How to Walk With Two Hiking Sticks

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: When buying hiking poles

   The higher priced ones have more durable hand grips, but otherwise the lower prices ones' locking mechanisms are sturdy.
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   Step 2: buy the ones that are easily adjustable such as those with the twisting lock.

   , A low intensity chest and upper back exercise with light dumbbells or cables will do.
   
   Washing a car, housework, or some other lite activity can get your upper body in condition for using these poles also. , On the trail, you must have some leeway because of the uneven ground. ,, Before walking on the edge of a trail, inspect the edge for safety reasons.
   
   If the other edge is safer, use that other side. , When your arms get fatigued, adjust the pole heights.
   
   In some situations, where the ground is sidewards sloped make one hiking pole longer than the other.
   
   For example, if you are going through a long stretch where one of your poles is in a rut, adjust that pole's height higher. , In other cases, scramble with one hand and hold the poles in the other. ,, Mimic the poling techniques of cross country skiers. , When using the poles, in unison, alternate the leg you are assisting.
   
   Be creative, discover what works through experience and enjoy the process. , For example, holding the pole handle in the middle of your palm, like a walking stick with a rounded end, is very strong.
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   Step 3: Cut two short lengths of cord and tie your retracted hiking poles together when you are not using them.

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   Step 4: Before using these poles

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   Step 5: you should do some upper body exercises.

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   Step 6: Adjust your pole lengths to heights a bit higher than if you were using a cane.

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   Step 7: Shorten the poles when going uphill and lengthen them when going downhill.

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   Step 8: After a rain

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   Step 9: some parts of your hike will have ruts with water in them

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    Step 10: use your poles here and walk on edge of the trail.

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    Step 11: Generally

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    Step 12: adjust poles so they are the same height.

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    Step 13: When scrambling

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    Step 14: toss your poles to where you are getting to.

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    Step 15: Make a shoulder strap and carry the two poles behind your back for when you are not using them.

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    Step 16: Use the poles like when you are walking by swinging your arms naturally.

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    Step 17: For a change of pace

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    Step 18: use the two poles together like how cross country skiers do.

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    Step 19: Hold the poles in different ways to avoid hand fatigue and in some cases to maximize their use.

Detailed Guide

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