How to Start Walking With Trekking Poles

Set both poles on level ground

Trekking poles can give your hands a role on a walk, especially when the path changes from flat ground to a slope. The simplest place to learn is a level, uncrowded path close to home. Start with a short practice walk so you can focus on where the tips land and how the handles feel.

Stand upright with your shoulders relaxed and put the tips on the ground beside you. Adjust each pole until the elbow on that side bends roughly at a right angle when you hold the handle. Set both poles to the same starting length on level ground. Tighten or close each lock according to the manufacturer’s instructions and press down gently on each handle to check for slipping before you set off.

If your poles have wrist straps and you choose to use them, slide each hand up through the loop from below. Lower your hand onto the strap, then take hold of the handle. Adjust the loop so your hand can rest comfortably without squeezing the grip. On rough ground where a tip could get trapped, consider taking your hands out of the loops so you can release the poles quickly.

Let your arms follow your steps

Walk a few steps at your usual pace. As your left foot moves forward, bring the right pole forward, then switch sides. Think of the arm swing you already use when walking without poles. Let the tips touch near your body or just ahead of it. Keep your shoulders down and your grip light enough that you can relax your fingers between plants.

If the sequence feels awkward, slow down and practice for a few steps at a time. Try keeping your steps short while you learn. When both arms want to move together, pause, take a few ordinary steps and start again. Give people room to pass and keep the tips close on shared paths, especially when turning or stopping.

For a related guide, read How to Add Hills to Your Walking Route.

Adjust for the slope and surface

You can keep the flat-ground setting for small changes in grade if it feels comfortable. On a sustained climb, try shortening the poles so you can plant them without reaching upward. On a sustained descent, a slightly longer setting can help you reach the ground ahead while staying upright. Stop on a stable patch to make adjustments and check both locks again.

A pole tip can slip on smooth rock or sink into soft ground. Before leaning on a pole, test that the tip has a firm place to land. Some models accept different tips for pavement or other surfaces. Check the instructions for your particular poles so you know which tips are suitable and how to attach them securely.

Make the first outing easy to repeat

Choose an out-and-back route that makes it easy to turn around. A short stretch of a familiar path gives you a chance to notice whether your grip is too tight, whether a pole clicks or slips, or whether your elbows feel cramped. Stop to make one adjustment at a time, then walk a few steps to see whether it helped.

After the walk, check the tips for wear and wipe off dirt before putting the poles away. Remember your level-ground length or note the markings if the poles collapse for storage. Next time, start with that setting and choose the route for the conditions you actually find. A dry, even path is a good place to build confidence before trying loose gravel or steeper terrain.

If a route feels too narrow or crowded to use the poles comfortably, pause and carry them with the tips pointed down until you reach an open stretch. Learning when to put them away is part of getting comfortable with them.

For a related guide, read How to Get Started Walking on a Treadmill.