Should I plant both trekking poles at the same time or alternately?
This is one of the most common questions among new trekking pole users. The answer is not one‑size‑fits‑all – it depends on terrain, steepness, and your hiking speed. Using the wrong rhythm can waste energy, reduce stability, or even cause injury. Here’s a complete guide to when to plant alternately and when to plant both poles together.
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The short answer
- Flat or gently rolling terrain: Plant alternately (opposite pole to forward foot). This mimics your natural walking gait and is most efficient.
- Steep ascents: Plant both poles together (or in quick succession) to use your upper body to pull yourself up.
- Steep descents: Plant both poles together ahead of your body to brake and stabilise.
- Very uneven or loose terrain: Plant alternately to maintain three points of contact at all times.
Alternate planting (opposite arm‑leg rhythm)
This is the default technique for most hiking. As your right foot steps forward, plant your left pole. As your left foot steps forward, plant your right pole. This diagonal pattern uses your body’s natural counter‑rotation, making walking feel effortless.
When to use alternate planting:
- Flat or rolling trails.
- Gentle uphills and downhills (less than 10% grade).
- When you want a steady, energy‑efficient rhythm.
- On technical terrain where you need to keep three points of contact (two feet + one pole) at all times.
Advantages: Natural, efficient, reduces torsional stress on the body, allows a faster cadence.
Disadvantages: Less power for steep climbs; less braking for steep descents.
Double planting (both poles together)
Planting both poles simultaneously creates a powerful, stable platform. You push or pull with both arms at once.
When to use double planting:
- Steep ascents (15+ degrees): Plant both poles ahead and pull yourself up. This engages your upper body significantly, saving your legs.
- Steep descents (15+ degrees): Plant both poles ahead and push down to brake. This transfers weight to your arms and reduces knee impact.
- Deep snow or mud: Both poles together prevent sinking and provide a solid base.
- Stream crossings: Plant both poles downstream for stability.
- Starting from a stop: Use both poles to push off.
Advantages: Maximum power and stability; excellent for steep slopes; reduces leg fatigue on climbs and knee impact on descents.
Disadvantages: Can feel jerky; not suitable for flat ground (wastes energy); requires good coordination.
What about quick‑succession planting?
Some hikers use a hybrid: plant poles almost together but slightly offset (e.g., left then right within half a step). This gives some of the power of double planting while maintaining a more natural rhythm. It’s a good compromise on moderate slopes.
Terrain‑specific recommendations
| Terrain | Technique | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Flat, smooth trail | Alternate | Most efficient, natural |
| Rolling hills | Alternate | Maintains rhythm |
| Moderate uphill (5–15%) | Alternate (or quick succession) | Good balance of power and efficiency |
| Steep uphill (>15%) | Double plant | Maximises upper body help |
| Moderate downhill (5–15%) | Alternate (with longer poles) | Controlled braking |
| Steep downhill (>15%) | Double plant | Maximum knee protection |
| Loose scree or talus | Alternate (with careful plants) | Keeps three points of contact |
| Deep snow | Double plant | Prevents sinking, provides flotation |
How to transition between techniques
As the trail steepens, smoothly switch from alternate to double planting. Don’t stop – just adjust your rhythm. On a steep climb, after a few alternate steps, you’ll naturally feel the need for more power. Start planting both poles together for two or three steps, then return to alternate on flatter sections. With practice, the transition becomes automatic.
Common mistakes
- Using double planting on flat ground – Wastes energy and looks awkward.
- Using alternate planting on very steep descents – Does not provide enough braking; knees still take heavy impact.
- Planting both poles at the same time but too far apart – Over‑reaching reduces control.
- Not adjusting pole length – Double planting is less effective if poles are not shortened for uphill or lengthened for downhill.
Drills to practice
- Flat ground: Walk 100 m using alternate planting. Count your steps: each step should have a pole plant on the opposite side.
- Gentle hill: Climb using alternate, then switch to double planting for 20 m. Notice the difference in leg effort.
- Steep hill (simulated): Find a stairwell or steep ramp. Use double planting to pull yourself up – you’ll feel your arms working.
Final verdict
Both techniques have their place. For the vast majority of hiking on moderate terrain, alternate planting is the default – it’s natural, efficient, and reduces fatigue. On steep ascents and descents, switch to double planting for maximum power and knee protection. Learn to transition smoothly between the two, and always adjust your pole length for the terrain. With practice, you’ll automatically choose the right rhythm, and your hiking will become safer, more efficient, and kinder to your joints.
