On a trail run or hike, some sections require you to stow your poles so they don’t get in the way. Let’s look at three different ways to carry them.
How should you stow your poles?
On long hikes, and especially during trail runs, it’s important to be able to stow your poles quickly on gentle slopes or flat ground. That way, they won’t get in your way or slow you down. We therefore recommend adjustable multi-section poles:
- Telescopic or folding poles for hiking
- For trail running, choose folding poles only: they’re light, pack down small and are quick and easy to deploy and stow.
Here are three ways to stow your poles easily when you don’t need them, leaving your hands free.
1. The backpack – the trail pack – the vest
Where you stow your poles depends on the type of hiking backpack, pack or trail vest. The attachment point may be at the front or back, in a pocket or between two straps or elastic loops.
2. The quiver
A quiver attaches to your trail vest or backpack. Inspired by the quivers used to hold arrows in archery, it’s a sleeve you can slip your folding poles into.
3. The belt
This may be the solution that has become most popular with trail runners in recent years. Some belts have elastic loops at the back that hold folded poles horizontally across your lower back. It’s a quick, practical method that keeps the weight of the poles — light as they are — evenly balanced. Bear in mind, though, that it only works with poles that fold down very compactly. Make sure they don’t extend beyond your hips: otherwise, you could hit them with your arms as you move, causing discomfort or even injury.
