How to use trekking poles in high winds on exposed ridges?

On exposed ridges like Crib Goch, Striding Edge, or the Cairngorm plateau, the wind can be severe enough to knock you off balance. Your trekking poles can be a valuable aid—but only if you use them correctly. In high winds, shorten your poles, plant them diagonally into the wind for stability, and keep your weight low. Take short, deliberate steps, using the poles as anchors. If gusts are severe, adopt a low stance—shorten poles further, crouch slightly, and plant both poles together. For very high winds, collapse and stow your poles, then use your hands to balance—this reduces wind resistance. Always face the wind and keep your weight over your feet. Practice the technique on sheltered ground before you need it on an exposed ridge. This article provides a comprehensive guide to staying safe and stable on windy ridges.

1. Understanding the challenge of high winds

On exposed ridges, the wind can be relentless and unpredictable. A gust can push you sideways, upwards, or even knock you off your feet. The wind speed on UK ridges can exceed 50–60 mph, making it difficult to walk upright. Your poles can provide extra stability, but they can also become a liability if you do not adjust your technique.

2. Equipment preparation for wind

a. Shorten your poles – Reduce your pole length by 5–10 cm compared to your flat‑ground setting. A shorter pole lowers your centre of gravity and reduces the surface area that the wind can push against. It also makes your poles more stable.

b. Check your locks – Ensure your lever or twist locks are fully tightened. On exposed ridges, your poles will be subjected to lateral forces that can loosen a poorly secured lock.

c. Remove baskets – Snow baskets or mud baskets can catch the wind, turning your poles into sails. Remove them before you enter the ridge section.

d. Use rubber tips? – On rock, use carbide tips; rubber tips slip. On icy sections, carbide tips are also better. Remove rubber ferrules.

3. The correct technique in wind

a. Plant diagonally into the wind – If the wind is coming from one direction, plant your poles at a slight angle towards the wind. This anchors you and reduces the chance of the wind pushing you sideways.

b. Low stance – On very windy sections, adopt a lower stance: shorten your poles further (by 10–15 cm), crouch slightly, and plant both poles together. This lowers your centre of gravity and gives you a more stable base.

c. Short, deliberate steps – Take short, controlled steps, planting your poles firmly before moving your feet. Avoid long strides that could unbalance you.

d. Face the wind – Keep your body facing the wind. This reduces the surface area that the wind can push against. Turning sideways can expose a larger area and make you unstable.

e. Use the poles as anchors – On each step, plant the pole firmly and push down. This creates a temporary anchor point that resists the wind's force.

4. The double plant in wind

On very exposed sections where gusts are unpredictable, use a double plant:

• Plant both poles together ahead of your feet.
• Push down firmly to anchor yourself.
• Move one foot, then the other, keeping the poles planted.
• Move the poles together for the next step.

This gives you maximum stability and reduces the risk of a sudden gust catching you off balance.

5. When to stow your poles

In very high winds (gusts above 50–60 mph), poles can become a liability:

• They create wind resistance, increasing the force pushing against you.
• If you stumble, a pole can get caught between rocks, causing a fall.
• In extreme conditions, it is safer to collapse and stow your poles, using your hands for balance.

To stow your poles:

1. Collapse them to their minimum length.
2. Secure them on your backpack (side pocket or front bungees) so they do not snag.
3. Use your hands to brace against rocks or to adopt a crawling position if needed.

6. Wind direction and terrain

• Headwind – Plant poles slightly forward, lean into the wind, and push down to anchor.
• Crosswind – Plant poles diagonally (into the wind) on the windward side. Use the leeward pole for balance.
• Tailwind – Shorten your poles, plant them close to your feet, and use them to brake your forward momentum.
• Gusts – Be aware of gusts. When a gust hits, lower your stance, plant both poles, and wait for it to pass.

7. Safety considerations on ridges

• Watch your footing – Wind can make loose scree or exposed rock even more dangerous. Place each step carefully.
• Maintain a safe distance – On narrow ridges, keep a safe distance from the edge. Wind can pull you off balance.
• Use a helmet – On exposed ridges, a helmet can protect your head if you slip.
• Turn back if conditions are too severe – If the wind is beyond your comfort level, or if you cannot maintain your balance, it is safer to turn back.

8. Practice on sheltered ground

Before you encounter high winds on an exposed ridge, practice the technique on a windy day on a low, open hill:

• Practice shortening your poles and adopting the low stance.
• Practice the double plant.
• Practice stowing your poles quickly.

9. Final verdict

Using trekking poles in high winds on exposed ridges requires a deliberate adjustment of technique. Shorten your poles, plant them diagonally into the wind, adopt a low stance, and take short, controlled steps. In very high winds, stow your poles and use your hands for balance. Practice the techniques on sheltered ground before tackling an exposed ridge. Your poles can be a valuable aid in windy conditions—but only if you use them correctly. If the wind is too severe, do not hesitate to turn back—your safety is the priority.