5 Tips on How to Attach Hiking Poles to Backpack

Hiking poles are familiar to frequent hikers, as they are an indispensable companion on a trek. Whether it’s climbinga steep slope, testing the depth of a mud puddle, or clearing a wet bush, trekking poles can play an important role. Of course, in addition to these basic functions, trekking poles also have other uses, such as sharing the weight of a backpack and providing support in case of a fall.

However, when there is no need to use these trekking poles, it can become a burden if you cannot manage them well. This is because if you cannot free your hands when needed during the trip, you will have to deal with not only the fatigue of hiking but also the burden of managing your gear, including the poles, for the remainder of the journey.

That’s why I’m going to focus on “how to attach hiking poles to backpack” so that you can easily start a day hike or a weekend hike.

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I. 5 Tips for Attaching Trekking Poles to Your Backpack

Attaching trekking poles to your backpack can increase your mobility and efficiency on the trail. Below are five specific methods I recommend for securing your poles safely and easily.

Utilizing Attachment Devices

If you’ve ever used a backpack with attachment points, you may have noticed something: the connection device for hiking poles. They’re located on the outside of the backpack, some are simple ring-like structures, while others have small hooks. These devices are specifically designed to allow you to securely fasten your hiking poles to the backpack.

If your backpack has this kind of attachment, here’s how you should use it:

First, insert the handle of the hiking pole into the attachment point, making sure it points towards the top of the backpack. Then, thread the tip of the pole through the bottom ring, press firmly against the bottom of the backpack, and tighten the fastening point. With this simple procedure, you can confidently go hands-free on your hiking trip.

Side Pocket Carrying Techniques

For hikers whose backpacks lack specific attachment points but are equipped with side pockets, this could be a fortunate option.
Utilizing side pockets to carry hiking poles is an efficient and swift method.

Simply insert the handle of the hiking pole into the side pocket, making sure the grip extends outward comfortably. Then, secure the hiking pole using the side compression straps. This approach is not only convenient and quick but also helps reduce movement and potential snagging issues during the hiking process.

Compression Strap Securing Tricks

If your backpack lacks side pockets but has horizontal compression straps, don’t worry, you can still secure your hiking poles. All you need to do is loosen the compression straps, thread the hiking poles through them (handles down, baskets up), and then tighten the straps, ensuring the poles are securely aligned vertically.

But what if your backpack doesn’t have compression straps?

Don’t fret, there are other methods. You can check if there are patches with two or more slots; if so, you can add your own compression strap and thread webbing, cord, or other tying straps through the slots to secure the hiking poles. This way, you can proceed with your journey with peace of mind, without worrying about the stability of your hiking poles.

Top Carry Methods

There are several effective ways to carry hiking poles, especially when your backpack lacks specific attachment points or side pockets. One of these methods is to lay the hiking poles horizontally on the top of the backpack. The securing method is also simple: by placing the hiking poles under the backpack’s lid and tightening the straps on the lid. Although this isn’t a perfect solution and may cause some discomfort to your back, it remains a practical alternative when you don’t need to hand-carry the hiking poles.

But what if your backpack doesn’t have a top?

You can try affixing the hiking poles to the main body of the backpack, with the handles down and protruding from the top. Shift both poles to one side, then tighten the backpack’s zipper on the opposite side. However, this makeshift strategy comes with risks and should be used cautiously, as it may inadvertently poke fellow hikers in the eyes during quick turns. So, if possible, I’d advise against resorting to this strategy.

Packing Trekking Poles Inside Your Backpack

If you prefer not to hang your hiking poles on the outside of your backpack, that’s okay too; you can stow them inside.

To place the hiking poles inside the backpack, first fold them into their shortest state, then lay them horizontally in the main compartment or designated sleeve. Additionally, you can use clothing as padding to ensure they snugly and safely fit inside the backpack.

II. Practical Tips for Carrying Trekking Poles

Here are some tips for how to make sure your trekking poles are loaded correctly, securely, and simplify your hike.

Adjusting Trekking Pole Length for Packing

Before you hook those poles onto your backpack, make sure to collapse them down to their shortest length. Doing this not only makes them easier to handle but also reduces the chances of them getting caught on branches or sticking out awkwardly from your pack.

• Collapsed Length: Check to see if your poles can be locked at a compact size that’s ideal for packing.
• Storage-Friendly Features: Look for poles equipped with a storage mode, as this feature makes them even more convenient for backpacking.

Preventing Trekking Poles from Wobbling On the Trail

To prevent your trekking poles from wobbling on the trail and creating unnecessary noise, it’s essential to secure them tightly to your pack. Here’s a simple two-step solution:

• Tightening Points: Use the backpack loops or straps to tighten the poles securely, minimizing movement.
• Balanced Placement: Attach the poles to both sides of the pack to maintain an even weight distribution, which helps minimize wobble during your hike.

Using Trekking Pole Attachments

When it comes to utilizing trekking pole attachments on your backpack, many packs are equipped with dedicated loops, clips, or bungee systems designed specifically for this purpose. These attachment points provide a secure fit for your trekking poles, ensuring they remain stable during your hike.

To make the most of these attachments:

• Attachment Points: Locate the designated points on your backpack intended for securing trekking poles. Utilize these points to securely attach your poles, ensuring they are snug and stable.
• Regular Checks: It’s important to periodically inspect the attachment points to ensure they are holding up well and not showing any signs of wear. This helps maintain the integrity of the attachment system and ensures your trekking poles remain securely in place throughout your hike.