Thank you Rick. So many videos about how to use trekking poles and you are the only one I found who knows how to use them properly, especially about the straps. So many "experts" out there showing the improper way in their video, which just so pathetic.
Thank you sir. I did this for LEKI as most do not know how to use them. They buy them but there are no instructions provided!!! I always use my poles on hikes with any hills.
Thanks so much! This was extremely helpful! I'd never heard of these before, but my physical therapist suggested them, so I bought a pair and now I need to learn all the ins and outs about them.
Very informative and detailed. I use to hike without trekking poles, I now would not hike without them. They have saved me from many trips and falls. Good job on the video!
Michael Barton I was thinking the same all the way through the video. Red on the right? Nooooooooo! Red to port and green to starboard. If it mattered with my poles, I would have red and green tapes on, but mine aren’t sided in this way.
Thanks for the video Rick. Just wanted to mention that I snapped one of my Varios on a hike a few weeks ago. I was crossing a stream and the pole got caught on something below the surface of the water as I stepped by. I contacted LEKI about repair and they ended up replacing my pole for free under warranty. Completely unexpected. Can't recommend LEKI enough now!
LEKI is good people. Buffalo is the USA group. Warranty is one-year. I have a pair but really prefer the non-bungee kind since I don;t need the fold-up feature often.
I agree. I broke 2 (diff times) going down REAL steep mt.....FREE replacement. They used to guarantee for life...now 1-year...but still generous. Varios's are cool...but aren't as strong as other models. Leki tips flex to let you out of holes.
Hello Rick, great video, I've never used poles before and wanted to take advantage of their benefits, when we head up to Lee Vining next month. I just ordered a pair of the Leki Makula poles and have not received them yet, but was checking out the proper usage and found your video MOST helpful!
Thanks, I did it for LEKI because there is NO instruction how to use them.....keep them in back going up and in front going down. I'll be doing Half Dome next week....with my poles!!! Makalu are great.....I give 15% off if you or friends have a need. They save knees. -Rick
Hi, I have a pair of Makalu poles for over 16 years now, I use them for hiking, trail running and ski touring. Very comfortable grips and solid construction. Sometimes the twist lock mechanisms loosen off but not often. Great poles !
Thanks for the comment. I have hiked 9,000 ft Half Dome at Yosemite 41 times pus Machu Picchu plus Mt Whitney plus Mt Shasta plus Grand Canyon....NO knee pain ever. That's where poles really help. I've only been to the Scottish coast...no hiking - want to!!
Thanks Rick. Entirely helpful especially as I did not know about the left/right strap. I just taped my poles and my wife's poles. In my case, I use white tape as it rhymes with right.
This was an awesome video. I just bought a set of collapsible poles for a trip to Scandinavia, so seeing what to do on differing terrain was especially helpful. I would love to see a video on what tips to use in different conditions..ie snow vs walking on concrete.
Thanks for the feedback. I'm in San Jose..no snow (yea), but I have used them in the Sierra snowshoeing with large baskets. LEKI makes a rubber tip with steel nubs to grip icy surfaces. I'm a reseller so let me konw if you want a set.
Ian - 42 times up/down half dome and I've never had a problem. Going down keep the poles in front of you. The polesa re there to steady you, so you don't fall. Go slow. But if you feel you are more confident - take them off.
I have Gabel poles ( Itaiian): they do everything, 99% or 100% of what LEKI's do, and despite that I live across the bridge ( using my Gabel poles), I now need a passport. Enjoyed your video, by the way: I needed support from beginners who tell me my bum is out the window'
I understand that Peru does NOT allow carbide tips on the Machu P. trail. You have to use rubber tips....Dumb, but it's their country! I did it years ago....a great time. Be sure to hike up Huyana Picchu...get your tickets early in the day...it's limited. By the way - the park will be closed ALL April 2016 for sprucing up.
Rick, I learned several important things about my Leki poles in just the first few minutes so, thank you for this video! I'm wondering if there is a purpose for the top of the poles having rounded handles. Is there a time when you use the top of the handles to push off with?
this is the best lesson, i've seen ! even better than my local outdoor gear teacher! i love my Summit AS poles, i'm setting my poles at the angle of my legs when walking, and i'm wondering if it is the right way...
+Maximus Heronimus Basically "drag" the poles and reach fwd with each step. Plant the pole and kinda have it propel you forward. Downhill lengthen them and keep in front of you to absorb the stopping action and save you knees. See my HOW TO th-cam.com/video/di0eREnlcVE/w-d-xo.html
I've been using a pair of 2 different model Lekis for 20 years. They are mismatched because I've had two pairs and lost 1 of each. Worth their weight in gold they are. I'm 6'5" and 240 without a pack. No way my knees would have made it this long without them!
A little local secret. If the park is closed (or as usual in the season waaay to busy) go over to Bass Lake and take Beasore road up and over the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway. Just bring your own lunch, eat at Bass Lake or stop at Jones Store at Beasore meadow in the summer. All the glory and hiking you want without the crowds. If you don't mind driving curves you may want to visit Nelder Grove as well.
Great video. Thanks for sharing. I saw another pole use video where he put his hands on top of the poles going downhill. What's your opinion on that technique?
Jim - YES! When the downhill is really steep then putting your palms on the crown is really good. But on so-so downhills the normal grip works fine. Continue to let your body be supported by the straps and not clutch to the grips.
As a trekking poles experienced instructor, I have few remarks : 1) The essential ACCESSORY to use when using poles is GLOVES ! fingerless gloves are my best choice but GLOVES are essential to prevent blisters and shafing. On most videos, the presentors (I wouldn't call them instructors) do not wear gloves ! ... 2) Where does the 90 degrees angle rule to decide of the "right size" comes from ? If walking on flat or little uphill, it's fine but if steep uphill or DOWNHILL, it's too long ! therefore it kills all chances to use the poles to their maximum potential. Particularly for downhill ! Notice that 95% of all videos about poles show guys walking on flat and a little on uphill. DOWNHILL, not so much ! WHY ? because they don't know how to use poles downhill. and why don't they know ? Because their poles are too tall so there is no way to apply any force on the top of the handles to transfer body weight from legs onto poles ! Trekking pole manufacturers to this day only produce poles for FLAT or UPHILL because poles come from Nordic skiing and when you ski, you only use the poles on FLAT or UPHILL... So the 90 degree angle rule is very wrong because it kills what the poles could be best for : protecting users knees and joints by transferring body weight on poles.
Good comment Jeanluno, Here ya go…I totally agree that bike gloves are a good accessory. I use them….but to prevent blisters. In my demo there is no need to. I can’t baby sit people. It is logical - no one told me to wear them only feeling the rubbing convinced me. The length. The 90 degrees was found by the testing done by Manufacturers to be the best…..uphill..reduce the length by shortening the poles…to retain the roughly 90 degrees and push up the hill…lean into the hill. Downhill, lengthen them….almost to max. keep them in front to slow you down and lean back to keep the center of gravity aligned with your body…EASY PEEZT I DO agree with you that the manf do NOT tell you how to use them. They only tell you about the adjustment process….and THAT is why I made the video for LEKI. NONO NO///Trekking poles are different. They are for trails and hills. You can traverse up or down by going zig zag waking…also if EALLY steep, make the down hill pole longer and uphill shorter. Zig zag ---Finally, poles are for your use…do what makes you feel comfortable and relieve any knee pressure. I have hiked to the top of Yosemite’s HALF DOME 42 times and have never had knee pain! I always use trekking poles…but Nordic Walking is generally level. But you can also use them on slight hills - I have students in san fran! Keep getting out..Watch my NW video --- NordicWalkingFun
I bought my LEKI poles in NZ and use them a lot, they're great. However, I live in Cairns Australia which is very humid in our 'wet' season and the poles have seized up! I cannot extend them to release them - have you any suggestions? I've used graphite which worked on one but the other is more stubborn!
Never heard of that!!!! I'd spray them with WD-40 or similar....Maybe try heating them up at the clasp ...jerk back and forth. Take them back for warranty.....May be time for a new pair!!
Great video, Rick, but at 11.35 don't throw them away! Keep them for travel and transport. The edges are very hard and sharp and can damage your car interior or whatever!
Thanks Robznl, You could save the packing end covers, but now you have two small things to lose. The carbide tips are not sharp, but are round cylinders. I've never had an issue with damage ... but whatever works for you. Keep hiking! And thanks for your comment.
Rick: Thanks for the video. I have a question about how to adjust pole straps similar to Greg's from 2 months ago. I have a pair of Leki Super Makalu that have to be at least 10 years old, maybe 20, and have been with me on numerous backpacks and treks over the years. However, I cannot figure out how to adjust the pole strap length. The handles are a cork looking material with a dial embedded in the crown. In the center of the top of the crown where the dial peeps through the crown is "Leki" with an L for the left pole and R for the right pole, and opposite each letter is a plus sign (+) along with a curve that gets smaller going from the + to the L or R. Below this center part is a larger dial that peeks out the back of the handle (but disappears in the handle at the front) that turns and has grooves as if to grip for turning. When I turn these dials toward the + or the letter L or R nothing happens to adjust the strap lengths. Any idea what I'm doing wrong?
You did it right...once you go - it loosens the strap and you ca pull it out with the middle fabric to make bigger...then use + to turn and make it tighter to hold.
Rick: Thanks for the response. However, no matter which way I turn the dial or how far, I cannot pull the fabric out in either direction. Unless you have some other suggestion, I guess I will just have to live with them as is. Thanks again.
Never mind. On a Sierras backpack last week, while camped between Iceberg Meadow and Clark Form Meadow, a critter gnawed off the fabric pole straps from both poles (but not the small tag ends that run through the handles) and made off with them. I guess the critter needed them more than I did. ;-)
You need to show the wrong way people normally use the strap by simply reaching through the strap then grabbing the grip. Using them this way can lead to a broken thumb if you were to fall.
Sure...they do it all the time in the upper mid-west. You have carbide-steel tips on the bottom...if they don't grab enuff, LEKI sells a multi-spike tip. Technique is the same. Work the triceps with the push off. www.leki.com/us/nordic-walking/accessories/
My Leki Super Makalu air thermos nylon wrist straps do not have the mechanism for making adjustments. On the handle top is a small depression with a diametric groove, in which a flat head screw driver can fit. On one end of the groove is a "+", and on the other end is a "-"; however, nothing allows me to adjust the strap. Please advise...
Greg, It would help if you can send me a photo. The + should tighten the strap and the - loosen. If you put a coin into the slot, and rotate - then it should allow you to pullout some of the strap to the length you want. Then turn it + to tighten. Let me know if that works.
Rick, thanks for the very detailed instruction, which is what I need! I have the Leki Micro Vario TI Cor-Tec Lady trekking poles. I can't figure out which is Left and which is Right. The straps don't have an obvious L or R. They are black and white graphic print ribbon. Any ideas?
The poles are identical. The previous models had a heavier strpp that WAS marked L or R. It made it a bit more comfortable. Now the lightweight strap is no big deal to use on either hand. I recommend using bike gloves - after 4 + hrs you could get a blister.
I bought two Leki poles (Sierra SAS), but didn't really know how to use them (I'm a pioneer in this aspect, in my circle). I lent one to my mom and she broke it (it was brand new!). In looking to replace the broken bottom section, I found your video. I'm SO GRATEFUL for your excellent demonstration! Next stop: Leki website for the piece, then it's off to the trails I go! QUESTION: how do you feel about the speed-lock vs twist? I'd think the speed would be better, but see some reviews who claim otherwise. Also, How do you feel about Anti-Shock Poles? Again, I see conflicting reviews of each. Thanks so much for all of your contributions to walking / hiking, and more!
Thanks maria!!! The speed lock is best....it holds. And you can make it grip even tighter with the screw adjustment. The twist can slip if it's not tight enuff...some people don't have the wrist strength to hold it.
How was Machu Picchu? On older poles the straps were heavier and had a little R or L. The newerer poles have a strap that is lighter and unmarked...either works on with either hand....just come in from the bottom and let your wrists be cradled on them. Wither will work fine.
What's an "aortic tip"???? The poles come with a carbide steel tip. You can also buy rubber tips. Carbide grips rocks super - some places are banning steel tips - like the Machu Picchu trail.
Great video! Is this the same technique (more or less) that you would use with a single pole? I am a photographer, and can't keep my camera ready with two poles.
LEKI makes a "monopod" pole that is just like a hiking pole....with strap, 3-sectioon speed lock and tips etc. It extends very tall to stabilize taking pix. You use it with a regular hiking pole. I'm a reseller - write me at MrHalfDome @ gmail if you want info on discounts.
He's referring to the fact that it's 7 minutes into the video before you say "What I'm going to show you now, is how to actually use the poles". A lot of people might want to skip the intro and just get to the demo straightaway. I watched it through, thought it was informative. I've personally got used to poles with a larger handle on the top, which I've found more useful for steep stepped descents - I wanted to see if I've been missing the knack for using the strap to it's full advantage.
Thank you Rick. So many videos about how to use trekking poles and you are the only one I found who knows how to use them properly, especially about the straps. So many "experts" out there showing the improper way in their video, which just so pathetic.
Thank you sir. I did this for LEKI as most do not know how to use them. They buy them but there are no instructions provided!!! I always use my poles on hikes with any hills.
Thanks so much! This was extremely helpful! I'd never heard of these before, but my physical therapist suggested them, so I bought a pair and now I need to learn all the ins and outs about them.
Very informative and detailed. I use to hike without trekking poles, I now would not hike without them. They have saved me from many trips and falls. Good job on the video!
Thanks Dino. Agree on the poles. I've never had a knee issue.
Use red on left as in boating, red port. Green on right; green starboard lights. Easier to remember for nautical folks.
Michael Barton I was thinking the same all the way through the video. Red on the right? Nooooooooo! Red to port and green to starboard. If it mattered with my poles, I would have red and green tapes on, but mine aren’t sided in this way.
Thanks for the video Rick. Just wanted to mention that I snapped one of my Varios on a hike a few weeks ago. I was crossing a stream and the pole got caught on something below the surface of the water as I stepped by. I contacted LEKI about repair and they ended up replacing my pole for free under warranty. Completely unexpected. Can't recommend LEKI enough now!
LEKI is good people. Buffalo is the USA group. Warranty is one-year. I have a pair but really prefer the non-bungee kind since I don;t need the fold-up feature often.
I agree. I broke 2 (diff times) going down REAL steep mt.....FREE replacement. They used to guarantee for life...now 1-year...but still generous. Varios's are cool...but aren't as strong as other models. Leki tips flex to let you out of holes.
pro tip : watch series on Kaldrostream. Been using them for watching loads of movies these days.
@Marley Jagger Yup, been using kaldroStream for since november myself :)
Hi Rick, great instructional video. Make it a great day.
I just received my Leki Legacy pole and I can't wait to try them this Sunday! Thanks for your lesson sir!
Awesome....glad to help! Keep us posted on how it's going. - Rick
Thanks for your excellent instructions Rick. Heading up the highest mountain in Northern Ireland with my new Lekis this weekend!
Go for it!!! Thanks for the feedback.
Thank you Rick, We’ll be walking with more confidence, with the new Leki’s. Very instructive!
Excellent!! Thanks for lesson , greetings from Chile
Hello Rick, great video, I've never used poles before and wanted to take advantage of their benefits, when we head up to Lee Vining next month. I just ordered a pair of the Leki Makula poles and have not received them yet, but was checking out the proper usage and found your video MOST helpful!
Thanks, I did it for LEKI because there is NO instruction how to use them.....keep them in back going up and in front going down. I'll be doing Half Dome next week....with my poles!!! Makalu are great.....I give 15% off if you or friends have a need. They save knees. -Rick
Hi, I have a pair of Makalu poles for over 16 years now, I use them for hiking, trail running and ski touring.
Very comfortable grips and solid construction. Sometimes the twist lock mechanisms loosen off but not often.
Great poles !
Ive just bought myself a replacement pair of Leki after having Makalu for 30 years
thank you so much. This was exactly what I needed to get me started.
Exactly - you buy poles..but they don't tell how to use them!! Ergo - the video. Thanks for the comment.
I've done a lot of trekking and never used poles.
Doing the West Highland Way end of May and going to try using them.
Thanks for the comment. I have hiked 9,000 ft Half Dome at Yosemite 41 times pus Machu Picchu plus Mt Whitney plus Mt Shasta plus Grand Canyon....NO knee pain ever. That's where poles really help. I've only been to the Scottish coast...no hiking - want to!!
Thanks Rick. Entirely helpful especially as I did not know about the left/right strap. I just taped my poles and my wife's poles. In my case, I use white tape as it rhymes with right.
RED is RIGHT....both with R
This was an awesome video. I just bought a set of collapsible poles for a trip to Scandinavia, so seeing what to do on differing terrain was especially helpful. I would love to see a video on what tips to use in different conditions..ie snow vs walking on concrete.
Thanks for the feedback. I'm in San Jose..no snow (yea), but I have used them in the Sierra snowshoeing with large baskets. LEKI makes a rubber tip with steel nubs to grip icy surfaces. I'm a reseller so let me konw if you want a set.
Thanks for your instructions Rick.
You're welcome!! Go for it!
I’ve been advised by walking guides to take hands out of the straps when going downhill as if you fall you risk wrenching your arm and/or shoulder.
Ian - 42 times up/down half dome and I've never had a problem. Going down keep the poles in front of you. The polesa re there to steady you, so you don't fall. Go slow. But if you feel you are more confident - take them off.
I have Gabel poles ( Itaiian): they do everything, 99% or 100% of what LEKI's do, and despite that I live across the bridge ( using my Gabel poles), I now need a passport.
Enjoyed your video, by the way: I needed support from beginners who tell me my bum is out the window'
Kenneth - I've not heard of Gabel...not sold in the USA....but sounds good to me. Keep it up.
Thank you for this!!
Well done. Thanks for all the good video info on trekking poles.
Thank you sir. Well done. Great tips for my Machu Pic'chu trip! Cheers!
I understand that Peru does NOT allow carbide tips on the Machu P. trail. You have to use rubber tips....Dumb, but it's their country! I did it years ago....a great time. Be sure to hike up Huyana Picchu...get your tickets early in the day...it's limited. By the way - the park will be closed ALL April 2016 for sprucing up.
Rick, I learned several important things about my Leki poles in just the first few minutes so, thank you for this video! I'm wondering if there is a purpose for the top of the poles having rounded handles. Is there a time when you use the top of the handles to push off with?
Excellent video.
Thanks Ma....where do you hike?
excellent and descriptive ..Thank you.
Thanks for watching!! Poles save knees!
Very informative and useful.
this is the best lesson, i've seen ! even better than my local outdoor gear teacher!
i love my Summit AS poles, i'm setting my poles at the angle of my legs when walking, and i'm wondering if it is the right way...
+Maximus Heronimus Basically "drag" the poles and reach fwd with each step. Plant the pole and kinda have it propel you forward. Downhill lengthen them and keep in front of you to absorb the stopping action and save you knees. See my HOW TO th-cam.com/video/di0eREnlcVE/w-d-xo.html
Great tips - thank you
I've been using a pair of 2 different model Lekis for 20 years. They are mismatched because I've had two pairs and lost 1 of each. Worth their weight in gold they are. I'm 6'5" and 240 without a pack. No way my knees would have made it this long without them!
6-5 is up there....I'm 6-2.....there are no "big and tall" poles!!
Thanks for this interesting explanation.
thanks Rick for a very intuitive video, bought the varios and too be honest couldn't figure them out, now sorted and also the use thanks again
A useful video, thanks.
Thanks for saying so. I use poles on every hike with any elevation. Downhill is where they earn their money.
Still holds up. Are you still hiking?
Yosemite is closed due to the fire. Might have to hike north of there with my new Kelty 2.0 poles.
A little local secret. If the park is closed (or as usual in the season waaay to busy) go over to Bass Lake and take Beasore road up and over the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway. Just bring your own lunch, eat at Bass Lake or stop at Jones Store at Beasore meadow in the summer. All the glory and hiking you want without the crowds. If you don't mind driving curves you may want to visit Nelder Grove as well.
Great video. Thanks for sharing. I saw another pole use video where he put his hands on top of the poles going downhill. What's your opinion on that technique?
Jim - YES! When the downhill is really steep then putting your palms on the crown is really good. But on so-so downhills the normal grip works fine. Continue to let your body be supported by the straps and not clutch to the grips.
Hi great Vid. Keep Up the great Work
As a trekking poles experienced instructor, I have few remarks :
1) The essential ACCESSORY to use when using poles is GLOVES ! fingerless gloves are my best choice but GLOVES are essential to prevent blisters and shafing. On most videos, the presentors (I wouldn't call them instructors) do not wear gloves ! ...
2) Where does the 90 degrees angle rule to decide of the "right size" comes from ?
If walking on flat or little uphill, it's fine but if steep uphill or DOWNHILL, it's too long ! therefore it kills all chances to use the poles to their maximum potential. Particularly for downhill ! Notice that 95% of all videos about poles show guys walking on flat and a little on uphill. DOWNHILL, not so much ! WHY ? because they don't know how to use poles downhill. and why don't they know ? Because their poles are too tall so there is no way to apply any force on the top of the handles to transfer body weight from legs onto poles !
Trekking pole manufacturers to this day only produce poles for FLAT or UPHILL because poles come from Nordic skiing and when you ski, you only use the poles on FLAT or UPHILL...
So the 90 degree angle rule is very wrong because it kills what the poles could be best for : protecting users knees and joints by transferring body weight on poles.
Good comment Jeanluno,
Here ya go…I totally agree that bike gloves are a good accessory. I use them….but to prevent blisters. In my demo there is no need to. I can’t baby sit people. It is logical - no one told me to wear them only feeling the rubbing convinced me.
The length. The 90 degrees was found by the testing done by Manufacturers to be the best…..uphill..reduce the length by shortening the poles…to retain the roughly 90 degrees and push up the hill…lean into the hill.
Downhill, lengthen them….almost to max. keep them in front to slow you down and lean back to keep the center of gravity aligned with your body…EASY PEEZT
I DO agree with you that the manf do NOT tell you how to use them. They only tell you about the adjustment process….and THAT is why I made the video for LEKI. NONO NO///Trekking poles are different. They are for trails and hills. You can traverse up or down by going zig zag waking…also if EALLY steep, make the down hill pole longer and uphill shorter. Zig zag ---Finally, poles are for your use…do what makes you feel comfortable and relieve any knee pressure. I have hiked to the top of Yosemite’s HALF DOME 42 times and have never had knee pain! I always use trekking poles…but Nordic Walking is generally level. But you can also use them on slight hills - I have students in san fran!
Keep getting out..Watch my NW video --- NordicWalkingFun
Great video Rick!
Just assembled my Leki Makalu FX Carbon, and cannot find “L” & “R” anywhere on my grip straps.
How do I find?
Jim
Jim, They used to put L & R on the straps...but lately they are using thin nylon straps and it doesn't matter.
Better to keep the little plastic bits on than putting them in the environment:)
I bought my LEKI poles in NZ and use them a lot, they're great. However, I live in Cairns Australia which is very humid in our 'wet' season and the poles have seized up! I cannot extend them to release them - have you any suggestions? I've used graphite which worked on one but the other is more stubborn!
Never heard of that!!!! I'd spray them with WD-40 or similar....Maybe try heating them up at the clasp ...jerk back and forth. Take them back for warranty.....May be time for a new pair!!
Great video, Rick, but at 11.35 don't throw them away! Keep them for travel and transport. The edges are very hard and sharp and can damage your car interior or whatever!
Thanks Robznl, You could save the packing end covers, but now you have two small things to lose. The carbide tips are not sharp, but are round cylinders. I've never had an issue with damage ... but whatever works for you. Keep hiking! And thanks for your comment.
Rick: Thanks for the video. I have a question about how to adjust pole straps similar to Greg's from 2 months ago. I have a pair of Leki Super Makalu that have to be at least 10 years old, maybe 20, and have been with me on numerous backpacks and treks over the years. However, I cannot figure out how to adjust the pole strap length. The handles are a cork looking material with a dial embedded in the crown. In the center of the top of the crown where the dial peeps through the crown is "Leki" with an L for the left pole and R for the right pole, and opposite each letter is a plus sign (+) along with a curve that gets smaller going from the + to the L or R. Below this center part is a larger dial that peeks out the back of the handle (but disappears in the handle at the front) that turns and has grooves as if to grip for turning. When I turn these dials toward the + or the letter L or R nothing happens to adjust the strap lengths. Any idea what I'm doing wrong?
You did it right...once you go - it loosens the strap and you ca pull it out with the middle fabric to make bigger...then use + to turn and make it tighter to hold.
Rick: Thanks for the response. However, no matter which way I turn the dial or how far, I cannot pull the fabric out in either direction. Unless you have some other suggestion, I guess I will just have to live with them as is. Thanks again.
Never mind. On a Sierras backpack last week, while camped between Iceberg Meadow and Clark Form Meadow, a critter gnawed off the fabric pole straps from both poles (but not the small tag ends that run through the handles) and made off with them. I guess the critter needed them more than I did. ;-)
You need to show the wrong way people normally use the strap by simply reaching through the strap then grabbing the grip. Using them this way can lead to a broken thumb if you were to fall.
I bought pools for snow and ice because I walk to work. but I'm having trouble finding videos on how to use on snow and ice. can you help me thank you
Sure...they do it all the time in the upper mid-west. You have carbide-steel tips on the bottom...if they don't grab enuff, LEKI sells a multi-spike tip. Technique is the same. Work the triceps with the push off. www.leki.com/us/nordic-walking/accessories/
My Leki Super Makalu air thermos nylon wrist straps do not have the mechanism for making adjustments. On the handle top is a small depression with a diametric groove, in which a flat head screw driver can fit. On one end of the groove is a "+", and on the other end is a "-"; however, nothing allows me to adjust the strap. Please advise...
Greg,
It would help if you can send me a photo. The + should tighten the strap and the - loosen. If you put a coin into the slot, and rotate - then it should allow you to pullout some of the strap to the length you want. Then turn it + to tighten. Let me know if that works.
Rick, thanks for the very detailed instruction, which is what I need! I have the Leki Micro Vario TI Cor-Tec Lady trekking poles. I can't figure out which is Left and which is Right. The straps don't have an obvious L or R. They are black and white graphic print ribbon. Any ideas?
The poles are identical. The previous models had a heavier strpp that WAS marked L or R. It made it a bit more comfortable. Now the lightweight strap is no big deal to use on either hand. I recommend using bike gloves - after 4 + hrs you could get a blister.
Thank you so much, Mr. Half Dome! I really appreciate your help. Yes, I definitely will pick up a pair of gloves. :-)
I bought two Leki poles (Sierra SAS), but didn't really know how to use them (I'm a pioneer in this aspect, in my circle). I lent one to my mom and she broke it (it was brand new!). In looking to replace the broken bottom section, I found your video. I'm SO GRATEFUL for your excellent demonstration! Next stop: Leki website for the piece, then it's off to the trails I go! QUESTION: how do you feel about the speed-lock vs twist? I'd think the speed would be better, but see some reviews who claim otherwise. Also, How do you feel about Anti-Shock Poles? Again, I see conflicting reviews of each. Thanks so much for all of your contributions to walking / hiking, and more!
Thanks maria!!! The speed lock is best....it holds. And you can make it grip even tighter with the screw adjustment. The twist can slip if it's not tight enuff...some people don't have the wrist strength to hold it.
Hi, I have Leki Cristallo poles and cannot find a right or left marking. Are these to be used on either hand?
How was Machu Picchu? On older poles the straps were heavier and had a little R or L. The newerer poles have a strap that is lighter and unmarked...either works on with either hand....just come in from the bottom and let your wrists be cradled on them. Wither will work fine.
Thank you.
can i use a aortic style tip on hiking poles instead of the carbide tip?
What's an "aortic tip"???? The poles come with a carbide steel tip. You can also buy rubber tips. Carbide grips rocks super - some places are banning steel tips - like the Machu Picchu trail.
Great video! Is this the same technique (more or less) that you would use with a single pole? I am a photographer, and can't keep my camera ready with two poles.
LEKI makes a "monopod" pole that is just like a hiking pole....with strap, 3-sectioon speed lock and tips etc. It extends very tall to stabilize taking pix. You use it with a regular hiking pole. I'm a reseller - write me at MrHalfDome @ gmail if you want info on discounts.
Starts at 7:00...
HUH???
He's referring to the fact that it's 7 minutes into the video before you say "What I'm going to show you now, is how to actually use the poles".
A lot of people might want to skip the intro and just get to the demo straightaway.
I watched it through, thought it was informative. I've personally got used to poles with a larger handle on the top, which I've found more useful for steep stepped descents - I wanted to see if I've been missing the knack for using the strap to it's full advantage.
So this is a Leki ad.
I made this video for LEKI....they are the #1 manf and MOST folks do not have a clue how to properly use them. Did you get anything out of the video?
@@HikeHalfDome Indeed I learnt from it though my hiking poles is from a different manufacturer and really xlnt.
@@andrekruger135 You can use tree branches and if they work - they work!! Carpe Diem!!