7 Trekking Pole Hacks Every Ultralight Hiker Should Know

Photos by: Will Kirscher, @willkirscher

For thru-hikers, section hikers, or anyone chasing lighter packs and smarter gear - your trekking poles can do a lot more than just steady your steps.

Trekking poles are among the most versatile tools in your kit. Sure, they shine on steep uphills and rocky descents, but when you dig into their potential, they'll save you weight, time, and frustration in camp and on the trail. Below are seven creative hacks (plus bonus ideas) to get more mileage out of your poles—without relying on the usual tarp-pitch trick that everyone already knows.

1. Quick & Adjustable Clothesline

Use your poles as vertical supports for a camp clothesline. Stretch a length of shock cord or light cordage between the two poles, or between one pole and a tree, and hang wet socks, base layers, or underwear. It keeps gear off damp ground, improves airflow, and uses what you’ve already got.

2. Hydration System Hanger / Gravity Filter Stand

Put your trekking pole strap through the hanger on your water filter, then wrap the strap back over itself to secure it in place. If you’ve cut your pole straps off, tie a small loop of static (non-stretchy) cord near the top of your pole instead, and hang your water bladder, filter, or small pot from that. Let gravity do the work when filtering or mixing drinks. 

Set the pole in soft ground or lean it against a rock/tree to support the load.

3. Poles as Field Repair or Tool Extensions

• Trowel handle / shovel extension: Zip-tie or hose-clamp a lightweight trowel (e.g. a mini or ultralight trowel) to the shaft, turning your pole into a digging or trenching tool.
• Tent stake lever: Use the pole handle or shaft as leverage to pull stubborn stakes from rocky ground.
• Pole jack / extension: Use a pole jack or extension tube over the tip to boost your pole height (useful for taller tarp pitches or shelters).

These little repairs/extensions can substitute for carrying extra tools.

4. Trail Sweeper / Obstacle Tester

Before stepping into questionable terrain (e.g. brush, snake habitat, overhanging branches, spiderwebs), sweep ahead with your pole. Use the tip to probe mud, test snow bridges or slick rocks, and clear webs before they slap you in the face.

It’s a simple trick, but one seasoned thru-hikers swear by - that extra “reach” can prevent scrapes, tripping, or unplanned encounters.

5. Backup Splint or Crutch

If someone in your group takes a bad fall or injures a leg, your trekking poles can become makeshift crutches or splints. Secure them with tape, cord, or strips of fabric to stabilize a limb. For short-term or emergency use, their rigidity and adjustability make them effective supports.

6. Camp Prop

• Use a pole to prop open a large tent door or bug-net doorway when you want ventilation.
• The pole doubles as a vertical stand for pot lids, drying hats, or kitchen utensils.
• Turn the pole into a light post by hanging a lantern or headlamp from the grip or strap to brighten your cook area. 

 

7. Photography / Flag / Marker Post

• Camera / phone mount: Use the pole as a selfie stick or camera riser. Attach a lightweight phone clamp or small tripod head to the grip, extend the pole, and capture group shots or long-exposure images of stars.
• Trail marker / flag pole: Stick a thin flag, bright strap, or trail marker to the top for visibility in fog, low light, or dispersed campsites

Bonus Hacks & Tips

• Poles as a “seat assist”: Cross two poles behind you, lean back, and rest your glutes for a moment without fully sitting in wet or rough terrain.
• Front-of-pack stow system: Add a short shock cord loop to your pack’s bottom corner so you can slide your pole tips in and lock the grips into the shoulder strap area - you can deploy or stow poles without removing your pack.
• Gear hanger from interior of tents: When your shelter has loops or ridgelines, use poles + cord to extend interior hanging lines.
  
  

Every ounce in your pack should earn its keep - and with these hacks, your trekking poles can pay dividends beyond terrain support. Whether you're aiming for a sub-10 lb baseweight via ultralight backpacking or prepping for a long thru hike, your poles can carry extra roles.

Want more ultralight backpacking hacks, gear deep dives, or trail-tested advice from Gossamer Gear? (Hint: we’ve got plenty more where this came from.)