DynaLock Trail Backcountry Poles: Setup and Adjustment Tips
By Therm-a-Rest® - Sleeping Pads, Bags & Outdoor Comfort | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: How-to Guides
Set up your DynaLock Trail Backcountry Poles correctly for winter hikes and snowshoe trips. Follow these steps for length, locking, and maintenance.
Quick answer
Set your DynaLock Trail Backcountry Poles so your elbows rest at about 90 degrees on flat ground, then shorten them slightly for uphill and lengthen for downhill. Always check that both locks are fully engaged before you put weight on them.
Why pole length matters more in winter
On snow, your effective leg length changes with every step and slope. Poles that are too long push your shoulders up and waste energy; too short and you stoop. The 90-degree elbow rule gives a reliable starting point, but you will fine-tune on the trail.
The DynaLock Trail Backcountry Poles use a two-section aluminum design, so you only have one joint per pole to adjust. That simplicity is an advantage in cold weather, when fiddling with multiple locks is the last thing you want.
When to recheck your setup
Recheck length and lock tension whenever you change footwear, add a pack, or transition between packed trail and deep snow. A pole that felt perfect on the approach may feel short on a steep skin track.
Also recheck after any transport or storage. Locks can loosen in a pack or car, and a pole that collapses under weight is more than an inconvenience on a winter trail.
Step-by-step setup and adjustment
- Set the initial length on flat ground: Stand on a level surface in your winter boots. With the pole tip on the ground, adjust each pole until your elbow is bent at roughly 90 degrees and your forearm is parallel to the ground. Set both poles to the same length. Check your elbow angle, not the printed markings—boots and pack weight change your effective height.
- Engage and test the locks: Open the lock lever, set the length, then close the lever firmly. Grasp the pole with both hands and push down hard to confirm it does not slip. If it slips, open the lever and tighten the adjustment screw or cam slightly, then retest. A lock that holds under hand pressure may still slip under body weight—test with a firm push, not a gentle press.
- Fine-tune for slope and terrain: For uphill sections, shorten both poles by a few centimeters so you can push without reaching. For downhill, lengthen them slightly for stability. Make small changes and test as you go. Adjust both poles equally unless you are on a sidehill, where a slightly shorter downhill pole can help.
- Check and maintain the locks regularly: Before each trip, open and close each lock and look for grit, ice, or wear. Wipe the poles dry after use and store them extended to reduce stress on the locks. If a lock feels loose, tighten it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Store poles fully extended and dry—compressed storage can weaken lock tension over time.
Product facts
- DynaLock™ Trail Backcountry Poles: Two-section aluminum construction for snowshoers, winter hikers and skiers who demand simplicity and maximum durability. Fewer sections mean fewer locks to adjust and less to go wrong in cold, icy conditions.
DynaLock™ Trail Backcountry Poles
