Gear · Practical setup
On flat ground, a useful starting point is roughly a 90° bend at the elbow with the pole tip near your foot. For sustained climbs, poles are commonly shortened; for sustained descents, they are commonly lengthened.
Quick rule
TerrainPractical settingWhat to checkFlatElbow near 90°.Relaxed shoulders.Long uphillShorten by roughly 5–10 cm.No shoulder hiking with each plant.Long downhillLengthen by roughly 5–10 cm.More upright posture.TraverseShorter uphill-side pole, longer downhill-side pole.Adjust for comfort and stability.
Why one length does not suit the whole route
REI recommends a 90° elbow bend as the baseline for general hiking. On a sustained slope, the geometry changes: shorter poles on a climb can help you plant them securely without lifting your shoulders, while slightly longer poles on a descent can help you contact lower ground sooner and stay more upright.
The 5–10 cm adjustment is a starting range rather than a mandatory number. Slope, body proportions, pack load and grip design all influence what feels natural.
Trail check: if your shoulder rises with each plant, the pole is probably too long for that section. If you fold far forward on a descent, a little extra length may feel better.
Check the locks before loading the poles
Adjustable locking mechanisms can loosen over time. Confirm that each section is secure before relying on it, and never extend a section beyond the manufacturer's marked maximum.
Using a conventional wrist strap
Put your hand up through the bottom of the loop, then bring it down onto the grip. This lets the strap support the heel of your hand so you do not need a constant death grip. Clip-in or glove-style systems can work differently, so follow their specific instructions.
Common mistakes
- Keeping one setting for every gradient.
- Using poles so long that your shoulders stay raised.
- Gripping too hard instead of setting a conventional strap correctly.
- Failing to check the locks before a steep section.
Bottom line: start near 90° on flat ground and adjust for terrain and comfort. The goal is a natural stride, relaxed shoulders and stable pole plants—not one fixed number at all costs.
