1328
@guardianx1328 5 жыл бұрын
Great video. I'm hiking the AT in a couple of weeks and I'm so glad to learn how to properly use my poles. Thanks a bunch and I will continue to watch your vids.
@FollowBigfoot
@FollowBigfoot 5 жыл бұрын
Hope this helps you on your journey on the AT. I just got back from hiking across Scotland and was of the few hikers with no injuries during the trip. I have never had an injury that has inhibited me from hiking day to day since I used this technique along with having a UL load and stretching BEFORE and AFTER hiking every day
@metoo9360
@metoo9360 3 жыл бұрын
So, how was your trip?
@ThePurposeFullLife
@ThePurposeFullLife 4 жыл бұрын
This video helped me SO MUCH on my first big trip a couple weeks ago!! Thanks for the intel!!
@mimikcute4662
@mimikcute4662 6 жыл бұрын
For a while, my favourite trekking poles have always been a pair of bamboo poles I made myself. They are plain, but heat-treated so stupidly hard. Watching your guides encouraged me to add a paracord strap to each of them.
@stopasking9745
@stopasking9745 2 жыл бұрын
Did you put like a polyurethane or shellac on them?
@hhmstead
@hhmstead 6 жыл бұрын
Having suddenly lost the vision in my right eye, I decided to try poles rather than a cane. I'm on a learning curve & your video was super helpful!
@Fortuneadventures
@Fortuneadventures 2 жыл бұрын
Sup brother. Love your channel. I'm out hiking all the time...it's my therapy. I've learned a lot from your channel. Preparing for the AT thru hike. The time is approaching. I can't wait
@TYNelson
@TYNelson 7 жыл бұрын
Very Informative Video. I have been binge watching your videos over the last few weeks. Great content your putting out there compared to others. Keep up the top notch videos. We all greatly appreciate it!
@FollowBigfoot
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
+TY Nelson Thank you so much TY!
@markofsaltburn
@markofsaltburn 4 жыл бұрын
I really appreciate your clarity and expertise - thank you!
@Bhamlunker
@Bhamlunker 5 жыл бұрын
In paddling racing - each stroke is critical over distance - efficiency is crucial for longer hikes like that so this seems awesome advice! Enjoying your channel
@yhagood4119
@yhagood4119 Жыл бұрын
I just finished a 6 mi hike up and down a mountain using your technique and LOVED it!! I really felt I could leverage the poles to take more of my weight and there was less jarring. I showed my daughter how to do this and she agreed with me. I'm going to be using them from now on! I also could not find a difference in my poles. I think the way the straps are attached makes it possible to use it with either hand. Thanks for a great video!!
@What_If_We_Tried
@What_If_We_Tried 7 жыл бұрын
A lot of food for thought, and I liked the tip about swapping out the trekking baskets, for the XC skiing variety. I was going to order your Black Diamond poles you recommended, but because I'm on a tight budget, I just ordered the Montem Ultra Strong Hiking / Trekking poles because they are 50% less, and, slightly lighter as well. They should be arriving in the mail sometime next week. There are several good thru-hiker KZbin channels, but I seem to be spending more time watching your videos lately. Appreciate all the time you put into these invaluable tutorials, as I start planning for my AT thru-hike in March 2019.
@CoderShare
@CoderShare 5 жыл бұрын
I'll see you there random KZbinr with my name.
@janetfreeman9189
@janetfreeman9189 3 жыл бұрын
I just got my first trekking poles. I didn’t know there was a left and a right, or how to use them correctly. Good explanations and demonstrations.
@47Custom
@47Custom 4 жыл бұрын
For my 30 year anniversary I got a set of Trekking poles, since I never had or tried using walking poles before, I was looking for some good information on how to do things right before starting any bad habits. And what's the first thing I learn is that the poles should be marked Left and Right. As I look at my poles no markings and I notice that both poles look correct on my left hand but not the right. Has to do with the padding not coming over my thumb on my right hand. These are Coleman AntiShock (Green in color) and I have sent a message asking about this problem with the poles seem to be both Left handed. Thanks for the excellent Video, out of all the other videos I've watched no one talks about which pole for which hand. Keep up the good work. Thanks! Wes
@MsSparkleyspice
@MsSparkleyspice 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for these tips. Previously I only walked with one pole and struggled so much with my knees on decent and these techniques have helped tremendously.
@davidsmith-ri3fi
@davidsmith-ri3fi 7 жыл бұрын
Excellent video my friend. Your best yet IMO . I have watched you from the beginning , your pre AT videos . You are a better man now IMO . Thanks for sharing.
@FollowBigfoot
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
+david smith You are very welcome. Thank you for the kind words and support
@geraldhenrickson7472
@geraldhenrickson7472 5 жыл бұрын
This was a great primer on poles. The logic of what you present is impeccable yet I mostly take the poles for defensive purposes and to hold up my tarp. I am too lazy to search for fallen branches. HOWEVER, if you completed the AT in just 100 days...I shall give it a try. I can use all the help I can get. Thanks for the video.
@barnaclebill1615
@barnaclebill1615 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks Bigfoot. I was really lost before watching this video on proper techniques. I don’t ski so I have no idea. I’ll end up watching this a couples times more to get all the ways down. Love the outtakes too!!
@k311ydcart3r
@k311ydcart3r 7 жыл бұрын
Not all trekking poles are made in left and right configurations. For example, my Cascade Mountain Tech poles, which came as a pair, are exactly the same. The straps are cleverly designed to work equally well with either hand. Anyhow, great video. And I especially liked your coverage of the technique you developed based on what actually worked better for you.
@hemantheer9738
@hemantheer9738 Жыл бұрын
Good point. I did end up removing the strap from one of them and restrapping it to fix this issue
@phrekkleface
@phrekkleface 5 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for this. I just ordered poles this morning and didn't know what I didn't know about them. This was really, really helpful.
@FollowBigfoot
@FollowBigfoot 5 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@wheremigoin
@wheremigoin 6 жыл бұрын
I hiked Philmont with my sons a few years ago and experimented with different ways of using trekking poles. By the end of our trek, I had landed on the same techniques you describe in the second part of the video, but didn't give it much thought, much less take the time to share what I had learned on KZbin. Thanks for a great presentation!
@FollowBigfoot
@FollowBigfoot 6 жыл бұрын
+Joe Gill Thank you Joe!
@davidterrie7661
@davidterrie7661 4 жыл бұрын
As a Sierra hiker where we run into huge granite steps, when ascending I'll push off with both poles to make the big steps up easier. Also, I shift my hands so the top of the grip is in the hollow above the base of my palm, and I can push directly down on the top of the pole. I find this gives me better leverage without having to cock my wrists. Better ergonomically. I'll do the same on steep descents and large steps down. Still easy to control poles. One other note as an older hiker: I try not to rely too much on the poles for balance. If you do and you miss a pole plant, you may fall. I often train without poles to encourage proper balance. Works for me. YMMV.
@justwalkjapan6010
@justwalkjapan6010 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this video. I'll try the technique you showed. Maybe it will help my seriously old knees.
@Woodenarrows
@Woodenarrows 7 жыл бұрын
Subbed - I always use my trekking poles.... and the straps as they are meant to be used. I really like having the extra help they provide and extra balance points for rocky stream crossings, necessary log walks, etc. They are great too in heavy leaf cover to check for holes and drop offs.
@FollowBigfoot
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
+Woodenarrows 👍👍
@sackett68
@sackett68 4 жыл бұрын
Just bought my first set of poles. Your video is great! Thanks alot for sharing it!
@swordmasterB
@swordmasterB 3 жыл бұрын
My wife and I just purchased trekking poles for our smoky mountains trip. Your video was very helpful , thanks
@captainblacktoe1328
@captainblacktoe1328 4 жыл бұрын
Finally someone that knows how to use the straps. At least 90% of the people that I see do that wrong. There are also some more advantages of doing this correctly. It allows you to grip the pole in different locations and still maintain control of the pole, for example reaching a long ways down you can move your hand to the very top of the pole holding it in your palm. Also for long strides you can actually release the grip when it passes your hip and pull the pole back using the strap and it will just come back to the correct spot and you can re-grip quickly. I am giving you a big thumbs up, even though I am a single pole user.
@ericsimons6712
@ericsimons6712 4 жыл бұрын
I never knew how much I needed this video!
@kenk2345
@kenk2345 7 жыл бұрын
Good explanation of things and about the benefits of good load distribution between the lower and upper body when hiking with a back pack. Downhill descends are the biggest danger to the knees. And on descends, transferring that weight to the trekking poles mainly through the straps, not the grip. Making it a sort of feather-weight dropping to each lower level. thanks for these updates...to a long way, one must have good form. I've learned this in my running. And especially as we age, the value of good form and technique increases.
@FollowBigfoot
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
+jonnken Very true!
@michaelwood4764
@michaelwood4764 4 жыл бұрын
I'm glad that later in your video that you went to move your hands directly through the hand straps. I off trail on a great deal of my hikes and had found many years ago that to NOT utilize the standard technique is not as conducive in almost all situations including safety as is just running the hands directly through the strap. Also many types of trekking pole straps are much thicker than the thin ones you are using and are much more abusive to your hands using the std. technique. Your hands are also more trapped when you utilize the std. technique. With the revised technique you used your hands are not trapped and can quickly release the pole and use your hands directly to the ground should you be off balance and hence then no trapping of the hand or fingers. Loved your remaining part of your video. You learn a lot of new ideas when you have worked your poles to extremes in all various situations.
@outdoorjohnny4794
@outdoorjohnny4794 5 жыл бұрын
This video by Bigfoot was inspirational to me and got me started with my own outdoor journey. I even started my own channel in hopes that I can help inspire/educate others as I learn myself.
@bigdavekc1
@bigdavekc1 6 жыл бұрын
Excellent pointers! You might mention Skiers' thumb or Gamekeeper's thumb which is a thumb fracture-dislocation that requires surgery to correct. it happens when your thumb is on the other side of the pole from the fingers, pushing the thumb out of place.
@fbnc11
@fbnc11 7 жыл бұрын
Thanks for making this video, it really cleared things up for me. Can't wait to try this technique. As always appreciate your effort.
@collinbbbb
@collinbbbb 11 ай бұрын
I just did my first backpacking trip with trekking poles this week in the Rockies and found myself naturally developing a similar style to your technique - leaning heavily into the straps and gripping primarily with my 4th and 5th fingers. It allowed nimble pivoting action around the wrist strap which let me bomb down trails like I was in a “flow state” letting the poles find where they want to plant.
@darrellcrowson8588
@darrellcrowson8588 3 жыл бұрын
Very informative. I never knew how important trekking poles could be for a longevity of my joints and for the enjoyment of my hikes
@WheretheJones
@WheretheJones 6 жыл бұрын
Love it very helpful. Doing EBC with the kids here in April.
@e.s.l5861
@e.s.l5861 5 жыл бұрын
I’m new to trekking poles, thanks for the tutorial, well scripted and informative
@kathrineswango
@kathrineswango 4 жыл бұрын
Best video I’ve seen on using trekking poles. Thanks!!
@gnasha8146
@gnasha8146 5 жыл бұрын
valuable information, thank you, loved the out-takes
@oscarhuynh8066
@oscarhuynh8066 7 жыл бұрын
Appreciate the video. Just bought the family their first trekking poles & thanks to your video, we'll be using the proper techniques this coming weekend vs last weekend. I also liked your personal technique, which looks like it will alleviate pressure differently for the hand & wrist.
@FollowBigfoot
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
+Oscar Huynh It worked amazing for me! You'll love the poles once you get used to them. I can't hike without them.... feels like walking without shoes or something, it's weird
@RenggaThe
@RenggaThe 4 жыл бұрын
Wow. this is amazing. You're not only sit and talk, but you give us the proper way with thhe poles. And you looking so damn good in green shirt. Watching from a small island in Southern Pacific, Sangihe island
@WILDONTHETRAIL
@WILDONTHETRAIL 5 жыл бұрын
A sincere word of thanks for composing this vid. I never used my poles until today after watching this video. Tackled some pretty tough AT work here in PA. WOW! What a difference! I felt like a pro in about 2 hours. Thanks again!
@intacc2392
@intacc2392 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you Big Foot for this invaluable information. Keep up the good work. I'll go to your affiliate associates to look for my equipment.
@MsHp311
@MsHp311 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for discussing and demonstrating the use of trekking poles. Much appreciated
@edadan
@edadan 6 жыл бұрын
Great video. Just bought two sets of trekking poles for me and my son but we were thinking about taking them back. After watching your video, I think I'll keep them.
@songbird857
@songbird857 4 жыл бұрын
New hiker here... just bought a good pair of hiking boots and trekking poles. Thanks for this helpful info!
@profdleeucc
@profdleeucc 4 жыл бұрын
Nice video narrative on the various approaches to effective hiking with trekking poles; explaining the pro side and con side of their respective equation side; enlightening for the beginner hiker to consider, contemplate and then decide for themselves after trying out what works for each individual particular hiker; I would definitely bring a set of conventional trekking poles with conventional hand wrist straps and also an alternate pair of Leki trekking poles with the vertically integrated built-in trigger "S" glove/hand system; actually tried it out in local REI store and it is a very compelling option to have on a prospective hike; as it feels very solid, stable, highly efficient and definitely worth it have on a hike in ones hiking tool bag to be able to utilize; I could see also that by using the conventional hand strap trekking pole with ones wrists going directly through them instead of coming from directly underneath; that one definitely might be able to get better angle of attack when potentially pushing off using ones conventional trekking pole; on an ascending hill that one is trying to actually climb up and over; I would definitely want to have the option to be able to decide to potentially be able to do both techniques in the field; whichever one works best in trail conditions being experienced.
@PDawgWms101
@PDawgWms101 Жыл бұрын
This is a great video. My technique is similar to yours since I have a compromised meniscus in my right knee. I, therefore, can’t jump at all. I allow my poles to swing forward as I loosen my grip as my arms swing forward. I then use the poles at an angle to help my forward stride. I walk on paved surfaces but I do uphill and downhill whenever possible.
@PE11779
@PE11779 4 жыл бұрын
This is fantastic advice and methods for a beginner! Thank you for posting. :)
@derekhill635
@derekhill635 5 жыл бұрын
This is a wicked informative video. Every hiker should watch
@Gusto20000
@Gusto20000 4 жыл бұрын
I sometimes use alternative technique like yours when I just want to change the grip for a while and let my wrists rest. Also on descends I thought I was doing it wrong, but I lean with all my weight too
@michaelboatright3469
@michaelboatright3469 6 жыл бұрын
Really good informative information. At 68 years young it's important to avoid injuries.
@stanthemanhikes2965
@stanthemanhikes2965 7 жыл бұрын
Some good pointers Bigfoot. I've hiked many miles and always avoided the straps thinking they were basically useless. Been trying them out and they really to aid with support so thanks for the tips. One thing I've always done while descending that has always worked for me was placing my palms on top of the poles supporting my weight on to the poles.
@FollowBigfoot
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
+Stanley Sutter That's another way you can do that. When I have done that before, I just didn't like the feeling of it and developed what I now. I think the most important part is you are transferring the weight distribution to your poles and off your lower body.
@funnybeingme
@funnybeingme 7 жыл бұрын
I agree with placing your palms on top of the poles because if you don't, you are placing your wrist in an unnatural position, unless of course you extend the poles based on the angle of the descent.
@Indydi
@Indydi 7 жыл бұрын
Palming the top works better if you have the type of poles with the knob on top. I have Leki Carbonlite XL, which have the knob, so I never have to change the length of my poles. I have four different grips for different terrain with a fixed length. Otherwise I use a lot of the same techniques outlined here, including moving the poles in unison, and the gentle descent down a step (also with poles in unison), etc. I do use the straps correctly, though. That enables me to employ 3 out of 4 of my grips while still in the straps, and I can change up on the fly.
@SkyDawg108
@SkyDawg108 7 жыл бұрын
+Diane, I am new to poles and intrigued by your reply. How do your four different grips work within the confines of straps? Do you have to keep the straps looser than might otherwise be the case, or can you accommodate all 4 grips with a "typically snug" strap configuration?
@Indydi
@Indydi 7 жыл бұрын
I keep the straps pulled up to a normal length. They aren't any longer, and as stated above, I use them as they are designed to be used, inserting the hands up thru the bottom. The only grip wherein I have to pull out of the straps is the one I rarely use anyway, and that is on the lower, extended grip section way down the pole. If I'm going up a really steep embankment, I might use that, but those times are very rare. For the other three, as in palming the top, and the normal grip on the handles, and the one in between those two, the straps stay in place and secure the poles as I'm changing between them. After owning the Leki poles with the rounded top, I would never buy anything else. My husband has the same design, but can't palm the top, because he uses the straps incorrectly (as shown in this video). He does the entire hike in the same position (we do long day hikes, up to 19 miles so far). I think it helps not only the hands, but also shoulders and elbows and really the entire body, to change grips with the terrain. It certainly doesn't hurt to experiment, though! Try the correct strap configuration, and try the one outlined at the end of this video, and see what works best for you.
@revmalika
@revmalika 3 жыл бұрын
Great video and information on how to use the poles. Thank you!
@donorcutt3605
@donorcutt3605 7 жыл бұрын
Section hikers here! Now "on the clock" for a thru next year. Great Videos all around but thought I would let you know how much this one has helped my wife...especially the down hill technique...she now will yell out "I'm Bigfootin!" on the downs. After breaking her leg on a summit in New England and then hiking out with it busted she was pretty gun shy on and this has really helped!
@FollowBigfoot
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
+don orcutt Love it! Bigfootin'. I am so honored that you feel that way and it's making a difference!
@lanehollar9891
@lanehollar9891 4 жыл бұрын
You are definitely smooth, very connected with these trekking poles. You look like one with them. Thanks for a great vid. I learned a lot.
@diligante
@diligante 4 жыл бұрын
today is my first day hiking using sticks like these. Thanks for sharing your tips. super cool
@pokemonmalaque
@pokemonmalaque 7 жыл бұрын
Awesome video. Learned a lot!
@jefftrimm7806
@jefftrimm7806 7 жыл бұрын
Now I know how to hold onto the pole properly! Thanks!
@glennsavh
@glennsavh 7 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for this video! Have not really seen another this thorough, from an actual very experienced thru-hiker. Great info! By the way, I'm also following you via Patreon.
@FollowBigfoot
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
+Glenn Stanley Thanks Glenn!!!
@ralyn43
@ralyn43 3 жыл бұрын
Excellent! I just bought a set of poles and am now ready to go. Completely understandable.
@nikolagovorko7196
@nikolagovorko7196 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for making this video, simple and to the point guide.
@cindyvermillion7866
@cindyvermillion7866 3 жыл бұрын
Great instructional video for those new to hiking like me. Thank you!
@julessanchez9216
@julessanchez9216 5 жыл бұрын
Very nice video, good info. I I like your poles, I have the exact pair and I love mine.
@kj6qvb
@kj6qvb 7 жыл бұрын
Great video! I was looking for a reason to remove the big baskets on my Mont Blanc poles and your video gave me a good reason to leave them on.
@FollowBigfoot
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
+Richard Bruce Yes, its my theory but I think it will work. Some folks said that they think the bigger baskets will get caught on roots and other backcountry stuff, but I haven't noticed that at all yet.
@keithshwalbe6981
@keithshwalbe6981 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing your skills and experience with us.
@dylanlabiak
@dylanlabiak 7 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the great video. No more death grip for me. Just got back from a 24 miler on the AT in PA...didn't have to use my knee brace once!
@FollowBigfoot
@FollowBigfoot 7 жыл бұрын
EXCELLENT!!!!!! Glad it helped Dyln!
@scout06171
@scout06171 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video. I learned a couple things. Never knew about the left/right thing. I just looked at the wrist pads. Also, I noticed your zpacs chest pouch. I’ve never seen one being used before. I’ve been considering buying it and this video caused me to pull the trigger on the purchase.
@mattm8269
@mattm8269 5 жыл бұрын
Great thorough video. Thank you sir!!!
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