Alpine Skiing 
Are you sure to adjust the height of your trekking poles correctly? Often, the expert hiker too can do it wrong. Let’s see together how to configure the height of trekking poles in the correct way.
Adjusting trekking poles: what you need to remember before you do it
To properly adjust the height of your trekking poles, it is really important to consider the different types of pole adjustments.
- Poles with expander: this type is the most traditional. Expander trekking poles are very reliable, but require some force to close properly. Also, they can be a bit difficult to use if you are wearing gloves.
- Poles with Fast lock: this is the external clamping system. The best models allow you to adjust the tension of the lever without tools. This is an important point because, as temperatures vary, the elasticity of the materials and their dimensions change.
- Poles with the combined system: these are trekking models that feature both the expander and the Fast Lock. Also known as “Multilock”, this type of adjustment eliminates vibrations and guarantees maximum safety.
Another factor is the type of route. Ascents and descents can lead to the need to adjust your poles differently. So, the question is: do you really have the right poles?
Which poles you should choose?
Telescopic trekking poles
Telescopic trekking poles are characterized by 2 or 3 sections, which re-enter each other during the adjustment phase. Thanks to the locking systems, the sections remain firmly locked. They can also be easily shortened to be tied to a backpack when you don’t need to use them.
MULTIGRIP CARBON E.F.
How to adjust the height of your trekking poles: step by step
- Wear your hiking shoes
- Adjust the poles by placing them on the ground perpendicular to the floor
- Bend your elbow at a 90-degree angle
- Adjust the height of the poles
Remember: uphill, the poles must be shortened to become a valid aid to the propulsion of our body; downhill the poles are lengthened in order to reach the ground located lower than our feet. The poles can also be adjusted asymmetrically, if we have to face long stretches transverse to a slope, with one pole resting upstream and one downstream.
Don’t feel like adjusting them more than once? Then choose the Touring grip!
There are some trekking pole models that can be a good solution in case of routes that require adjustment several times. The Touring grip, for example, can be the right solution for you.
This type of grip, in fact, also covers part of the poles, thus creating more points of support and grip. Comfort increases considerably, especially if the temperatures drop, as we don’t have to grip aluminum or carbon directly.
