How to use Trekking Pole Loops on Backpack?
When it comes to taking a long hike you want to make sure that you have all of the tools that you need to be comfortable, safe, and ready to go. Even though you may usually walk without the aid of a hiking pole, going on a long trip means that you should at least have them with you so you can use them if you need to. Learn how you can attach them to your backpack so they’re ready when you need them. We’re going to take a closer look and walk you through the steps.
1. Locate the Pole Loops
First, make sure you know where the pole loops are on your backpack. They should be on the side of the pack and should be just what you would think they are. A loop that can slide the poles into. There are a couple of different styles of loops that you might have. This includes a closed loop that you tighten or loosen or a loop that actually hooks open or closed. Once you know what kind you have, it’s time to actually attach your trekking poles.
2. Secure the First Pole
Next up, slide the handle of the first pole through the loop on the correct side. You want the poles to be facing upward. Remember that they need to be way up off the ground. You want to make sure that you have the pole through the loops and then tighten it down.
If you have a single, closed loop, you can pull it tight. If you have a loop that you can open, you’ll want to wrap it over the pole and hook it closed. Either way, you want to make sure that you have the pole securely fastened to the backpack before you move.
3. Secure the Second Pole
Next up, you’re going to repeat the entire process on the other side. It should be simple once you’ve already done it with one side. You want to slide the pole through the loop and then tighten it down. Make sure that it’s secure against the side of the backpack so it’s not going to move around.
If your pole isn’t tight against the side of your bag, you’ll notice it bouncing around and banging against the side of the bag when you’re trying to walk. Make sure you tighten it as much as you can. You won’t be able to damage your pole with these straps.
4. Secure the Bottom
Finally, you’re going to secure the bottom of both of your poles. If your bag has attachments for trekking poles on the sides it will also have small loops or pockets at the bottom of the bag that you can slide the base of the pole into. Make sure you insert the bottom of the pole firmly into each of these sections.
Keeping the poles attached at the bottom will ensure your pole doesn’t slide out or slide down. Because this could be extremely dangerous for you while you’re hiking. You don’t want to have your poles moving around on you because they create a tripping hazard for you and others.
Alternative Options
Keep in mind that not all backpacks feature trekking pole straps. If that’s the case, you may need to get a little more creative. At least, if you’re not going to go out and get a new backpack before your trip. Compression straps are a great way to go and if your backpack has them you can use them in place of traditional straps, but only if you have baskets on your trekking poles.
You can slide the poles through the compression straps and tighten them down as much as possible. In this method, you want the trekking poles upside down so that the baskets are pointing upward and the handles point downward. The basket will keep the poles from sliding out.
If you have pockets on the sides of your bag along with the compression straps, you can use the straps to secure the middle of the pole and then stick the bottom of the pole into the side pocket. This way works whether you have baskets on the end of the poles or not.
Also, you could choose to add compression straps to your bag if it doesn’t already have them. This will give you a little more freedom to attach anything you want. Whether it’s trekking poles or other gear that you’re going to need for your trip. It’s a good idea to add your compression straps around the backpack so you can still attach the poles to the sides.
Finally, you can lay your trekking poles across the top of your backpack. Keep in mind that this is only going to work if you are hiking in open terrain rather than going through a trial, woods, up a mountain, or anywhere that you have a narrow path to go through. That’s because your poles will be laid across the top section of your backpack horizontally. Then, you’ll zip the top pocket of the bag and your poles are secured as well as possible. But remember that they stick out quite far on either side of you, so be careful.
Getting Ready for a Trip
When you’re ready to head out trekking, wherever that may be, make sure that you have all the right gear to help you along. You want to make sure that you have your backpack and trekking poles and that you know how to use each of them to get you where you need to go. Being familiar and comfortable with securing your trekking poles is going to make for a much easier trip and you won’t have to worry about carrying them in your hands all time, even when you don’t need them. Just make sure you have everything you need and that you feel comfortable with a couple of different methods, just in case.