Hiking pole cold hands

[nothermark]

I was thinking about the threads where folks were talking about soaking several pairs of gloves/mittens on a hike. After looking at a dozen youtube video's I don't see anyone really pointing out a key issue for cold weather. Assuming everybody puts their hands into their straps from the bottom and has the twist in the loop and loop length set, nobody is talking about open and closing your hands while poling. The technique we taught for XC ski poles would also apply to hiking. Grip the pole on the down stroke then open your hand on the up stroke. Your straps will have the pole grip where you want it as soon as you plant the pole tip and push down. This provides a constant open and close cycle that pumps blood though the hands keeping them warm in very light gloves. It also helps prevent hand cramping.

[Meriadoc]

Thanks for the tip.

When my hands get cold I start using an open-close cycle but I never thought to just time it to the pole placement and do it all the time. I'll be trying this out.

[charley]

Thanks for the tip.

When my hands get cold I start using an open-close cycle but I never thought to just time it to the pole placement and do it all the time. I'll be trying this out.

Same here. Thanks or TFPT.

[Doctari]

That's how I do it, but I use Ski Poles not hiking poles, so mine are built in such a way that your method is a natural way.
My short lived (ONE, 3 day trip, one broke around noon day 2.) "hiking poles" on the other hand, well, it worked but only because I now knew how to.
Good post, good hint. Thanks!