Image of the March 2015 Wilderness Magazine Cover Read more from the
March 2015 Issue
Home / Articles / Skills

How to hold your walking pole

A three-step guide to correctly holding your walking pole

You wouldn’t think there would be much science behind holding a walking pole, but you’d be wrong. When used correctly, the strap gives control over the pole without a muscle-tiring grip. That’s important when need to reach forward, say down a steep incline, or push back, for example when jumping a stream or an obstacle, and still remain in contact with the pole.

so rather than just grip your pole any which way, try this method:

  • Adjust the size of the loop so you can put your hand through it

Pole Stage 1

  • Pass your hand through the loop from below

Pole Stage 2

  • Grip the strap and handle together

Pole Stage 3