Colin FosterBy Colin Foster

Updated November 2026

The best place to put hiking poles on a backpack is usually the front or side of the pack, where the poles stay secure, stay out of your way, and can be pulled free in a few seconds. Most packs offer a few options, including external pole loops, compression straps, and bungee attachments. This guide explains how to choose the right spot for your pack and your poles, and how to make sure they stay put when the trail gets rough.

Check What Your Backpack Already Offers

Before you attach anything, look over the outside of your pack. Many models include built-in attachment points, while others have none. Common options include:

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  • Dedicated pole loops or a pole holder on the front or side panel, often with a cinch strap at the top.
  • Compression straps on the side or front, which can hold the shaft of a pole if you thread it through.
  • Lash points or daisy chains on the front, useful for bungee cords or pole clips.
  • Hip belt or shoulder strap loops, which are rare but handy for short poles.

If your pack has none of these, you can still attach poles with a cord or bungee. Test the setup at home before you leave, not at a trailhead.

Choose the Best Position for Your Trip

Pole placement depends on how often you need the poles and how much weight you are carrying. Use these guidelines:

  1. Front, angled down. Poles lashed across the front stay close and balanced. This works well for steep climbs where you switch between walking and using poles often.
  2. Side, shafts down. Poles tucked along one or both sides keep the front of the pack clear. This suits long flat stretches and scrambles where you need unobstructed arm movement.
  3. Top or lid area. Some hikers strap poles vertically to the top lid. This is secure, but it raises the center of gravity, so keep the load light if you choose this spot.

Whatever position you pick, keep the pole tips covered and pointing down or back, not up near your face or head.

Secure the Poles So They Stay Quiet and Put

A loose pole will bang against your legs or slip out on a descent. Follow these steps to lock them in:

  1. Collapse the poles to a length that fits your pack height and keeps the tips below your hip.
  2. Thread the shaft through the loop or compression strap so the pole sits flat against the pack.
  3. Tighten the strap until the pole does not move when you shake the pack.
  4. Cover the tips with a rubber boot or cork cap, especially if the tips are sharp.
  5. Walk a few hundred feet and recheck. Straps often loosen after the first few miles.

Practical Tips for Pole Placement

  • Keep the poles collapsed and stored before you start walking in rain or snow to avoid sudden tangles.
  • Use a slightly longer pole length for stowing than for hiking, so the handles sit at a comfortable reach.
  • Do not stow poles across the top of a fully loaded pack, since the weight shifts your balance.
  • Practice pulling the poles out while wearing the pack, so you can do it one-handed on a slope.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Strapping poles too loosely, which lets them rattle and slip.
  • Leaving sharp tips exposed, which can tear gear or injure people in a crowd.
  • Blocking side pockets or water bottle access with the pole shafts.
  • Adding poles to a pack that is already overloaded, which strains the shoulders.

A few simple accessories make pole attachment far easier.

  • Trekking pole rubber tip protectors cover sharp carbide tips and keep them from scratching the pack. View on Amazon
  • Bungee cord with hooks gives you a quick, adjustable way to lash poles to lash points on the front of the pack. View on Amazon

FAQ

Can I attach hiking poles to any backpack?

Most packs can take poles with a bungee or a cord threaded through a compression strap. Packs without any loops or straps may need a little creativity, so test the setup before a long hike.

Is it better to carry poles on the front or the side?

Front placement keeps the poles balanced and easy to reach on climbs. Side placement keeps the front clear and works better for scrambling and long flat walks.

Will poles on my backpack affect my balance?

Poles placed low and close to the pack body have little effect. Poles strapped high on the lid can shift your center of gravity, so keep the load light if you choose that spot.

Conclusion

Choose a pole position that matches how often you need your poles and how you move on the trail. Secure the shafts snugly, cover the tips, and recheck the straps after your first few miles. A few minutes of setup at home will save you rattling, lost time, and frustration on the trail.

Ready to choose one?

Colin Foster

About Colin Foster

Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our backpacks & packing systems guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.