Photographs by: Will Kirscher, @willkirscher
For thru-hikers, part hikers, or anybody chasing lighter packs and smarter gear – your trekking poles can do much more than simply regular your steps.
Trekking poles are among the many most versatile instruments in your package. Certain, they shine on steep uphills and rocky descents, however once you dig into their potential, they’re going to prevent weight, time, and frustration in camp and on the path. Beneath are seven artistic hacks (plus bonus concepts) to get extra mileage out of your poles—with out counting on the standard tarp-pitch trick that everybody already is aware of.
1. Fast & Adjustable Clothesline
Use your poles as vertical helps for a camp clothesline. Stretch a size of shock twine or mild cordage between the 2 poles, or between one pole and a tree, and dangle moist socks, base layers, or underwear. It retains gear off damp floor, improves airflow, and makes use of what you’ve already received.
2. Hydration System Hanger / Gravity Filter Stand
Put your trekking pole strap by the hanger in your water filter, then wrap the strap again over itself to safe it in place. In case you’ve minimize your pole straps off, tie a small loop of static (non-stretchy) twine close to the highest of your pole as a substitute, and dangle your water bladder, filter, or small pot from that. Let gravity do the work when filtering or mixing drinks.
Set the pole in delicate floor or lean it in opposition to a rock/tree to help the load.
3. Poles as Subject Restore or Software Extensions
- Trowel deal with / shovel extension: Zip-tie or hose-clamp a light-weight trowel (e.g. a mini or ultralight trowel) to the shaft, turning your pole right into a digging or trenching device.
- Tent stake lever: Use the pole deal with or shaft as leverage to tug cussed stakes from rocky floor.
- Pole jack / extension: Use a pole jack or extension tube over the tip to spice up your pole top (helpful for taller tarp pitches or shelters).
These little repairs/extensions can substitute for carrying further instruments.
4. Path Sweeper / Impediment Tester
Earlier than moving into questionable terrain (e.g. brush, snake habitat, overhanging branches, spiderwebs), sweep forward together with your pole. Use the tip to probe mud, take a look at snow bridges or slick rocks, and clear webs earlier than they slap you within the face.
It’s a easy trick, however one seasoned thru-hikers swear by – that further “attain” can stop scrapes, tripping, or unplanned encounters.
5. Backup Splint or Crutch
If somebody in your group takes a nasty fall or injures a leg, your trekking poles can turn out to be makeshift crutches or splints. Safe them with tape, twine, or strips of material to stabilize a limb. For brief-term or emergency use, their rigidity and adjustability make them efficient helps.
6. Camp Prop
- Use a pole to prop open a big tent door or bug-net doorway once you need air flow.
- The pole doubles as a vertical stand for pot lids, drying hats, or kitchen utensils.
- Flip the pole into a light-weight submit by hanging a lantern or headlamp from the grip or strap to brighten your cook dinner space.
7. Pictures / Flag / Marker Put up
- Digicam / telephone mount: Use the pole as a selfie stick or digital camera riser. Connect a light-weight telephone clamp or small tripod head to the grip, lengthen the pole, and seize group pictures or long-exposure photographs of stars.
- Path marker / flag pole: Stick a skinny flag, vibrant strap, or path marker to the highest for visibility in fog, low mild, or dispersed campsites
Bonus Hacks & Ideas
- Poles as a “seat help”: Cross two poles behind you, lean again, and relaxation your glutes for a second with out absolutely sitting in moist or tough terrain.
- Entrance-of-pack stow system: Add a brief shock twine loop to your pack’s backside nook so you may slide your pole ideas in and lock the grips into the shoulder strap space – you may deploy or stow poles with out eradicating your pack.
- Gear hanger from inside of tents: When your shelter has loops or ridgelines, use poles + twine to increase inside hanging strains.
Each ounce in your pack ought to earn its preserve – and with these hacks, your trekking poles will pay dividends past terrain help. Whether or not you are aiming for a sub-10 lb baseweight through ultralight backpacking or prepping for a protracted via hike, your poles can carry further roles.
Need extra ultralight backpacking hacks, gear deep dives, or trail-tested recommendation from Gossamer Gear? (Trace: we’ve received a lot extra the place this got here from.)
