Hiking poles can be great tools for trail runners. When used correctly they spread the load and energy used in the legs to the upper body, taking off the edge of some of those more challenging climbs. Our guides carry poles to help conserve themselves, fatiguing runners, as safety tools to help with sprained ankles, as splints for snake bites and broken limbs.
Carrying poles is something the leading vest manufacturers have been considering in their designs for years. That gives us plenty of options to figure out what is the best place to store them when we aren’t using them. The options I use for pole storage are:
- Front side vest mount
- Front belly vest mount
- Rear lower back vest mount
- Rear quiver mount
- Front belt mount
- Rear belt mount
I like using the front belly mount position when I know I am going to be using and putting my poles away frequently. Usually on the runs with lots of hills or I need my hands to regularly to eat and drink and use my cameras. It is a great position for this because you can see what you are doing and it is relatively safe to do on the move. Note: it’s always safest to stop and do one thing at a time on the trails, particularly on technical trails.
I hope you enjoy this tutorial, please drop a comment and let me know if you find it helpful, have feedback or would like some videos on other subjects. I’ll add these videos to our youtube channel.
Happy and safe trails. Chris – Trail Bus guide and Tour Operator
