i got to use my trekking poles on a longer trip than an overnighter finally, and by halfway through the second day my elbows were killing me. i had been using them the entire trip giving my elbows no rest but it was so helpful. is this common or am i doing something wrong? thanks!
I just went on my first backpacking trip which was 4 days long, absolutely had a blast. But as to your question I did use a trekking pole and had my elbow at about 90 degrees and had no pain throughout the trip.
I started using one pole myself over a year ago, and I found I had to experiment with different lengths until I got it right. I'd say some initial discomfort is common. Plus, you're making your body do something it's not used to yet; I get the same thing when I try new martial arts moves, and the body gets used to it through good technique and training.
“…and by halfway through the second day my elbows were killing me.” “…is this common”
It is not common with lightweight poles. Also, forearm fatigue is not common with lightweight poles (though you didn’t mention it, I just thought I would throw that into there).
There have been some pole failures with those GG poles recently posted on BPL.com. I would avoid them if you are over 200 lbs.
With respect to elbows hurting, you may have the poles extended too high. One issue I have found with poles and 40 mile days - soreness in the traps and shoulders.
I use hiking staffs. I had access to a doweling machine, and the staffs I ended up with were 1 1/16 diameter, and 5' long. . At no time are my forearms below 'horizontal' with the trail, and most of the time they are slightly up, allowing some continuous tension on the muscle group. . These also allow me to slip the poles through my hands for the poles to rest on a lower surface than the one I am walking on, like I would be alongside a wash. I believe this is more advantageous than leaning over using trekking poles/
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