Ascents

BASIC ASCENTS

Where possible aim to place the shaft tip towards the mid-foot keeping your elbows back so your forearms can move like pistons up and down at your side - (and not stretched out in front). As your elbow / arm straightens by pushing down on the handle, the trunk is thrust upwards...this arm-lever action is similar to the legs positioned almost directly underneath the trunk instead of pushing-off from further behind as they did when walking on the flat. Try to keep the top of your head and trunk almost vertical, walking-tall and pushing directly upward towards the sky; this better core posture allows for maximum chest expansion of the lower ribs for easier breathing (especially important at altitude). Aim for a smooth rhythm, left arm working with right leg and vice-versa. On steep ground try moving up the slope along diagonal lines, zig-zagging where possible - even for just a few steps. On awkward rock inclines search for tip placement to the side for a better leverage position; only stretch forward to haul yourself up as a last resort (very rarely use the EVA sleeve).

Always aim to keep the span between shoulder tip to shoulder tip as wide as possible i.e. not rounded forward or arched back.

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With Pacerpoles there is no need to adjust shaft length from its personalised height; only consider this when on very steep almost scrambling terrain (and then you should be considering stowing your poles anyway).

Leaning forward will only encourage a stoop and this poor posture makes it harder work for your muscle-and-bone levers, and harder work to breathe. Instead try to keep the top of your head and trunk pushing-upwards almost vertically towards the sky. The thrust is coming from your legs positioned almost directly underneath your trunk (rather than pushing-off from further behind as they did when you were walking on the flat). Similarly the vertical thrust down of your arm’s action wants to be at your side, parallel with your trunk -so your hands move like pistons at your side (not out in front) as they push down on the handles to thrust you upwards.

News + Reviews

Steve Perry, TGO 2006
I often wondered on the winter challenge how on earth I managed the Summer Munro round without Pacerpoles.... It's the speed you can move and the distance you can cover with them... (Read more)

TGO Magazine, March 2009
Pacerpoles have been my favourite trekking poles for several years now due to the angled handles which are shaped for the left and right hands. (Read more)

Trail Magazine February 2007
Compare this to any other pole and it is noticeable how much more energy-efficient the Pacerpole design is. (Read more)

TGO Magazine, April 2006
I've used Pacerpoles more than any other in recent years. They're the most effective, they increase efficiency by enabling your arms to help propel you along... (Read more)

Nigel Wragg; UK
We’ve now done a couple more walks including some good up and down sections. Uphill we definitely have more power and the action is easy to maintain.(Read more)

Stuart Skinner; UK
I have just returned from the US having successfully hiked the Appalachian Trail. I have nothing but great things to say about my pacerpoles....(Read more)

Mark Inglis; NZ, Everest 2006
I could get significantly more power out of them ... (and on) very tough days, they certainly meant that even when very tired and fatigued you could use them with accuracy and confidence. (Read more)

Fergal MacErlean, Outdoor journalist
I've found the pole handle design is a huge improvement on anything else on the market. I've fairly big hands and found no problem with the shape. (read more)