Trekking Pole Maintenance for Your Expedition
Most trekkers set their poles once and never change them. But on the varied terrain of the Everest trekking route, adjusting your pole length is the secret to saving energy on your Mount Everest expedition.
When heading up the Namche hill, shorten your poles. This allows you to plant them firmly and push off, engaging your upper body and taking the load off your tired legs as you move toward the Mount Everest summit.
On the way back from Everest Base Camp, lengthen your poles. This keeps your body upright and allows the poles to take the initial shock of the descent, protecting your knees from the relentless impact.
On flat ground, your elbow should be at a 90-degree angle. This is the most efficient setting for the long, winding trails of the Khumbu valley during your Everest trekking adventure.
Adjusting your poles takes 10 seconds but saves hours of fatigue. Make it a habit during your Mount Everest expedition to maximize your performance.
