Hiking Trekking Poles: How to Properly Adjust Length

Hiking trekking poles are sold in tandem and used as a pair compared to using a single hiking staff. Hiking trekking poles improve your balance and stability while hiking and reduce the amount of force impacted on your knees. Most hiking trekking poles are adjustable to get the perfect height while hiking uphill, downhill or across rugged terrain. 

Hiking poles are properly sized when your elbows are bent at a 90° angle when holding the poles with the tips on the ground at your feet. This is easy to achieve with adjustable length hiking poles. Here are some additional tips to adjust your poles to the right length in various environments. 

Choosing the Right Hiking Poles for Your Height

If you are shorter than 6 feet, most adjustable hiking poles should allow you to shorten to the right height for you in any hiking scenario. 

If you are 6 feet or taller, you will want to choose a trekking pole that provides a maximum length of at least 51 inches. 

Adjust Your Trekking Poles for General Hiking

When hiking or backpacking, it is important to adjust your trekking poles so that your elbows are bent at a 90° angle. This prevents undue stress on your back, neck, shoulders and arms. 

If your hiking trekking poles have three sections, adjust the top section in the middle of the range with some room for movement. Then you can adjust the bottom section to put your arms at the right bent angle. This allows you to adjust the top section only when hiking which is quicker and more convenient. 

Adjust Hiking Poles for Uphill Treks

If trekking uphill, you will want to shorten your trekking poles about 5 to 10 cm. This allows you to plant your pole more securely and provides greater leverage when hiking uphill. If you feel like your poles are pushing up into your backpack straps or if they feel unnatural and uncomfortable, it may cause strain and fatigue on your shoulders and they should be adjusted even more. 

Adjust Hiking Poles for Downhill Hikes

When hiking downhill, you will want to do the opposite and lengthen your poles by 5 to 10 cm to help keep your body more upright and provide greater balance and stability. If traversing a long section, you will want to lengthen your trekking poles on the downhill side and shorten your poles on the uphill side as needed to improve stability. 

You can learn more about how to effectively use your hiking trekking poles from the outdoor enthusiasts at Cascade Mountain Tech. Here you’ll find high quality hiking trekking poles, mummy sleeping bags, super rotomolded coolers that keep ice for several days. 

Cascade Mountain Tech believes in providing accessible outdoor adventure to everyone. We offer a wide selection of the most comfortable camping chairs, mummy bags, super coolers, and various adjustable hiking trekking poles. Contact us to learn more about our wide selection of aluminum, carbon fiber and 3k carbon fiber trekking poles.