This is important... How to use your poles properly ⬇️ ('save' this post) I never used to like the thought of using poles, and never understood the importance of them. The benefits of poles are endless, after you learn how to use them properly of course. After some research, and YouTube university, I learned there is a proper way to hold your poles and how to walk with them. All of these tips below will help with weight distribution on the trail, and allowing your poles to do more work. This helps you preserve energy for long treks and saves your knees. 🥾 Adjusting Pole Length - while hiking on flat ground, you want your arm to make a 90° angle bending at your elbow. - For uphill sections, you’ll want to maintain that 90° by shortening your pole 5-10cm - For downhill sections, to maintain the 90° angle, lengthen your pole 5-10 🥾 Proper Wrist Strap Positioning - Put your hand up through the bottom of the strap and then pull down and grab the grip of the pole. This technique supports your wrist and heel of the hand and allows you to keep your hand relaxed on the grip. This technique also always you to exert more force through your arms/hand, taking less exertion off of your knees 🥾 Alternating Your Poles & Legs - Alternating right foot, left pole; left foot right pole is a good practice to get into when hiking - Alternating like this allows your weight of yourself, and your backpack to be distributed evenly, helping you balance on the trail 🥾 Other benefits of poles - Navigating obstacles such as stream crossings, large rocks & logs - Can be used for pitching a tent/tarp Do you use poles while you hike? Will you now? #womenwhoexplore #womenwhowander #outdoorwomen #girlswhowander #wanderwomeninc #sheexplores #womenwhohike #canadianrockies #kananaskiscountry #hikealberta #hikingtheglobe #hikingbangers #hikerchicksrock #hikersofinstagram #hikerslife #hikers #hikingadventures #hikingvibes #hikingreels #hikerbabes #adventuregirl #girlsgoneintothewild #wildwoman #wildernessculture #hikingtrails #hikinglife #outdooradventures #letsgohiking #letsgosomewhere #werehikers