Trail Running with Trekking Poles (That Don’t Slow You Down)

Used well, poles feel like extra calves on big vert days. Used poorly, they clatter and waste energy. Here’s the fast way.

Length quick-set

• Climbs: shorten 2–4 in (5–10 cm) from your 90° flat-ground length.
• Descents: lengthen 1–2 in (2–5 cm) for balance.
• Switchbacks: keep them short; frequent plants beat long reaches.

Strap technique (zero wrist pain)

• Hand up through the loop, then grip over the strap so force runs through your palm.
• Keep wrists neutral; let the strap carry the load.

Planting rhythm

• Use a 1-to-1 rhythm on steep grades; go asymmetric on technical steps.
• Plant close to your feet; long lunges waste energy.

When to stash

On smooth flats or scrambles, fold to 14.6" and stash on your pack front straps.

Shop the gear

• Folding Carbon 3K (14.6" pack length) → https://freevane.com/products/folding-carbon-trekking-poles-3k-ultra-strong
• Rubber tips for road approaches → https://freevane.com/collections/trekking-pole-accessories

FAQs

• Do runners prefer Z-fold? Yes—packs small, quick to deploy.
• Carbon or aluminum? Carbon is lighter/stiffer; aluminum is more forgiving on crashes.