How to carry trekking poles when not in use?

There are many times on a hike when you don’t need your trekking poles: scrambling up a rocky section, walking on flat pavement, or taking a break. Knowing how to carry them securely and conveniently – without snagging on branches or swinging into your legs – is essential. Here are the best methods for different types of packs and activities.

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Why proper carry matters

Loose, dangling poles can:

• Snag on branches or rocks, causing a fall.
• Swing into your legs, bruising shins or tripping you.
• Damage the poles (bent tips, broken locks).
• Annoy other hikers in narrow passages.

A secure carry keeps your poles safe and your hands free.

Method 1: Side compression straps (most common)

Most backpacks have compression straps on the sides (usually two per side). To carry one or two poles:

• Collapse the poles to their shortest length (telescopic) or fold them (Z‑poles).
• Place the poles vertically along the side of the pack, with tips pointing down (to avoid poking your face).
• Slide them under the compression straps and tighten. If your pack has only one strap per side, use it to secure the middle of the poles; the top and bottom will be held by friction or you can use a second strap.
• For better security, use both side compression straps (if available) or add a velcro strap.

Pros: Fast, secure, no extra gear. Cons: Poles may still shift if straps are loose.

Method 2: Daisy chain or gear loops

Many packs have daisy chains (webbing loops) on the front or sides. You can thread the pole tips through a loop and then secure the top with a bungee or strap. This works well for diagonal carry (poles slanted across the pack). Some packs have dedicated pole attachment points (e.g., Osprey’s Stow‑on‑the‑Go).

Method 3: Dedicated trekking pole holders

Accessories like the Zpacks Stick Holder or Gossamer Gear Pole Carrier are small elastic or cord loops that attach to your pack’s shoulder strap or hip belt. You insert the pole tip into the holder and secure the top with a magnetic clip or velcro. These are very popular among ultralight hikers because they keep poles instantly accessible – you can stow or deploy them without removing your pack.

Method 4: Running vest pockets

For trail running or fastpacking, many vests have built‑in pole storage: elastic loops or bungees on the front or back. Foldable Z‑poles collapse to ~35 cm and fit perfectly in these pockets. To stow:

• Fold poles and slide them diagonally into the front stretch pocket or under a bungee cord on the back.
• Some vests have dedicated pole “holsters” on the lower back.

Method 5: Ice axe loop (for one pole)

If your pack has an ice axe loop at the bottom and a strap higher up, you can use it to carry one pole (or two if you bundle them). Insert the tip into the loop and secure the shaft with the upper strap. This works best for long, telescopic poles.

What to avoid

• Tucking poles under the pack’s top lid without securing – they will fall out.
• Carrying poles horizontally across the top of the pack – they become tree‑branch magnets.
• Letting tips hang loose – they can scratch you or others.
• Storing poles inside your pack – takes up valuable space and can puncture gear (unless you use tip covers).

How to carry poles while scrambling

When you need your hands free for rock climbing, the best method is to fold or collapse poles and attach them vertically to the back of your pack using compression straps. If your pack lacks side straps, you can use a simple trick: loop a spare shoelace or a velcro strap around the poles and through a daisy chain.

Tips for different pole types

• Foldable (Z) poles: Always collapse them completely before stowing. They are easy to lose if partially folded.
• Telescopic poles: Collapse to shortest length, but be careful not to over‑tighten locks when collapsed (they can get stuck).
• Fixed‑length poles: You cannot collapse them. Carry them diagonally across the pack using daisy chains or bungees.

Quick‑deploy tips

If you’ll need your poles again soon (e.g., alternating between scrambling and hiking), carry them on the side of your pack with the top grip sticking up above your shoulder. Use a bungee or strap that you can release with one hand. Some runners use magnetic clips that snap open.

Final verdict

The best way to carry trekking poles when not in use depends on your pack and activity:

• Daypack with side compression straps: Stow poles vertically on the side.
• Ultralight backpack: Use dedicated shoulder strap holders (e.g., Zpacks Stick Holder).
• Running vest: Use built‑in elastic loops or front pockets.
• No straps? Add a simple velcro strap or ski strap to any pack loop.

Always secure poles so they don’t swing or fall. Practice stowing and deploying at home before hitting the trail. With the right technique, your poles will be out of the way when you don’t need them – and ready when you do.