Can I use trekking poles as a makeshift clothesline at camp?

After a long day of hiking, nothing beats hanging up wet socks, sweaty shirts, or a damp tent fly to dry for the next morning. But you forgot your clothesline – or never carried one to save weight. The good news: your trekking poles can come to the rescue. The short answer is yes, you can use trekking poles as a makeshift clothesline at camp, with a few simple tricks and precautions. Here’s how to do it effectively and safely.

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What you need

• Two trekking poles (or one pole and a tree/boulder).
• Guy line, paracord, or spare shoelace – at least 2–3 metres (6–10 feet). Even a spare tent guy line works.
• Tent pegs or heavy rocks to anchor the poles if the ground is soft.
• Optional: Small sticks or stones to weigh down the line.

Method 1: Two‑pole clothesline

1. Choose your spot – Find a flat, open area with enough space between where you’ll place the poles. Avoid pitching your line directly over the tent or a cooking area (dripping water is annoying).
2. Extend both poles to their full length (or as long as stable). For stability, keep them on the shorter side – 110–120 cm is often enough.
3. Plant the poles – Push the carbide tips firmly into the ground. If the soil is soft or loose, use a tent peg or a large rock to secure the pole’s base. You can also push the pole tip through the loop of a guy line tied to a peg.
4. Tie the cord – Attach one end of your cord to the top of the first pole (wrap it around the grip or through the wrist strap). Stretch the cord to the second pole and tie it off at the same height. Aim for a taut line – not sagging.
5. Hang your items – Use clothespins (if you have them), or simply drape items over the line. For socks and small items, you can also hang them directly on the poles themselves.

Method 2: Single pole and a tree/rock

If you only have one pole or the terrain is uneven, use a natural anchor:

• Plant one pole as described.
• Tie the cord to the pole at a comfortable height.
• Stretch the cord to a low tree branch, a large boulder, or even a tent peg driven into the ground.
• Tighten the cord – you can use a stick to twist it (like a tourniquet) for extra tension.

What to hang – and what to avoid

• Good for: Lightweight items – socks, underwear, lightweight shirts, bandanas, dry bags, small towels.
• Avoid: Heavy, wet items – soaked jeans, a drenched sleeping bag, a heavy tent fly. The poles may bend or the cord may pull them loose.
• Windy conditions: Light items may blow away. Use small stones or twigs to weigh down the corners of larger items.

Tips for stability

• Angle the poles slightly away from the line – Plant them so they lean outward, resisting the inward pull of the cord.
• Use a longer cord – The further apart the poles, the less tension is needed for a given sag. Aim for at least 2 metres between poles.
• If the poles keep falling – Tie the wrist straps together (if they have long webbing) and anchor the strap loop with a heavy rock.
• On rocky ground – Use cairns (small piles of rocks) to prop the poles upright, or tie the cord to a boulder instead of using poles.

Alternative uses for the pole‑clothesline

• Drying a wet tarp or tent fly – Drape it over the line and use a few small sticks as makeshift pegs to hold it.
• Hanging a lantern – Suspend your headlamp or tiny lantern from the centre of the line for ambient camp light.
• Drying gear – Clip a mesh stuff sack to the line; stuff damp gear inside.

Downsides and limitations

• Your poles are occupied – you can’t use them for hiking or shelter support while they’re serving as a clothesline.
• Limited capacity – don’t overload the line.
• Potential damage – pulling the line too tight can stress the pole locks or bend the shaft. Use moderate tension.
• If it rains, the line will become useless – hang under a tarp if possible.

Better alternatives for lightweight campers

• A dedicated lightweight clothesline – a 5‑metre length of 1.5 mm cord weighs only 5 g and packs tiny.
• Guy lines already on your tent – you can sometimes string a line between two tent stakes.
• Your backpack’s compression straps – not as effective, but works in a pinch.

Final verdict

Yes, you can use trekking poles as a makeshift clothesline at camp – it’s a clever, weight‑saving hack for drying lightweight items. Set two poles firmly, tie a cord between them, and hang small, light gear. Be mindful of stability and don’t overload. For heavier or wet items, find a natural anchor. With a little practice, your poles will earn their keep even after the hike is over.