How to Properly Adjust Your Leki Trekking Poles for Every Terrain

Heading out for a hike any time soon? At Walkabout Outfitter, we believe the journey should be as enjoyable as the destination. Hiking isn't just about the views - it's about the experience! Whether you are out for a day, weeks or months, the right gear can make all the difference. If you're using a pair of Leki trekking poles, you already know they're built for comfort and performance. But did you know that making a few simple adjustments can elevate your hike and prevent unnecessary strain on your body? Whether you’re climbing a steep ascent or navigating a muddy descent, these tips will help you maximize your trekking poles and make the most of every step.

1. Aligning Your Trekking Poles for Optimal Use

To get the most out of your poles, start by aligning them properly against your body. When your trekking poles are adjusted correctly, they can support your movements, giving your legs a break while maintaining balance. To find the right height, extend the poles so your elbows bend at roughly a 90-degree angle when holding them with your hands. This alignment should feel natural, not strained, allowing your arms to swing in rhythm with your legs.

2. Adjusting for Ascents and Descents

Different terrains require different adjustments. Here’s how you can fine-tune your poles for both ascents and descents:

• For Ascents (Climbing Up): Shorten your poles slightly. This will allow you to push down with more force and give you more leverage to help propel you upward. When climbing, the poles act like an extra pair of hands - helping you stabilize and making each step a little lighter.
• For Descents (Going Down): Lengthen your poles to provide better stability as you descend. Longer poles allow you to plant them further ahead of your body, acting as shock absorbers when the ground gets steep. With your body leaning slightly forward, this adjustment will give you the confidence you need to navigate rocky or loose terrain.

3. Adjusting for the Ground Underfoot

One mistake many hikers make is not adjusting their pole tips based on the terrain. Trekking poles come with different tips designed for various environments, and knowing when to switch can save your poles, and your feet, from unnecessary wear and tear.

• Rocky Ground: On rugged, rocky surfaces, use the rubber tips for added stability and to protect both your poles and the rocks. The flat surface of the rubber tips helps prevent the poles from slipping and provides a stronger grip on uneven ground.
• Muddy or Soft Ground: When hiking through wet or muddy conditions, switch back to the pointed carbide tips that are already built in. These tips dig into soft, slippery surfaces, giving you more traction as you move through bogs or puddles.

By taking the time to adjust both your pole length and tips based on the terrain, you’ll be able to reduce strain, enhance stability, and keep your poles in great shape for years to come. Check out Leki’s Pole Length Advisor to see how to adjust your poles based on height and where you’ll be hiking.

4. Encouraging Happiness Through Smart Hiking

At the end of the day, hiking should make you feel better, not worse. By understanding how to adjust your Leki trekking poles, you’re empowering yourself to get the most out of every journey. Whether you're climbing a mountain or strolling through a forest, it's all about having the right gear and the right mindset. And remember, sometimes the best way to encourage happiness is simply to step away for a while and head out into nature.

Happy hiking!