[Sportsandrec] Hiking Techniques

[Thornbury, Kelly]

Ashley, 

 

My hiking technique really depends on the terrain and my trust in my travel companions, and can range from anything between using my white cane to crawling over boulders on my hands and knees. Typically, I use a collapsible hiking pole. This can be adjusted to different lengths for terrain (uphill or downhill, drop offs on either side, ect), has a wrist strap for support and control, and can be lengthened to use as a mobility cane for long walks to and from the car to the trail head. For single track trails, I usually use a technique learned from Trek for Light, where you and your sighted guide hold either end of a fairly long "pole," usually 50 to 65 inches long (your cane may work for this). You will quickly learn to feel the movements of the guide (direction and elevation changes), and communication about the terrain will be required far less often. On rougher terrain you can employ a hiking pole in the other hand for better support. 

 

For those with some sight, using a hiking pole to probe the terrain works well, and you could ask your guide to wear something high contrast to the environment to follow. I've also seen guides wear bells to provide an audible signal to track, and with practice you can learn a certain guide's movements over obstacles through the frequency and amplitude of the bells. 

 

The best technique for you is going to be determined through practice and trial and error. Try starting out on some easier terrains to practice different ideas; you may come up with something unique that really works for you.