THE BASICS FOR ASCENTS (shafts nearer to vertical)

Where possible aim to place shaft tip opposite the mid-foot. Generally aim to keep 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 posture allows for better 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 (so your trunk i.e. centre of gravity, is kept closer into the slope) zig-zagging where possible - even for just a few steps. With Pacerpoles there is no need to adjust shaft length from its personalised height; only consider this when on very steep almost scrambling terrain.

Hands move like pistons
close to side of trunk -
not out in front.

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User Guide pages:
SHAFT HEIGHT - PERSONALISING SHAFT HEIGHT - BASIC GUIDE - ASCENTS - DESCENTS - FOR FITNESS WALKING - TRAVERSING - BOULDER HOPPING - SCRAMBLING TERRAIN - CARE AND MAINTENANCE - STOWING / STORAGE