Trekking poles are one of the most valuable pieces of gear you can bring on a hike, offering enhanced stability, reduced joint impact, and improved balance across diverse terrain. For beginners, however, unboxing a new pair of LEKI trekking poles can feel slightly intimidating with their various levers, straps, and adjustable sections. Learning how to properly set up and handle your poles before hitting the trail ensures you maximize their ergonomic benefits while preventing premature wear on your gear. By mastering a few fundamental adjustments and walking techniques, you can transform these tools into a seamless extension of your natural stride.
Using trekking poles correctly is not just about planting them on the ground; it requires understanding how to align them with your body’s biomechanics. Properly adjusted poles distribute your body weight more evenly, taking significant pressure off your knees, ankles, and lower back, especially during steep descents. This guide will walk you through the essential steps of setting the correct length, utilizing the wrist straps for optimal weight transfer, establishing an efficient walking rhythm, and maintaining your poles so they remain reliable for years to come.
Setting the Correct Pole Length for Your Height and Terrain
To find your baseline pole length, stand on a flat, level surface wearing your hiking shoes. Release the locking mechanisms on your LEKI poles and adjust the height so that when you hold the grips with the tips resting on the ground, your elbows bend at a precise 90-degree angle. Your forearms should be parallel to the ground, keeping your shoulders relaxed and allowing for efficient energy transfer. Most LEKI poles feature printed measurement markings along the shaft sections; make sure to adjust each section equally so the pole remains balanced.
As the trail incline changes, your pole length must adapt to help you maintain an upright, balanced posture. When climbing uphill, shorten both poles by a few centimeters depending on the steepness. Shorter poles prevent you from reaching too high, which can strain your shoulders, and allow you to plant the tips firmly to help pull your body upward. Conversely, when descending downhill, lengthen your poles by a few centimeters. This adjustment allows you to plant the poles slightly ahead of your feet without leaning forward, keeping your center of gravity stable and reducing knee impact.
Operating the locking mechanisms correctly is vital for your safety. LEKI poles typically utilize either an external lever system, known as the Speed Lock, or an internal twist-lock mechanism. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions included with your specific model to understand how your locking system functions. For lever locks, flip the lever open, slide the shaft to your desired length, and snap the lever firmly shut. If the shaft feels loose or slides when the lever is closed, open the lever and turn the small adjustment wheel clockwise to increase the clamping tension before closing it again.
Before you begin your hike, always perform a quick weight-bearing safety check on both poles. Place the tips securely on the ground directly in front of you and press down firmly with your full upper body weight. If either pole section slips, collapses, or makes a clicking sound, do not start your hike. Re-open the locking mechanism, clean any visible dust or moisture from the shaft, tighten the tension adjustment, and test it again until the pole remains completely rigid under pressure.
Threading and Gripping the Wrist Straps Correctly
The wrist straps on your trekking poles are not just safety tethers to prevent you from dropping them; they are designed to transfer your body weight and relieve hand fatigue. Many beginners incorrectly slip their hands straight down through the top of the loops, which forces them to grip the handles tightly to maintain control. This tight grip quickly leads to forearm fatigue and hand cramps, undermining the efficiency of the poles.
To thread the straps correctly, use the “up and through” method. Bring your hand up from underneath the strap loop, pushing your hand through the opening from the bottom. Once your hand is through, open your fingers and bring your palm down onto the grip, wrapping your hand around both the handle and the two sides of the strap. The strap should now run smoothly across your palm and wrap around the back of your hand, resting comfortably in the space between your thumb and index finger.
Adjust the strap tension so that it fits snugly but comfortably around your hand. When adjusted correctly, the strap should support the weight of your hand and arm when you relax your grip, allowing you to push down on the strap itself to propel yourself forward. You should be able to slide a finger easily under the strap to ensure it does not restrict blood circulation or limit your hand movement.
As you hike, focus on keeping your hands relaxed on the grips. You do not need to squeeze the handles tightly; instead, let the strap do the work of transferring your downward force during the push-off phase of your stride. This technique keeps your hands fresh, prevents blisters, and allows you to quickly open your fingers to adjust your gear or check a map without dropping your poles.
Establishing a Basic Walking Rhythm and Technique
Walking with trekking poles should feel like a natural extension of your normal walking gait. The most efficient rhythm is a contralateral pattern, meaning your poles move in opposition to your feet. As your left foot steps forward, your right arm swings forward to plant the right pole; as your right foot steps forward, your left arm swings forward to plant the left pole. This alternating rhythm mimics your body’s natural arm swing and helps maintain balance and momentum.
When planting your poles, aim to place the tips slightly ahead and to the side of your opposite foot. The pole shaft should be angled slightly backward rather than perfectly vertical. This backward angle is crucial because it allows you to push off against the ground, translating your upper body strength into forward propulsion. Avoid planting the poles too far ahead of you, as this can act as a brake and disrupt your forward momentum.
To maximize energy transfer and reduce muscle fatigue, focus on pushing down through the wrist straps rather than relying on your hand grip. As you step past the planted pole, apply downward pressure through the heel of your hand against the strap. This action engages your core, shoulders, and back muscles, sharing the workload of hiking across your entire body and reducing the strain on your legs.
Keep your arm movements relaxed, fluid, and close to your body. Your elbows should remain bent at roughly a 90-degree angle, swinging naturally from the shoulders. Avoid wide, exaggerated arm swings or lifting the poles excessively high off the ground, as these unnecessary movements waste energy and can be a hazard to other hikers on narrow trails.
Adapting Your Technique for Different Trail Conditions
Hiking trails present a variety of surfaces and obstacles, requiring you to adapt your pole technique to maintain stability. On trails in Singapore, such as the steep steps of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve or the damp boardwalks of MacRitchie Reservoir, your approach will differ from flat dirt paths. When navigating steep stairs, plant both poles simultaneously on the step below you to absorb the impact on your knees as you descend, or plant them on the step above to help lift your body weight up.
When traversing rocky, root-filled, or uneven ground, exercise caution with your pole placement. Look for stable pockets between rocks or roots where the pole tip can catch securely without slipping. Always test the stability of the pole placement with a light touch before transferring your full body weight onto it. Avoid placing your pole tips directly on smooth, wet rocks or mossy surfaces, as they can easily slide out from under you.
Stream crossings and muddy patches require a wide, stable base of support. Use your poles to probe the depth of the water or mud before taking a step, ensuring you do not step into a deep hole. Keep your feet and poles spread slightly wider than usual, maintaining at least two points of contact with the ground at all times to ensure you do not lose your balance if your foot slips.
There are specific trail situations where it is safer to stow your poles. If you encounter a section of the trail that requires hands-on scrambling over large boulders, or if you need your hands free to hold onto safety railings, collapse your poles and secure them to your backpack. Attempting to scramble with poles dangling from your wrists can lead to trips, falls, or damaged gear.
Routine Care and Storage After Your Hike
Proper post-hike maintenance is essential to prolong the lifespan of your LEKI poles and ensure they remain safe for your next adventure. After hiking in humid climates or muddy conditions, moisture and grit can easily find their way into the telescoping shafts and locking mechanisms. If left untreated, this can lead to internal corrosion, mold, or mechanical failure.
Begin your post-hike care by wiping down the aluminum or carbon shafts, grips, and locking levers with a clean, damp cloth to remove mud, sweat, and trail grit. Pay close attention to the joints where the shaft sections meet, as dirt buildup here can scratch the shafts and interfere with the locking mechanisms. Avoid using harsh chemical solvents or lubricants on the poles, as these can damage the materials and cause the locks to slip.
After cleaning, pull the telescoping sections completely apart and allow them to air dry in a well-ventilated indoor area. Do not collapse and store the poles while they are still damp, as trapped moisture can cause aluminum shafts to oxidize and carbon shafts to develop mold. Once the sections are completely dry, reassemble them without tightening the locks too firmly.
Inspect the carbide tips and rubber caps for signs of wear, cracking, or embedded debris. If the rubber caps are worn through or the carbide tips are chipped, replace them to maintain optimal traction on your next hike. Finally, store your dry, clean poles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme heat, which can degrade the plastic and rubber components over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How tight should the wrist strap be?
The wrist strap should be adjusted so that it is snug enough to catch the heel of your hand during the push-off phase of your stride, allowing you to transfer weight without squeezing the grip. However, it must remain loose enough that you can easily slide a finger underneath and quickly slip your hand out of the strap in the event of a fall to prevent wrist injury.
Should I use the rubber tips or carbide tips?
Use the bare carbide tips for natural trails consisting of dirt, gravel, mud, or rock, as the sharp metal provides maximum traction and bite. Switch to the slip-on rubber tips when walking on paved paths, concrete sidewalks, wooden boardwalks, or indoor surfaces to prevent slipping, reduce noise, and protect the trail infrastructure from damage.
What do I do if the pole locking mechanism slips?
If your pole begins to slip or collapse under weight, stop hiking immediately to prevent a fall. Open the locking lever, wipe away any dirt, dust, or moisture from the inner shaft, and adjust the tension wheel on the lever mechanism clockwise to increase the clamping force. If the pole continues to slip after adjustment, consult a professional or contact the manufacturer for replacement parts.
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