Some other points I didn’t mention that I’ve been reminded of. SIZING: Ideal height is being able to hold the pole with your arm at a right angle. Some people prefer slightly shorter, some slightly longer. Good idea to start with adjustable pair to experiment. Can be a good idea to not use the straps in certain circumstances. Steep technical descents, crossing rivers. In case you get the poles snagged which can pull you over or trap you. Search for Nordic walking courses near you if you want to get professional training. It’s not expensive and more qualified instructors around than you might think.
@alexandergilmour8451
3 ай бұрын
A midge jacket is essential kit for Scotland especially if you are using a bivvy rather than a tent, that was an excellent informative video
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
I bought a head to toe midge suit last year, hadn’t actually thought about using it to bivvi but of course that’s what it would be perfect for!
@Llyander
Ай бұрын
This is honestly a really useful video. I'd always wondered just what the point of the poles was!
@Rationalskeptic49
3 ай бұрын
Ordered the Harrier trekking poles yesterday, so your timing is perfect for me. Thanks for the very useful advice. Harrier also has a good series on how to use trekking poles as well.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
I learned a lot of this from Harrier! I’d been using poles for a couple of years but not quite properly. Then I watched one of Kate’s talks and it finally clicked.
@BackpacksNSnacks
3 ай бұрын
The wife just purchased a set of poles to help with a dodgy knee. Great advice, thanks!
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Knees of all kinds are grateful for poles 😁 Hope they help! 🙂
@everyoneknowsadave3580
3 ай бұрын
Big believer in trekking poles … thankyou for the Nordic hiking tips .. just awesome 👏 …. You didn’t talk about the handle extensions but for short sections of extreme up hill you can drop your hands down onto those … gripping them there effectively shortens the poles length without actually stopping to adjust them. Using the loops like that is the correct way but personally I find it’s starts to chafe my skin between the thumb and index finger so I only do that when I really have to lean into them on uphill sections … oh and of course the weight saving for a trekking pole style tent like the Durston or Lanshan is a great benefit on the ol joints as well … great video thankyou 👍👍
@bcamping1
3 ай бұрын
For the chafing. I use thin work gloves. Also keeps hands clean, protects from cuts. Touch screen works.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Good points. I have experienced the chafing a bit as well but only on really long hikes. Wanted to keep this video fairly concise so lots of extra stuff I didn’t cover
@iainpaton1865
3 ай бұрын
6:04 Very interesting friend thank you for the information. 😊
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
You’re welcome 😁
@allancrawford9979
3 ай бұрын
Been using poles regularly since a tick bite damaged my legs usually placing one at a time straight down but will try adjusting technique. Living in north west highlands i always try to keep a midgie net with me for times like when your packing away tent, only thing that keeps them off in a full out midgie attack
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
I had a midge net with me but had packed it away in the bottom of my bag like an eejit
@FDGRebel
2 ай бұрын
Definitely great for river crossings and without doubt save the legs on descents. Might not happen with all poles but after a while mine (which you make the correct height and then screw clockwise to engage the wires and keep at that height) tend to start to get loose. This can cause either (1) you put the pole down and it folds (2) pole sticks in the ground and when you lift the pole extends to snap the internal wires and thus breaks the pole.
@thomasshafe
2 ай бұрын
Starting using poles recently they definetley do help although I’m going to have to check my technique now.
@spuds1002
3 ай бұрын
Pro tip = when using poles going downhill ( particularly when running), do not use the straps. If the tip gets caught in a rock crevasse or a crack in the trail you can let go of the pole, way better than stacking it strapped in.
@Fellmandave1
3 ай бұрын
seconded, or on exposed ground too.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Good point! And I often do this myself. Totally forgot to mention it.
@kevinparker9407
3 ай бұрын
Yes. I use T handles for this reason so I can hold them at the top going downhill.
@bcamping1
3 ай бұрын
I often rotate pole 180° and put strap between my middle fingers. Hiking the easy sections.
@mrst284
3 ай бұрын
So that’s the reason I get shoulder pain…I have been using them wrong all this time 🙄. Sound advice, thank you. One more question…is there a specific height I should set it too…handle to waist height for example??
@PotooBurd
2 ай бұрын
This is so informative! Great job, fantastic reporting!🌻🌼🐝 Keep it up 🙌
@StephenJReid
2 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@Trundlebugg
3 ай бұрын
Yes, I have had that dream 😅 Really useful vid, not sure about it for myself currently as my shoulders are in an awful state but maybe at some point if I get that sorted.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Glad I’m not the only one 😂 hope you get your shoulders sorted! I had a weird shoulder nerve pain for a while, really annoyinf
@Trundlebugg
3 ай бұрын
@@StephenJReid ha yeah I also have far too many flying ones that do not help the intrusive “that branch is really quite close” thoughts 🫣 Yeah I’m slowly working my way through every physio/chiro/pilates/sports therapist in the area🤞it’s kept me away from climbing and just about everything else for about 8 years now…look after your shoulders! Good tip for life
@dmytrochan7402
3 ай бұрын
I've heard that lifting arms with sticks works like a blood pump and is very good for the heart.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
They’ve shown that Nordic walking improves heart health
@NaturesSolitude
3 ай бұрын
Thanks for this video Stephen, very useful information to know 👍🏻 I do own a set of poles but I’ve never really used them, I think I will definitely start using them a lot more and practice using them.
@alanrobertson5497
3 ай бұрын
Thanks Stephen, very informative. ❤❤
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Thanks Alan
@BonkersAboutAlice
3 ай бұрын
Well done! It's time the truth was told. Just watch any skier on the telly, or on a ski slope in person if one is rich enough, to see how it's done.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
I’ve never actually been skiiing. I wondering if starting by hiking with poles would help with the skiing hmmm
@BonkersAboutAlice
3 ай бұрын
@@StephenJReid it's a rhythm thing
@BimbleWithBruce
3 ай бұрын
Them damn Wild Hagis! 😅
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Can’t be too careful!
@deanwatson9051
3 ай бұрын
Really good and even though I've been using poles a lot for years I learned a little. And 😂😂😂
@ianrudd7442
3 ай бұрын
I also swear by poles. I have yet to master the technique for down hill on technical ground but practice makes perfect
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Yeah downhill is tricky
@marcball7454
2 ай бұрын
hi mate i’ve got the trainers your wearing here ..where did you get your gaiters from ?cheers.
@BrokenBackMountains
3 ай бұрын
Aren't Nordic walking poles different from trekking poles? I could be wrong though.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
You do get ones specifically labelled as such but you can use the technique with any poles, but ideally with a strap.
@BrokenBackMountains
3 ай бұрын
@@StephenJReid I do use mine in a similar way and with the wrist put through the strap accordingly. I also shorten them for steep ascents. I sometimes see people using only one. I broke one on a hill in Wicklow and so used only one to come down. Had severe sciatica after that descent which I attribute to being off on one side by using one pole. Funnily enough it went away when doing a long distance walk. The pack must have helped.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Yeah I think that one pole might be worse than none in some circumstances. I’ve done that before myself and it just feels weird.
@z0uLess
2 ай бұрын
What I dont get is this new fashion with the short brim cap ... is it not more sun protection in the old flat wide and long ones? I cant find them in any stores ... not white ones either
@StephenJReid
2 ай бұрын
Wasn’t aware it was anything new. My previous hat was longer and I lost it when I gust of wind took it off my head and blew it off a mountain. Advantages to less surface area.
@thcrs1
20 күн бұрын
doesn't the increase calorie use suggest it is less efficient in terms of stamina?
@StephenJReid
20 күн бұрын
That’s offset by the increase in speed
@thcrs1
20 күн бұрын
@@StephenJReid I missed that part. That obviously is critical to consider. do you have links to your research maybe? I think I am looking at the wrong stuff.
@StephenJReid
20 күн бұрын
This podcast my main source podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/nordic-walking/id1560369423?i=1000652629078 In terms of stamina, the other thing to consider outside of just calorie use is impact and fatigue. the poles spread fatigue over the body so the legs can keep going for longer. Hence my experience of being able to go further, faster with the poles than without.
@fredhamond5827
3 ай бұрын
Poles are indispensable but if flying you have to put them in the hold.
@RamblingReason
3 ай бұрын
Another pro tip get a headnet 😂
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Had one but I’d packed it away at the bottom of my pack and decided it would be faster to just deal with them than dig it out. Mistake 🙈
@gemmadidit4118
2 ай бұрын
Hi SHEEP😆! I borrowed a pair from the library (...poles😲 not SHEEP 🙄 ). I must have been doing it wrong because I'm so SORE in the weirdest place... MY CROTCH🥺! Who knew you could make your CROTCH sore? Have you ever had a SORE CROTCH 😒? It's hard to walk properly😖. Any thoughts? ... about my SORE CROTCH🥺? ... or is it GROIN😒? Have you ever had a SORE GROIN🥺??? 😒😖🥺
@StephenJReid
2 ай бұрын
I've had bad groin chaffing before, it's the worst! Body glide sorts that out. but not muscle pains.
@turdwarbler
3 ай бұрын
Another pro tip (white water kayak coach), when crossing rivers, streams, anything with fast flowing water, first unclip your rucksack, then remove your hands from the pole loops. If you fall into fast flowing water (and it doesnt have to be deep), a rucksack or poles can jam in the rocks, and against the flow of water it can be very difficult to release yourself.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Great points!
@littlegrandadoutdoors
3 ай бұрын
Don't forget they hold your trecking pole tent up . My lanshan2 wouldn't be the same without them...
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Very true! I used the poles for my X-mid
@El-Jefe
3 ай бұрын
knowing my luck, when I go on my first wild camp I will hear you walking through a tunnel and sh*t myself 😂
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
😂😂 I’ll be lurking in the trees making weird noises
@waxman4207
3 ай бұрын
Nice one Stephen. Another issue people have by holding them the"wrong" way is that if you stumble/trip causing you to fall, the first thing you will do is let go of the poles and put your hands out to save yourself. Holding them the "wrong" way causes them to stay in your palm and your hands will hit the ground with them. Hold the the way you described will cause the poles to drop away, less likely to cause injury. Try it.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Away off to throw myself down a hill to test 😂
@frankthomsen2350
2 ай бұрын
I actually broke a thumb that way the first time i went skiing. My then-girlfriend afterwards told me "oh yeah, i saw you using the straps wrong". Well, learned it the hard way 😅
@rodoutdoors
3 ай бұрын
I rely on trekking poles. It's nice to transfer some of the load to my upper body. Saves my knees on steep downhills. My hands don't swell since my arms are pumping blood. On uneven ground it keeps my hips straight. In heavy brush/poison oak, I can push it away. With flies and mosquitoes I can shoo them away. When encountering wild pigs I'll makes myself big and bang the poles together. It's needed for my trekking pole tent or tarp. Great video demonstrating them.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Thanks Rod! Can’t say we have wild pigs here, yet. Some are arguing to reintroduce them so possible future hazard 😂
@totomesch1940
3 ай бұрын
At last.......... Concise, compact & to the point. Fantastic info & very well presented Stephen. I'd requested a wee time ago now, to a different 'outdoors' KZitemr, a video about poles & how to use correctly (all that happened was I got 'trolled' in the comments section). I'm at the age now, 50, where they are a huge benefit and can make the world of difference..... If used PROPERLY. I knew that I wasn't getting 100% of the full benefit that poles offer but wasn't sure in what area (grip, angle, process, etc, etc) I needed to look at. Thanks again, an upload of real benefit. ATB
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
I hate how nasty and unhelpful some people in the outdoors community can be. It’s just selfish elitism. There’s no shame in not knowing something. You’ll find it still might take a few hikes to get into a rhythm, took me a while but I’m a slow learner 🙈
@totomesch1940
3 ай бұрын
@@StephenJReid Nice one. ATB
@alanslade2319
3 ай бұрын
I new that I've watched many Nordic walking and country skiing, I'm very impressed with ALL your knowledge Stephen. And 10 out of 10 for putting that out there. TOP Man see you soon on the next instalment of the Highland way.cheers, ⛺💯👍
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Thanks Alan! 🙂
@pixelpeter3883
3 ай бұрын
"Ohh no, a wild haggis!" LOL. Poles also good to keep yourself safe from maniac sheep attacks! ;-)
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Maniac sheep attacks have been on the rise
@tammywright6636
3 ай бұрын
Great video - thank you! Yes, I pulled my poles out and walked up and down my driveway after watching twice. Taking these tips with me for my WHW trip in a couple months.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Excellent! That’s what I like to hear, best way to learn is to do. 🙂 Have a great time on the WHW!
@sandyknight3910
3 ай бұрын
THANK YOU!!! I've clearly been using these so wrong - to the point I couldn't see the benefit and have reduced weight by just bring one for probing deeper water as I hike across shallow rivers (to find the best position to take my photos!) NOW I know better...I've very much been looking forward to this video so Thank you so much! Looking forward to trying this properly now 🙂
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
You’re not alone, I know other people that have done this. You’ll get a lot more from using both, just takes a bit of time to get used to it
@TomChaton
3 ай бұрын
Don't grip the poles, the strap takes all the strain, you can hold the poles very lightly almost between finger and thumb. You'll be surprised how much less tension you'll have in that power train.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
I vary my grip over a day, I find if I just rely on the straps that my hands will get sore at the contact point. Sometimes very loose, other times solid grip. The official advice from Nordic walking instructors is to grip on the push down and then release, almost like milking a cow
@egertcaka
Ай бұрын
You are a genius, thank you 🙏
@triestodrum2215
3 ай бұрын
😅 At your dream 😅
@mrnobodieswildcampingadventure
3 ай бұрын
At 62 years old I find with a heavy pack that trekking poles are a God send! I can travel further, less fatigue and more important no issues with joint strain or pain! Using them correctly is also a factor to be utilized as Stephen shows!
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
yup! They are great
@ianwatson194
2 ай бұрын
Walker in my 40s and trekking poles have been a massive boost for my walking. I was getting to the stage of nearly giving up on long-distance walks cos of how my knees could be. But did the WHW last April with poles and my knees were no issue
@StephenJReid
2 ай бұрын
Brilliant to hear! It’s scary when it seems like an injury is going to stop you doing something you love. I had hip problems a few years ago that I thought was going to stop me running.
@smellybearc7411
13 сағат бұрын
This could be just me. But whenever I use poles, my heart and lunges work a bit harder than when I don’t use poles.
@bbjunkie
3 ай бұрын
4:00 that’s exactly how I was carrying my ski poles when I fell and dislocated a thumb. Got a real hard time about it afterwards as was “doing it wrong” may be different for walking but be careful if you fall, natural reaction is for hand to open out and it can’t land flat due to pole restricting thumb movement. Enjoying this series of vids, keep them coming, and look out for those pesky haggis they’re everywhere!
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Ouchy! 😱
@Glownlight
3 ай бұрын
Nice job on the video once again. I have tried poles before but never saw the benefit. I will have to try this out.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Thanks! Yeah the first time I used them I thought they were only useful for probing the group for muddy sections. Took a bit of time before it all clicked
@samwhite7197
3 ай бұрын
Awwh! Just about got my head around the '90s, when i had to carry more of my rucksac load on my hips rather than my shoulders. Now i need to carry more of my foot load on my upper body rather than my legs. AAHHG! Where is this load all supposed to go? P.S. trolls, just for jokes.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Well Nordic walking was apparently invented around 1966 so you’re well behind the times! 🤪
@Collected1
3 ай бұрын
This makes so much sense. Using poles always felt so awkward to me and now I know why. Especially the strap part. And what a stunningly beautiful location for a gear usage lesson!
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed learned something today! 🙂
@dmytrochan7402
3 ай бұрын
Thank you. This means that some training is required to use trekking poles effectively. I wonder if there are special exercises? At the end of a hard day, when the concentration of attention is reduced, sticks really save from injuries.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Yeah it definitely takes a bit of time to get it right. For me it was just about getting in practise.
@verykeen2please
3 ай бұрын
Great for assisting with the squat - wild poo
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
underrated tip
@TonyHobbs
3 ай бұрын
Pacer Poles by yes Pacer Poles are even better ergonomically 😊
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Interesting design! Although the shape could make them tricky to use with a trekking pole tent.
@keaneeastwood197
3 ай бұрын
which gaiters do you use?
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
These are Altra trail gaiters specifically designed for Altra shoes. Was wearing Olympus 5 trail shoes. Comfy but not waterproof
@steveschnetzler5471
3 ай бұрын
A wild Hagus, is there any other kind?
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
The domestic ones, but they don’t taste as good
@triestodrum2215
3 ай бұрын
Darth Reid 😅
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
🤣
@cathafloat1519
12 күн бұрын
Lots of good advice, thank you. When I decided to start using walking poles, I signed up with Nordic Walking UK for some tuition sessions. It was well worth the money, being guided by an expert. It’s very easy to think you are Nordic Walking without doing it properly/efficiently. They also run weekly walks, which I joined, up until the pandemic.
@craig3401
3 ай бұрын
I've been using poles for years yes I'm guilty of not using them properly all of the time.but I definitely feel the benefit when I do.i get a greater benefit down steeper downhill as the pressure on knees and ankles is greatly reduced.there also great for extra stability when crossing streams and such also slippy grass/mud.and also I finally got the xmid so they hold my tent up lol.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Yeah I see loads of people climbing hills with the poles firmly strapped on their backpacks 😂 you gotta use them to be useful!
@craig3401
3 ай бұрын
@StephenJReid exactly if your going to carry them might aswell use them or you might aswell just use a tent with tent poles
@Leeslost
3 ай бұрын
Some fantastic tips and pointers there , great job , am going to add 5 years onto my expected life now #Eatmorecarrots🥕
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
off to buy some carrots
@Leeslost
3 ай бұрын
@@StephenJReid ok bugs
@Rekaert
11 күн бұрын
2:46 "And that comes from, yeaaarrgh!" Gotta say, that caught me by surprise. I guess no more than you being eaten alive, but yeah, it got a reaction. 😂
@paulamoreton6522
3 ай бұрын
I've used poles for a couple of years now and need to work on the Norduc style after watching your mist helpful video. Also use them to hold up my Durston xmid, testing the depth of mud or bog and fending off overfriendly cattle!
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Many a pair of boots has been saved by using a pole to check the depth 😁
@OghamG
Ай бұрын
The amount of times I'v used my poles wrong.!! Considering I'v only ever used them once... that means Every time. New beginnings.
@IvdeaDelendaEst13
28 күн бұрын
Still using a blackthorn stick my grandfather gave me years ago. Might have to look into setup like yours instead. Nice video.
@icegypsy99
Ай бұрын
Still contemplating getting trekking poles....I have have a few issues that they would help. Nerve pain in my lower back, legs, as well as arthritis in my hips / knees. However I also have tendon issues in my wrist. I do walk with a cane now, and I can hold the cane fine in that horizontal way, but to turn my wrist, and grasp the pole, I'm not sure I could do it long without further injuring the wrists.
@jeannoel1069
13 күн бұрын
Great video Stephen! Could you say a few words on the purpose of the lower handles under the main ones?
@techvillage
3 ай бұрын
Really good information about walking poles, and with your usual wit, make them also fun to watch :)
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
😁 Thanks!
@VanLifeMum
3 ай бұрын
Great advice, when I done the whw last year a guy showed me how to use them properly 😂 what a difference
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
night and day!
@slothoutdoors
3 ай бұрын
this was SUPER helpful.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Yer very welcome
@karenshannon2772
3 ай бұрын
Hi Stephen great video and confirms I have actually been using my poles correctly 😂 I have an urgent question for you or your loyal followers to solve. How quiet are your carbon fibre poles? I have a pair of carbon fibre ( slide out and tighten to correct height ) and and a pair of aluminium ones that split into 3 parts. Both make annoying noises. The carbon fibre ones twang when they hit the ground and the aluminum ones make a jingly noise from inside. We think the twang is because I set them to 112cm so a lot of pole is inside the top sections and maybe hitting the inside edge but have no clue what jingles in the others. Any suggestions to either solve this ( thought about cutting poles to close to the correct height??) or can you recommend a silent non twangy pair before I have to walk 100 metres behind everyone else 😂
@jimf671
3 ай бұрын
Komperdel used to publish a figure of "up to 21%" saving in energy when using two poles. On technical downhills once used to using these one can almost throw oneself down the down the hill and let the poles and arms take the punishment whereas normally one would be doing some very careful balancing and taking all the pressure on the legs.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Yeah I found that on a few descents, I was flying down arms flailing and poles tapping from rock to rock. It’s a cool feeling once it all starts to come together. Still nowhere near as fast as some.
@daveandemmaoutdoors3171
3 ай бұрын
Great advice Stephen 👌
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@GregAdventure
3 ай бұрын
I don't quite understand poles as a mountain runner. I do find it frustrating passing people with poles as most people hold them at a 30 degree angle and take up the complete trail or carry them under their arms to stab me when trying to pass. Thank you for the lesson. Hopefully, my life will now be safer in the hills 😊
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
They are great for mountain running too, I’ve used them as a training aid or a way to get full body conditioning during a mountain run which helps ward off some issues I’ve had with back pain
@nozo61
3 ай бұрын
Love my walking poles, hate the click, clicking of the metal tips on the road.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Same! I brought the rubber tips on this trip and used them for the first couple of days to stop it but they wore through on the second day
@bcamping1
3 ай бұрын
On the road, just use one pole and walk on the side. If there is grass on the side.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
You really need two poles to benefit properly from them.
@browsman2328
3 ай бұрын
Greetings from Northern California. I have been using hiking poles since the 1970s and am still going strong, no knee problems. I now use the UK based Pacer Poles with ergonomic handles and practice the Nordic style you are talking about, but I didn’t know that’s what it was called. Pacer Poles require no straps but have cords you can use to prevent losing them down a hill.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
I’d guess lots of people have been using poles that way for years without knowing there was an “official” name for it. It’s a logical way to use them really. Pacer poles look very interesting.
@mickhorsley3169
3 ай бұрын
Currently walking around my living room with my poles.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
😂 Excellent
@philandminiphil
2 ай бұрын
I'm 5'8" and I use 105cm poles (in the Nordic walking style) not 125cm as walking pole size guides would have me use for my height. As you rightly point out it engages the entire upper body, but, by using a shorter pole I am not having to move the pole further forward in the natural arm swing than would be necessary using a pair of 125s. I think in this video your poles are too long (just my opinion here, not a criticism) experiment with a shorter length pair, I bet you'll prefer them. This is still a great video, thanks.
@StephenJReid
2 ай бұрын
I'm 5'11" and my poles are 120cm. you must have really long legs. or I have very long arms 🤣 I've experimented with pole length using adjustable ones and 120 seemed the best overall. I found shorter poles were not as useful when descending as I have to reach further. But I'll continue experimenting
@avancalledrupert5130
3 ай бұрын
They just feel like an irritation for me. Its just some crap in my hands slowing me down. Tried them once. Did 3 or 4 miles and trew them in a bin. Did my head in having my hand full every time i wanted a drink or a snack or a spliff or look at my phone. Every time you do anything you go to stop moving drop the sticks on the ground. Do the thing then squat down to pick the stupid things up. Hands free for me.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
I felt the same way about them initially but if they really are slowing you down, then you're probably using them wrong. Giving up after just 3/4 miles isn't really giving them a proper test, takes time to get used to them. I just tuck them under my arm, no need to drop on the ground every time. Depends on the type of hike too, they are a bit pointless on short hikes, the real benefits come on long days or hikes with a lot of climbing to do.
@mennskr
Ай бұрын
I would hug you if I could. Thank you.
@Wild.cat.adventures
3 ай бұрын
I've been doing it all wrong! Thanks Stephen, will give this a go 👍
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
hope it helps! 🙂
@gregoryoutdoors
3 ай бұрын
These poles are quite handy to catch a wild Haggis in Scotland as you said and then you use them walking poles as sticks to grill or barbecue by the fire when at camp, just pierce one Haggis onto stick and voilà - dinner/supper served, enjoy ;)
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
😂 haggis kebab
@easternmenace
3 ай бұрын
Personally I remove the straps because that: works out your grip strength, if the pole gets stuck you let go and it won't break, you don't get your arms stuck in the loops when both your legs slip on a boggy downhill and the poles get stuck in the ground basically crucifying you, and on long road walks no straps makes it easier to twirl them when you get bored.
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
I had no issues twirling them with the straps when I got bored 🤪
@mhlvenier2692
3 ай бұрын
thank you - super helpful
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
You’re welcome! 🙂
@erikclaasen639
3 ай бұрын
Yet another great and informative video
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@triestodrum2215
3 ай бұрын
Very interesting :-) Another great video
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
thanks!
@SaunterOn
3 ай бұрын
Thank you for this Stephen...very much appreciated the tips on using poles. Never quite got the knackered, but that Nordic style has got to be the key 🙏
@jdunn101ify
14 күн бұрын
2 minutes intro...too long
@StephenJReid
14 күн бұрын
🎻
@stuartwright6391
Ай бұрын
Massive fan of Pacerpoles these last 18yrs. Ergonomics certainly have been best for me. Enjoyed your vids 👍🏼👍🏼
@deaneager
2 ай бұрын
Great video - it's a much overlooked topic, and I rarely see people using trekking poles correctly. A couple of points I'd add (forgive me if you covered these points, I watched your vid a few days ago and I've slept since ;) ): - you can, and should, adjust the wrist straps. Correctly adjusted straps mean you'll push the pole down and backwards with outer edge of your hand, rather than having to grip the handle tightly. In fact, if you're doing it properly you'll only need form a ring with your thumb and forefinger to lightly hold the handle. - another way they can extend your life is that they can be used to check the ground in front of you, especially bog, or water depth.
@malls886
3 ай бұрын
I read a blog by a long distance trekker family some time ago which I think is true - poles turn you from two wheel drive into four wheel drive. I don’t actually put my hands through the loops at all, scared that if I fell my wrist/arm would be the weakest link and snap.
@EmsWolf02
2 ай бұрын
Great advice, used this technique on Monday and much easier moving.
@AjaySingh-228
3 ай бұрын
Great tips...but I have no idea about that... I haven't used it yet..Have a nice day sir
@StephenJReid
3 ай бұрын
😁
@AjaySingh-228
3 ай бұрын
@@StephenJReid 😜✌️
@gordontweston
Ай бұрын
I have that dream! It turns to almost flying above the ground then. Love it
Пікірлер: 172