How to Pack Ultralight Trekking Poles in a Backpack

Mastering the art of packing your ultralight trekking poles is a crucial skill that bridges the gap between trail efficiency and overall hiking comfort. While these poles provide exceptional support when in use, they can become awkward, clattering liabilities when not properly secured in or on your pack. A well-considered packing strategy protects your expensive gear from damage, prevents snagging on vegetation, balances your load, and ensures quick, frustration-free access when you need them most.

The optimal method depends heavily on your backpack's design, the terrain you're navigating, and whether you're using telescopic or folding poles. Understanding the spectrum of options allows you to adapt to any situation seamlessly.

Internal Packing: The Ultimate Protection Method

Stowing your poles inside your backpack is the best way to protect both the poles and the environment around you from accidental snags or damage.

1. For Folding (Z-Poles): This is where ultralight poles truly shine.The Process: Collapse the poles into their most compact form, typically a bundle around 35-40cm (14-16 inches) long.The Placement: The ideal location is vertically, against your back panel, nestled between your packed gear and the pack itself. This keeps the weight close to your center of gravity. Alternatively, many modern ultralight packs feature a dedicated sleeve or "quiver" specifically designed for this purpose, often in the water bladder compartment.Securing: Use your pack's internal compression straps to lightly secure the bundle and prevent it from shifting. Wrapping the poles' own straps around the bundle can help keep them neatly together.
2. For Telescopic Poles: While bulkier, they can still be packed internally.The Process: Collapse all sections to their shortest possible length.The Placement: They are best placed diagonally across the pack, following the natural curve of the frame, or vertically along a side.Securing: Again, use internal compression straps. It is absolutely critical to cover the sharp carbide tips with their rubber protectors to prevent them from puncturing your rain jacket, sleeping bag, or food supply.

External Packing: Quick and Convenient Access

For situations where you need to stow and retrieve your poles frequently, external attachment is the way to go.

• Side Compression Straps: This is the most common and versatile method.Shorten your telescopic poles or bundle your folding poles.Slide the grip end through the bottom compression strap loop.Secure the shaft with the upper compression strap.Ensure the tips are facing downwards and backwards to avoid catching on branches or, worse, poking the hiker behind you.
• Front or "Shock-Loop" Attachment: Many fastpacking and running vests feature elastic loops on the shoulder straps. This allows for instant, one-handed stowing and deployment—perfect for runners who need to switch quickly between technical and runnable sections.

Special Considerations and Pro Tips

• Protect Your Gear: Always use rubber tip covers. A bare carbide tip is a sharp hazard waiting to damage your pack's fabric or your other gear.
• Balance Your Load: However you choose to carry them, ensure the weight is balanced. A single pole strapped to one side can create an annoying, energy-sapping list.
• Air Travel: For folding poles, internal packing is mandatory. For telescopic poles, check with your airline; they may need to be checked in as luggage.
• The "Tool Handle" Trick: For externally carried Z-poles, some hikers slip the bundled pole into the side pocket with the grip acting as a "handle" at the top, making for incredibly quick access.

In conclusion, a thoughtfully executed packing strategy transforms your trekking poles from a cumbersome afterthought into an integrated component of your hiking system. Whether you choose the protected environment of internal stowage or the rapid-access convenience of external attachment, the goal is the same: to have your poles secure, silent, and ready for action, allowing you to move through the landscape with unimpeded efficiency and focus. Taking these few extra moments to pack correctly will pay dividends in convenience and safety throughout your entire journey.