How to Carry Walking Poles When Not in Use? A Guide to Safety and Convenience

Trekking poles are fantastic tools for stability, endurance, and joint protection. But what do you do when you hit a smooth, flat section of trail, need to scramble over rocks, or simply want your hands free for a snack? Knowing how to carry your walking poles efficiently when they're not in use is a small but crucial skill that enhances safety, convenience, and the longevity of your gear. An improperly carried pole can be a tripping hazard, a noise nuisance, or even get damaged.

This guide will walk you through the best methods, from the gold standard of backpack attachment to quick-and-easy hand-carries for short breaks.

The Gold Standard: Attaching Poles to Your Backpack

For any extended period of non-use, securely stowing your poles on your backpack is the safest and most comfortable method. Thankfully, most modern hiking packs are designed with this in mind.

Method 1: The Side Compression Strap Attachment (Most Common)
This is the go-to method for the majority of hikers.

1. Collapse Your Poles: Shorten them to their smallest length to prevent them from swinging.
2. Locate the Loops: Find the compression straps on the sides of your pack, usually with a plastic ladderlock buckle.
3. Secure the Shaft: Slide the tip of the pole through the webbing loop near the bottom of the pack. Then, slide the shaft of the pole behind the main compression strap.
4. Lock it in Place: Tighten the compression strap over the pole shaft. For extra security, wrap the strap around both poles if you're carrying a pair together.
5. Mind the Tips: Ensure the sharp carbide tips are facing downward and are positioned safely away from the pack's fabric to prevent punctures. Many packs have a small rubber patch or grommet to protect against this.

Method 2: The Front-Loading / Ice Axe Loops
Some packs, especially those designed for mountaineering, feature dedicated loops at the bottom of the pack and a velcro or elastic retainer at the top.

1. Thread the Tip: Place the pole tip (with the basket removed if large) up through the bottom loop.
2. Secure the Shaft: Pull the pole up and snap the shaft into the keeper or wrap the velcro strap around it, just like you would with an ice axe.
3. Pros and Cons: This method is incredibly secure and keeps the poles tight to your pack, but it can be less accessible for quick retrieval than the side-mount method.

Quick & Accessible Hand-Carry Techniques

For brief stops or sections where you might need your poles again imminently, carrying them in your hand is practical.

1. The "Forearm Loop" Method:
This is one of the most comfortable and secure hand-carry methods.

• Simply slip your hand up through the wrist strap and let the pole dangle from your forearm.
• This keeps your hand partially free to grab a water bottle or check a map while the poles remain attached to you and off the ground.

2. The "One-Handed Carry" or "Spear Grip":

• Hold both poles together in one hand, just below their grips, like you're holding a bundle of arrows.
• Let the tips drag slightly behind you (on non-paved surfaces) to balance the weight. This is effective but can be tiring for your wrist over long distances.

3. The "Diagonal Cross" Carry:

• Hold one pole in each hand as normal, but then cross them in front of you, forming an "X."
• This keeps them controlled and ready for immediate use, but it's not ideal for narrow, overgrown trails where the crossed poles can snag on vegetation.

What to Avoid: Common Carrying Mistakes

• Don't Drag Them by the Wrist Straps: This puts unnecessary wear on the straps and the pole tips.
• Avoid the "Over-the-Shoulder" Carry: While it might look cool, it's hazardous. The sharp tips are right at head-level for anyone walking behind you and can easily snag on tree branches.
• Don't Leave Them Extended: Always collapse your poles before attaching them to your pack. Extended poles can catch on branches and are more likely to snap under pressure.

A Note on Storage at Home

The principles of good care extend to your home. Don't just lean them in a corner where they can fall. Store them collapsed in a cool, dry place. You can hang them by their straps or keep them in a dedicated gear closet to protect the shafts and mechanisms from damage.

In conclusion, mastering a few simple carrying techniques will make your time on the trail smoother and safer. By securely stowing them on your pack for long stretches and using efficient hand-carries for short breaks, you ensure your poles are a help, not a hindrance, ready to be deployed the moment the terrain demands them.