LKey takeaway: There are three options for attaching trail-running poles: a quiver, a pole holder integrated into the pack, and a pole-carrying belt. The right choice depends mainly on the length of your outings. Only folding poles can be stored in segments; measure them when folded before buying a quiver, tighten the fasteners, then try them on a climb to check that nothing moves.
Poles banging against your thighs are a nuisance from the very first descent. You want to keep them within reach without disrupting your stride, but you don't know how to attach them. In this article, you'll find out how to attach your trail-running poles to your pack, vest, or belt, and how to grab them without losing your rhythm.
Contents
What is a pole storage system?
A storage system keeps your poles folded against your pack, ready to grab without being held. The quiver is the best-known type: a long pouch attached to a pack or trail-running vest that holds folded poles. Storing your poles frees up your hands: on flat terrain or downhill, you can run without holding them, and you really notice the difference. On a wind-swept ridge, holding your poles in both hands while descending a rocky slope because you have nowhere to store them is an experience you won't repeat.
For an ultra, the Karkois Black quiver is a solid option to consider. If you don't have an ultra planned, an integrated pole holder or a belt is often enough. Also remember to dry each pole before storing it folded to prevent corrosion of the locking mechanisms.
Quiver, integrated pole holder, or belt: which one do you need?
There are three options, and the right choice depends mainly on the length of your outings. Here are the features of each to help you decide.
The quiver, for folding poles
Expect to pay around €25 to €35 for a trail quiver. A quiver is no use if it won't attach to your pack: check that its attachment points are compatible with your vest before buying. Measure your folded poles before buying: a difference of just a few centimeters can make it impossible to stow them. Find the full range of trail carrying solutions Kinetik to complete your gear.
The pole holder integrated into the pack
If your pack already has a pole holder, there's nothing else to buy. It's the simplest and most affordable option. On the coastal trail, in the rain, having to stop to readjust your poles costs time and rhythm: the integrated system helps avoid this kind of mishap. Before your outing, check that your poles fit properly and that the straps tighten securely.
The pole-carrying belt
A pole-carrying belt has loops or straps designed to hold folded poles. Choose a size that fits your waist: if it's too loose, it will bounce with every stride. For a model designed for poles, see the Kantum One belt. Try it with your poles before setting off: without this test, it's better not to start.
| Criterion | Quiver | Pack pole holder | Pole-carrying belt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended use | Ultras and long outings with poles | Outings with a pack that already has a pole holder | Occasional outings |
| Accessory to buy | Yes, separate | No, the pack is enough | Yes, separate |
| Poles accommodated | Folding | Folding | Folding |
| Access while running | Over the shoulder | Across the top of the pack | On the hips |
Each option has its purpose: a quiver for long distances, an integrated pole holder for simplicity, and a belt for flexibility on different kinds of outings.
One-piece poles and folding poles: don't confuse them
A one-piece pole doesn't fold. It's a single shaft that stays at its full length, whether in the quiver or in your hand. A folding pole, on the other hand, packs down into sections. Some three-section models measure 37 to 40 cm when folded: just three centimeters can determine whether the pole fits in the pouch. Before buying, measure your folded pole and the pouch, then compare. It's better to try your own poles in the quiver in the shop than to discover they're incompatible when you're setting off.
What Carrying Poles Doesn't Do
Stowing them doesn’t solve everything. The real weak point is how tightly they’re secured. Poles that aren’t secured properly can move while you run, knock against you with every stride, and eventually get in the way of your arms or pockets. Tighten the fasteners, then check them before you run. On a downhill stretch in Brittany, a friend had loose fasteners: his poles clattered against every rock. This check takes ten seconds and is worth doing every time you head out.
Stowing them isn’t everything; there are four things to remember:
- Check that everything is tight before every outing.
- Do a test run uphill: if the poles move, tighten them.
- Adjust the belt to fit you, and try running in it before a long outing.
- Have a backup attachment point on your pack.
How do you attach your poles to your pack before setting off?
Tightening things in a hurry at the start is a sure way to have your poles bouncing around from the first mile. The markings vary depending on the quiver and pack model: read the instructions for yours. It’s best to adjust everything at home, with a clear head, before heading out.
L’s step-by-step assembly order
Here’s how to set up a quiver with a magnet and cord system:
- Pass the quiver strap through the shoulder hook, then position it diagonally.
- Pass the magnet at the end of the cord through the “Quiver” slot, then pass the barrel through the same slot.
- Put the folded poles in the quiver, then put on your pack.
- Pull the cord with one hand and press the barrel with the other, then attach the magnet beneath the quiver.
- Run a few strides: the poles shouldn’t move, get in the way of your arms, or interfere with your pockets.
Once you’ve made this adjustment at home, you’ll save time at the start and avoid unpleasant surprises on the trail. Attach your poles to your pack or vest at home, take a few strides down the hallway: you’ll immediately see what needs adjusting before you hit the trail.
Draw and stow your poles without stopping
On a rocky descent, stopping to stow your poles breaks your rhythm and gets annoying. With a good quiver, you don’t need to: unclip the magnet, loosen the cord with the barrel, then swing the quiver over your shoulder. Take out the poles, then put your pack back on. After practicing the motion a few times, it takes only a few seconds.
Fold the poles, put them in the quiver, tighten the drawcord, and reposition the magnet. To learn more about choosing the right size and material, see our guide to trail poles: sizing, materials, and folding. Slip your hand through the wrist strap before using them: the effort goes through the pole, not your wrist. Stow them on flat ground or downhill when you no longer need them, and never stow them uphill: that's when they're most useful. At aid stations, a removable grip makes them quick to take out.
Stowing your poles keeps them within easy reach, but how tightly they’re secured determines whether they get in your way. Check the fasteners before every outing, test the system at home, and set off with confidence. To complete your carry gear, explore the carry gear Kinetik range, available with 4 interest-free payments on orders over €70 and free shipping on orders over €100.
FAQ
How do you use poles on a trail run?
Slip your hand through the wrist strap and hold the grip. Uphill, plant the poles in alternation with your steps, or both at once if the slope is steep. On flat ground or downhill, stow them: you no longer need them, and this frees your arms for better balance.
How do you carry your poles on a trail run?
Keep them in your hands on the sections where you need them. The rest of the time, stow them in a quiver, on the pack attachments, or in a belt designed for poles. Stowed properly, they won't get in your way, and you can run more freely.
Can you run with folded poles in a pack without a quiver?
Yes, if your pack has straps or loops that hold the folded poles close to your body. Tighten the fasteners, then check that nothing moves before setting off: a pole that swings around will knock against you with every stride and can interfere with your arm movements.
Can single-piece poles be stored in a trail running pack?
Yes, but only if the bag has a long enough attachment to hold it. A single-piece pole does not fold: it stays at its full length, so it won't fit in a short pocket. Check the length of your bag's attachment before heading out with this type of pole.