Trekking poles are invaluable companions on the trail, providing stability, reducing fatigue, and easing the strain on your joints. However, there are times when you need your hands free—during scrambles, when taking photos, or on simple sections of trail. Knowing how to securely stow your poles on your backpack is an essential skill that enhances safety, convenience, and accessibility. Improperly attached poles can snag on branches, come loose and get lost, or even throw off your balance. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best practices for stowing both foldable and telescopic trekking poles, ensuring they stay put until you need them again.

Understanding Your Gear: Pole and Backpack Features

Before you can secure your poles, you need to understand the features of your specific gear.

Types of Trekking Poles

  • Telescopic Poles: These poles, like the Columbia Carbon Fibre model which collapses to 63cm , adjust via several sliding sections that lock in place. They typically feature an external lever lock or internal twist lock. Their packed length is longer than foldable poles, which influences how you attach them.

  • Foldable (Folding) Poles: Also known as Z-poles, these break down into multiple short segments connected by an internal cord. Models like the Omada folding poles fold down to an ultra-compact 15 cm , while the LEKI Cross Trail FX Superlite folds to 42 cm . Their compact nature makes them easier to stow inside a pack.

Backpack Attachment Systems
Most modern hiking backpacks come with dedicated features for carrying poles. Look for:

  • Designated Side Loops and Webbing: The Osprey Stratos 36L backpack, for instance, features a specific "Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment" . These are often reinforced loops or daisy chains located on the shoulder straps or the pack's sides.

  • Compression Strap Systems: These are versatile straps that can be reconfigured to hold poles securely against the pack's body.

  • Specific Carry Systems: Some packs, like the USWE Vertical hydration packs, are designed with a dedicated "Trekking Pole Carry" system for easy access while on the move .

Step-by-Step Securing Methods

The best method for you will depend on whether your poles are telescopic or foldable, and the design of your backpack.

Method 1: Using Dedicated Backpack Attachment Points (Ideal for Telescopic Poles)

This is one of the most common and efficient methods, allowing quick stowing and retrieval without taking off your pack.

  1. Collapse Your Poles: Shorten your telescopic poles to their minimum length using the quick lock system .

  2. Locate the Attachment Points: Find the webbing loops on the front of your shoulder straps. Some packs, like the Kohla The Track 23, have an "Integrated trekking pole holder" for this purpose .

  3. Insert and Secure: Slide the tip of one pole through the bottom loop from the outside-in. Then, pull the pole upward and secure the shaft with the compression strap or buckle located higher on the pack's body. The carbide or tungsten carbide tip  should be facing forward and upward to minimize snagging hazards.

  4. Repeat: Attach the second pole to the opposite shoulder strap. Ensure both poles are snug and not swinging freely.

Method 2: Compression Strap Technique (For Both Telescopic and Foldable Poles)

If your pack lacks dedicated pole attachments, the compression straps are your best friend.

  1. Prepare the Poles: Bundle your poles together. If they are foldable poles like the LEKI Cross Trail with its CLD (Core Locking Device) system , ensure they are fully folded. For telescopic poles, collapse them fully.

  2. Position the Bundle: Place the bundle of poles vertically against the side or front of your backpack.

  3. Tighten the Straps: Loosen the compression straps, wrap them firmly around the pole bundle, and fasten the buckle. For a more secure hold, criss-cross the straps. Make sure the straps are tight enough to prevent any movement. This method is excellent for securing poles with EVA foam grips or cork handles  without damaging them.

Method 3: Internal Stowage (Best for Ultra-Compact Foldable Poles)

For poles that fold down exceptionally small, like the Omada poles at 15 cm , stowing them inside your pack is a viable and secure option.

  1. Fold the Poles: Use the folding system to collapse the poles into their most compact form .

  2. Choose a Spot: Place them in a main compartment where they lie vertically, ideally against your back for a comfortable carry. You can use a compression sack  to bundle them with other items and save space.

  3. Consider Your Pack's Balance: Be mindful that internal stowage can create a rigid "spine" in your pack. Ensure the weight is balanced and the poles do not press uncomfortably into your back.

Securing Poles for Specific Activities

Different terrains and activities call for slight adjustments in how you carry your poles.

  • Scrambling and Climbing: For these activities, you need your hands completely free and cannot afford gear coming loose. The internal stowage method or a very tight compression strap technique is best. Ensure the metal flip-lock levers  on telescopic poles are not prone to catching on anything.

  • Quick Access on the Trail: If you anticipate needing your poles frequently, the dedicated shoulder strap attachment points are ideal. Systems like the one on the Osprey Stratos allow you to stow and retrieve them while moving .

  • Air Travel: When flying, you must stow your poles. Foldable poles that pack down to 15 cm  can often fit inside a carry-on backpack, while telescopic poles might need to be checked. Always secure them internally or tightly with straps to prevent damage during baggage handling.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced hikers can make errors when securing their poles. Here are the most common pitfalls:

  • The Snag Hazard: A pole tip or basket protruding sideways can easily catch on brush or rock. Always position tips forward and upward.

  • Loose Attachment: Poles that are not secured tightly will bounce, shift, and create noise, which is annoying and can damage your gear. Tighten all straps and buckles firmly.

  • Ignoring the Grip: When using the compression strap method, avoid over-tightening straps directly on delicate cork or EVA foam grips , as this can cause premature wear. Position the straps on the metal or carbon fiber shafts when possible.

  • Forgetting About Your Partner: Be conscious of where your poles are when turning around in tight spaces or when hiking in a group, so you don't accidentally hit the person behind you.

Maintenance Tips: Protecting Your Poles and Pack

Proper stowing also involves taking care of your equipment.

  • Clean Before Stowing: Mud and grit on the poles, especially on the quick lock system  or folding mechanism , can grind against your backpack's fabric, causing abrasion and damage. Wipe them down before attaching.

  • Inspect for Wear: Regularly check the webbing loops and compression straps on your backpack for signs of fraying, which can be accelerated by the constant friction of metal or carbon fiber poles.

  • Dry Everything Out: After a hike in wet conditions, remove your poles and allow both them and your backpack to dry completely to prevent mildew and corrosion, especially on metal locks and tungsten carbide tips .

Conclusion

Mastering the art of securing your foldable and telescopic trekking poles is a small but significant part of trail mastery. Whether you're using a dedicated "trekking pole attachment"  on a high-tech pack or simply leveraging trusty compression straps, a secure setup provides peace of mind, protects your investment, and keeps you safe. By understanding the features of your specific poles—be they ultra-light carbon fiber  or robust 7075 aluminum —and your backpack's capabilities, you can choose the best stowing method for every situation. On your next outing, practice these techniques and enjoy the freedom and confidence that comes with a neatly and securely packed load.