Using Trekking Poles for Stream Crossings?

A rushing stream can be one of the most hazardous obstacles on the trail. Slippery rocks, hidden depths, and strong currents demand respect and the right technique. Your trekking poles are your single most important tool for navigating these crossings safely and confidently. Here’s how to use them effectively.

1. Preparation is Key: Before You Step In

Safety begins before your feet get wet.

• Unbuckle Your Wrist Straps: This is non-negotiable. If you fall and drop a pole, you don't want it tied to you, potentially dragging you downstream. You can still grip the handle firmly without the strap.
• Adjust for Depth: Lengthen your poles. You'll want them longer than your normal setting to probe deep areas and provide support when planted on a lower part of the stream bed.
• Scout the Crossing: Never just step in. Walk upstream and downstream to find the widest, and therefore often shallowest, point. Look for sand or gravel bottoms instead of large, slick rocks. Avoid areas directly above waterfalls or fast-moving water.

2. The Crossing Technique: Stability with Every Step

The core principle is to maintain three points of contact at all times.

• The Plant and Probe: Plant both poles firmly on the upstream side of your body. They will act as a brace against the current. Before each step, use a pole to probe the bottom ahead of you. Test for depth, stability, and the firmness of the footing.
• The Diagonal Approach: Face upstream and cross at a slight diagonal heading downstream. This technique, often called "sidestepping," presents less surface area to the current, making you more stable.
• The Triangulated Move: Move one pole forward and plant it securely. Then move the opposite foot forward. Follow with the other pole and then the other foot. Your two poles and one foot should always form a stable triangle of support. Move slowly and deliberately—there is no rush.

3. Advanced Tips for Stronger Currents

• Double Pole Plant: In faster water, plant both poles simultaneously for maximum bracing power before taking a step.
• Lean Upstream: Use your poles to lean slightly into the current. This counteracts the force of the water pushing against your legs.
• Team Crossing: If crossing with a partner, link arms and form a chain, with the strongest person positioned upstream to break the current. Everyone should move in a synchronized shuffle.

4. Safety First: What to Avoid

• Never Cross Above a Dangerous Drop: If you fall, you need a safe runoff area.
• Don't Watch the Water: Looking directly at the rushing water can cause dizziness. Focus on your next stable planting point or the far bank.
• Unbuckled Packs: Ensure your pack’s hip belt and chest strap are unbuckled. In the unlikely event of a fall, you need to be able to shed your pack quickly to avoid being weighed down.

5. Gear Considerations

• Carbide Tips: Sharp, metal tips provide the best grip on rocky stream bottoms.
• Baskets: Ensure your trekking poles have baskets installed. They prevent the poles from sinking too deeply into soft, muddy bottoms.

Mastering these techniques transforms a nerve-wracking obstacle into a manageable part of your adventure. Your poles provide the critical stability and confidence needed to cross safely. Remember: when in doubt, turn around. No stream is worth a serious risk.