Superstitions about walking poles?
Hikers are a practical bunch. We check the weather, pack the ten essentials, and study our maps. But even the most rational trail lover can develop a few quirky beliefs about their gear – especially when it comes to walking poles. After hundreds of miles, these simple sticks become almost like companions. And like any good companion, they attract a little folklore. From Appalachian Trail shelters to Himalayan tea houses, hikers share quiet superstitions about poles: what brings good luck, what invites trouble, and what must never be done. This article explores some of the most common (and curious) walking pole superstitions – whether you believe them or not, they add a touch of magic to the trail.
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The Crossing Poles Curse
One of the most widely repeated superstitions: never cross your trekking poles and lay them on the ground. According to trail lore, crossing poles creates an “X” that marks a spot of bad energy. Some say it will cause rain before the day is out; others believe it invites a twisted ankle. The origin might be practical – crossed poles are easy to trip over. But the superstition persists. Many hikers will carefully lay their poles parallel to each other or plant them upright, just to avoid the “crossed curse.”
Left Pole First for Luck
A common ritual among long‑distance hikers: always plant your left pole first at the start of a hike. Why left? Some say it follows the heart side, inviting positive energy. Others trace it to old European folklore about the left hand being the receiver of luck. Regardless, you’ll see thru‑hikers deliberately tap their left pole before taking the first step of the day. Break this rule, and you might be doomed to a day of sticky locks or lost tips.
Never Let Someone Step Over Your Poles
On the Pacific Crest Trail, a strong superstition holds that if another person steps over your poles while they are lying on the ground, your trail luck will pass to them. Some hikers become quite protective, snatching up their poles if someone approaches. The opposite is also believed: stepping over a friend’s poles can transfer your own bad luck away. So it’s a mixed blessing. The safest approach? Just don’t step over any poles, and don’t let anyone step over yours.
The Three‑Tap Salute
Before entering a shelter or crossing a major pass, some hikers perform the three‑tap salute: they tap their poles three times on a rock or a log. This is said to acknowledge the spirits of the trail – or simply to announce your presence to bears. But the superstitious version is that three taps ward off falls and equipment failure. One tap is not enough; two taps might attract bad weather; three taps is the charm.
Pointing Poles at Animals
Many hikers believe that pointing a trekking pole directly at an animal (even a squirrel) invites bad luck. The superstition may have roots in hunting cultures, where pointing a weapon at an animal you don’t intend to kill is considered disrespectful. On the trail, pointing a pole at a bear or a deer could be seen as aggressive, but the superstition extends to any creature. If you need to gesture toward an animal, use your hand, not your pole.
Dropping a Pole
What does it mean if you drop a pole? According to some hikers, dropping your left pole means you will face a challenge today; dropping the right pole means you will overcome it. Dropping both? That means you should take a break and make a cup of tea – a practical bit of advice disguised as superstition. Others say that if a pole falls and points downhill, your hike will be easy; if it points uphill, prepare for a tough climb.
Never Use Someone Else’s Poles (Unless Offered)
In many hiking circles, it’s considered bad luck to use another hiker’s poles without their explicit permission. The belief is that poles absorb the owner’s energy and trail karma. Borrowing them without asking can transfer bad luck – or, worse, cause the original owner to have an accident. Conversely, if a fellow hiker offers you their poles, that is a gesture of deep trust and will bring good fortune to both of you.
The Ritual of New Poles
When you buy a new pair of poles, some hikers perform a small ritual: tap the poles together three times before the first hike, then whisper a destination or a wish into the grips. This “awakens” the poles and sets their purpose. It sounds silly, but many admit to doing something similar – even if just to make themselves smile.
Losing a Pole
Losing a single pole is considered a mixed omen. Some say it means you will find something better on the trail (a new friend, a perfect campsite). Others believe you must immediately tie a piece of ribbon or a feather to the remaining pole to balance the loss. On the Appalachian Trail, there’s a saying: “One pole lost, a story gained.”
The Rational Roots
Most of these superstitions have practical origins. Don’t cross poles because you’ll trip. Don’t point poles at animals because you might provoke them. Tap poles to make noise for bears. But the ritual and storytelling aspect enriches the hiking experience. Superstitions create shared culture, inside jokes, and a sense of belonging among the trail community.
Final Thoughts
Do crossing poles really summon rain? Probably not. Will stepping over a friend’s poles transfer luck? Only if you both believe it does. But the beauty of superstitions is that they add a layer of fun, mystery, and tradition to our time in the wild. So go ahead – plant your left pole first, give the three‑tap salute, and never, ever let anyone step over your beloved sticks. Whether you take them seriously or just smile at the silliness, these small rituals connect you to generations of hikers who have walked the same path. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll bring you good luck on the trail.
