Collapse your poles, point the tips down, and use the pack’s built-in loops or a bungee cord through the daisy chain for a secure hands-free carry.
You’re on a rocky section of trail, one hand gripping a pole, the other fumbling for a water bottle. It takes just seconds for that juggling act to turn into a stumble. Most hikers have been there, wedging a pole under a strap and hoping it stays put.
The good news is that nearly every hiking pack already has the hardware to carry poles properly. With a few simple methods—built-in loops, a DIY bungee setup, or a dedicated side pocket—you can keep both hands free without worrying about gear swinging or dropping. Here is how to tie a hiking pole to a backpack the right way.
The Built-In Loop Method
Most backpacks designed for hiking include dedicated attachment loops, usually at the bottom of the pack or on the front compression straps. These loops are made to hold the pole tips and shafts securely.
To use them, first collapse your poles to their shortest length. Insert the pole tips through the lower loop and tighten the loop by pulling the webbing. Then snap the upper part of the shafts into the elastic band or hook above it.
If you have a Gregory pack, the lower loop is specifically sized for the tip, while the upper elastic loop holds the shafts. The same idea works for Osprey and most other brands—just make sure the tips point downward to avoid poking the pack fabric.
Why Attachment Technique Matters
A sloppy pole attachment can mean a snagged shaft on a branch, a torn pack pocket, or a loose pole that bangs against your leg with every step. Getting the details right saves you those headaches.
- Downward-pointing tips: Always cover the tips with rubber protectors and point them down. This prevents damage to your pack and protects other hikers from accidental jabs.
- Collapse poles short: Fully collapsed poles are less likely to catch on trailside brush or become unstable during a scramble.
- Wrist strap technique: Reach your hand upward through the strap loop so the strap rests across the back of your hand, not your palm. This reduces arm fatigue and keeps the pole under control.
- Left and right markings: If your poles have an “L” or “R” on the grip, use them on the correct side. The ergonomic angle of the grip lines up with your wrist only on that side.
- Don’t overextend: Never pull pole sections past the maximum extension line printed on the shaft. Doing so can snap the locking mechanism or make the pole impossible to collapse.
Paying attention to these small points turns a 30-second attachment into a reliable setup that stays put for an entire day on the trail.
DIY and Alternative Solutions
If your pack lacks built-in loops—or if you need to carry poles that are too long to fit vertically—you can create a secure attachment with a length of bungee cord. Thread the bungee through the pack’s daisy chain webbing or compression straps, then wrap it around the pole shafts and cinch tight.
Another popular option is the “stow-and-go” system found on some packs: a dedicated side pocket or sleeve with an elastic cord and toggle. This keeps the poles out of the way and allows fast access when you transition from climbing terrain to flat hiking.
For packs without any external loops, you can also store poles inside the main compartment with the tips protruding from the top, then secure them with a compression strap. That does take up interior space, though, so it works best when the pack is lightly loaded. Unstuckadventures has a detailed walkthrough of dedicated trekking pole loops and DIY alternatives if you want to see the steps in photos.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in loops | Fast, secure, no extra gear needed | Only works if pack has loops |
| Bungee through daisy chain | Works on most packs, inexpensive | Requires cord, can loosen if not cinched tight |
| Stow-and-go pocket | Easy access, no fiddling with straps | Only available on certain pack models |
| Inside pack (tips out) | No external swing, weather protection | Reduces internal packing space |
| Horizontal front panel | Keeps poles out of side reach | Can interfere with arm swing if not placed correctly |
Each method has its tradeoffs, but the best one for you depends on your pack model and the type of terrain you’re covering. A side-carry works well on open trails, while a front diagonal setup keeps poles closer when you’re scrambling.
Step-by-Step Attachment Sequence
Follow this sequence to attach your poles quickly and consistently, whether you’re using loops or a bungee.
- Collapse and add tip protectors. Shorten each pole to its minimum length and slide on the rubber tips. This prevents poking and makes the bundle more compact.
- Locate the attachment points. Find the lower loops (often near the bottom of the pack) and the upper elastic loops or hooks. If using a bungee, pick two daisy chain loops that match the pole length.
- Insert the tips. Push the pole tips through the lower loop from the top, then pull the webbing to tighten the loop around the shafts.
- Secure the upper shafts. Snap the upper part of the poles into the upper elastic loop or hook. The poles should lie flat against the pack.
- Shake test. Gently shake the pack to check for movement. If the poles swing or slip, tighten the loops or reposition the bungee. They should stay put even when you walk or jog.
If your pack uses a side stow‑and‑go pocket, simply slide the collapsed poles into the sleeve and pull the elastic cord over the top. That method is the quickest of all but only works if your pack has that feature.
Common Mistakes and Best Practices
Even experienced hikers make a few predictable errors when attaching poles. Avoiding these keeps your gear safe and your hike comfortable.
The most frequent mistake is threading the wrist strap from the top down. That forces you to grip the strap rather than letting it support your hand. The correct technique—insert your hand upward through the loop so the strap crosses the back of your hand—lets you relax your grip and reduces arm fatigue. Alpinloacker explains the correct wrist strap method in their pole attachment guide, with photos of both right and wrong techniques.
Another common error is lifting the loaded pack by a shoulder strap when you put it on. That can damage the harness and make it hard to control. Instead, hoist the pack using the haul loop or grab the frame near the hipbelt.
| Mistake | Correct Practice |
|---|---|
| Wrist strap threaded from above | Reach hand up through strap from below |
| Poles extended past max line | Collapse to shortest length before attaching |
| Tips pointing upward | Always point tips down and cover with protectors |
If you fly with your poles, remember they must go in checked luggage—TSA does not allow them in carry‑on bags. Collapse them and secure with a rubber band or strap before packing.
The Bottom Line
Knowing how to tie a hiking pole to a backpack comes down to using the built-in loops when you have them, creating a bungee setup when you don’t, and always collapsing the poles with tips pointed down. Each method takes less than 30 seconds once you’ve practiced it.
For long-distance backpacking, experiment with different attachment positions—front, side, or bottom—to see what balances best with your pack load and the terrain you’ll cover. If you’re unsure about your pack’s compatibility, ask a staff member at your local gear retailer (like REI) who can show you the exact loops and diy bungee options for your specific model and pack weight.
References & Sources
- Unstuckadventures. “How to Attach Hiking Poles to Backpack 5 Ways to Carry” Most backpacks designed for hiking have dedicated trekking pole attachment loops, typically located at the bottom of the pack or on the front compression straps.
- Alpinloacker. “Attach Hiking Poles to Your Backpack 4 Options” A common mistake when attaching poles is threading the wrist strap from the top down; the correct method is to reach through the strap from below so the strap rests across.