Reach New Heights
Poles are fantastic for long distance trails, ultras and hilly routes 🏔 At Harrier, you’ll find our poles are ideal for beginners and experienced runners alike – we even have a great Beginner Quick Start Guide below to help you get going.
The use of poles in trail running has become increasingly popular in the past years, and poles are now lighter and more comfortable to carry and stow than ever. If you have considered adding some poles in your trail running kit but weren’t sure how to get started, you’ve come to the right place! 😀
Harrier Z-Poles
Wild Ginger Running Best Poles for 2020 - Winner in Best Value category. Perfectly designed for trail running and hiking, super lightweight at only 209g (carbon) or 259g (aluminium) per pole. Collapse down for easy stowing at only 36cm. Durable carbide spikes, height adjustable, smooth EVA grip handle, fleece lined strap. Come with carry case plus an additional spare set of surface accessories.
Getting Started
A Quick Start Guide to get the most out of your poles. Our Helvellyn Carbon Z Poles are ideal for beginners and experienced runners alike. They are light, strong and simple to use.
Poles are fantastic for:
Hilly and / or long distance trails
Improving walking and running efficiency
Reducing impact on leg joints
Improving upright posture for maximum lung capacity
Using poles spreads the muscular load from mostly legs to the whole body.
3 Top Tips for Poles
1. Invest in a lesson with a qualified instructor
2. Train with poles, don’t just get them out on race day
3. Walk before you can run, master the correct technique first
Size Chart
If you are viewing this chart on your phone, you can zoom in to see the information bigger.
Step 1 - Set the height
Take poles out of their case, hold them up by the handle so the two connecting sections are loose
At the end of the handle section, pull the silver ring downwards to extend the section and connect with the other two sections until you hear a distinctive ‘click’
A silver button will pop out under the flip lock
Open the flip lock to adjust the height
Pull the pole to the length (in cm) estimated for you on the size chart
NOTE - Don’t pull beyond the stop line or the handle section will become separated from the rest. You can slide it easily back on again, but you don’t want to risk dropping a section of pole if you’re doing this on the move.
Flip the lock back into place. You can adjust the tension on the flip lock with the clear screw on the other side of it.
Extend poles until metal button pops out
Open the flip lock and adjust to correct height
Twist tension adjuster to make the flip lock tighter if needed
Step 2 - Choose The Right Tip For The Surface
Carbide spike - trails and uneven terrain
Rubber tip - tarmac and road
Mud basket - very wet and muddy
Step 3 - Correct strap position
Important - power comes from your wrist in the strap which also activates your core. Incorrect strap position and gripping handles tightly can cause discomfort and tiredness in your forearms.
Put your hand up through the strap from underneath so the fleece sits on the back of your hand / wrist.
Lightly wrap your hand around the handle. The straps should be inbetween your palm and the handle.
Feel the weight of your wrist sitting securely in the strap, it should feel comfortable and stable across the back of your hand.
You can adjust the strap length depending on how high you would like to hold the handle, you might change this as you get going but set it for what feels comfortable for now.
The grip on the handle should not be tight.
The momentum of the poles comes from your wrist in the strap, not from gripping on the handle. See the Quick Start Guide video above which demonstrates this technique.
Step 4 - Basic Walking Technique
Pole planting is when your pole tip touches the floor.
Plant at a 45 degree angle so the propulsion carries you forwards - if you plant in front or straight down you waste energy into the ground
Don't bear walk - where your arm and leg swing forward on the same side
Maintain good posture - no slouching!
Practice by trying the drag method first, then build up. See the Quick Start Video above which shows a demo.
Step 5 - Basic Hill Technique
Uphill
On uphills you may want to shorten your pole slightly to take into account the raised gradient ahead of you.
Or for very steep climbs you can take your hand out of the strap and use the extended handle.
Single or Double Pole Plant
Single pole plant is the same as the basic technique above.
Double pole plant is great for steeper hills. This is where you plant both poles at the same time to propel yourself efficiently up the slope.
Downhill
Going downhill on tricky. On technical ground you may wish to put your poles away, but if the path is smooth and wide enough you can gain even more momentum from a single pole plant every few steps.
You can even double pole plant to jump up, down or over rocks, and over puddles.
Double pole plant jumps with a run up are also fun to do when the path is clear to really get some momentum going!
Step 6 - Storage
Different race vests and running belts have different storage options. There are also quivers available as race vest attachments - a bit like arrows for a bow! The Harrier race vests have multiple built-in storage options:
1. Horizontal on the back
2. Vertical on each side at the front
3. Horizontal under each arm on the side
Top Tip
Don’t try to eat or alter things on your race vest whilst holding both poles in both hands – you may leg yourself up, not to mention stab someone else in the eye! Pass them both into one hand, put them under an arm or stow them away first instead.
Health and Performance Benefits
Better posture and stability
Using poles for long distances is fantastic for helping you maintain good posture when you are tired. They are also great for using on hills, giving you lots of extra propulsion which can see you overtake people who are putting in the same amount, if not more effort than you!
Some studies have shown poles can reduce the impact on your knees from 25-40%. They can be fantastic if you have previously suffered from a knee injury which is so common for runners. They can also help to reduce back ache by promoting a better, upright posture even when you are tired.
Saves energy and reduces fatigue
Poles don’t only help you improve your posture when fatigue kicks in, but they also delay it – as they work like a third leg that transfers part of the workload from your legs to your arms.
Poles prevent muscle damage and soreness. This study conducted by Northumbria University found that individuals who used poles while running demonstrated a reduced loss of strength and a faster recovery compared to the control group.
Better propulsion
Using poles can be extremely useful in helping you move faster by adding propulsive force over four contact points (instead of just two). Of course, a higher speed involves a higher energy consumption so you may find you need a greater calorie intake during your time on feet.
Training consistently with poles will help you improve your economy when using them.
Helvellyn Carbon Z Poles £69
WINNER IN THE WILD GINGER RUNNING BEST VALUE CATEGORY
"As a running gear tester of 10+ years for Trail Running magazine and then Wild Ginger Running YouTube channel I was really pleased to be able to help Kate design the Harrier Helvellyn Carbon Z poles. I've now tested what she has created and I'm delighted to say that they have won the Best Value award in the Wild Ginger Running poles test for their excellent features and low weight at a really fantastic price! I am looking forward to using them on my next multi-day running adventure." Claire Maxted, Wild Ginger Running
We hope these tips give you the confidence to get going with your poles on the trails! If you need any support or have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us.
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Independent Gear Reviews
Claire Maxted, Wild Ginger Running
"The race vests and Helvellyn poles have won our Best Value Award!"
Loyd Purvis, Run4Adventure
"Wow, I really was impressed with all the kit we tested in the Ultra bundle."
Ronnie Staton, Hobo Pace
"The Kinder 10L felt as good to me as any other vest I've ever worn, but it's by far the best value."
Keri Wallace, Girls on Hills
"The Curbar 5L is excellent value for money - sturdy and practical, and evidently designed by trail runners."
Gary House, RunStrong
"I found the Helvellyn Poles strong, reliable and light. I’d happily recommend them."
Fiona Outdoors
"There is a lot to recommend. I choose the Kinder 10L when heading off for longer trail runs."
Georgia Tindley
"Absolutely loved the Curbar, the fit is great because the XS is actually small!"
Ginger Al
"I see Harrier competing in the big leagues in the future."
Loved By
Joanna L.
I’ve used Harrier run free approx 4 times now and every time I’ve received great service, I struggled to find what I was looking for this time so used the live chat option and received immediate assistance to help me find what I was looking for.
I’ve purchased the Kinder 10L vest, dry bag and soft flasks, all of which are fantastic! Highly recommend each of these products, define value for money!
Zoe S.
Absolute top quality products, well designed and well made, all for a snip of the price of the "big" names. I have followed Harrier since start up and am so impressed with all the work that has gone into product development, testing and production. I also highly rate Harrier customer service.
I LOVE my Harrier Curbar race vest. It's comfortable, capable and cavernous! One of the best pieces of kit I have bought in a long time.
Anthony D.
Amazing service and an incredibly good price for products that are really high quality and well designed. Can’t wait to put them to full use - I’ve read great reviews of the Helvellyn poles and I’m going to rely on them a lot during several upcoming ultras!!
Oli
The 5L race vest is comfortable and works really well for me - I've had a bit of trouble with other more expensive brands with the packs riding up as I am relatively narrow-chested. It feels pretty robust and has lots of pockets and storage and probably more than I will need. I went for the full works with first aid kit, flasks, survival bag, straws etc etc in an inclusive package and for the first time with this sort of purchase did not feel ripped off and actually enjoy wearing it.
...and I love the packaging...is Harrier becoming the Apple of running gear?(apart from the price obviously!)
Pete W.
Ordered and received my Classic cap and Thorpe Ultra tee today. Very quick and efficient ordering service and delivery. Delivered in a convenient box that works really well. The 2 products are excellent and great quality and lovely to run in. Kate works really hard to ensure quality items are always at hand. Thanks again.
Ben
Fantastic! I had trouble with sizing and the help and advice I received was outstanding, far above and beyond anything I've received from another shop or brand. So if you're having sizing trouble just ask! The vest itself is great too, well made from quality materials and the perfect array of pockets.
Terry
The Kinder vest is a very well thought out piece of kit and excellent value. I bought the beginner bundle and very pleased with it. The vest is very comfortable and well finished, The inclusion of a couple of sterilising tablets for the soft flasks was most welcome to rid the flasks of that plasticky taste. I was impressed by the ability of the flasks to seal and not leak as my previous ones never sealed properly. Delivery was very quick and packaging was kept to a minimum. I'm still trying to figure out how it came so neatly packed!
Please give Harrier a try as their gear appears to be such VFM and support a small Company. WELL DONE HARRIER
Hagrats
I had questions around sizing for the Kinder race vest and they were dealt with quickly and efficiently..... and accurately (it’s a great fit)! The bundle arrived well packaged and quickly and all of the items were exactly as ordered. What’s not to like?! BI will definitely be shopping Harrier again. Thank you