Trekking poles are more than just hiking aids—they’re some of the most versatile tools in your pack. From shelter support to wildlife deterrence, these lightweight companions pull double (or triple) duty in the backcountry. Whether you're thru-hiking, fastpacking, or weekend camping, smart use of your poles can help you move lighter, stay safer, and solve unexpected problems on the trail.

Here are 8 unexpected and useful ways to get more from your trekking poles:

1. Shelter Support - Ditch the Tent Poles

Many lightweight shelters and tarps are designed to pitch using trekking poles instead of dedicated tent poles. This cuts down on your overall pack weight and gives your poles a second job.

Try it with:

• Mountainsmith Mountain Shelter LT - This lightweight, no-frills tarp shelter is designed to be pitched with two trekking poles. It’s a minimalist’s dream for fastpacking, ultralight backpacking, or staying dry in sudden storms.

2. Water Crossing Stability - Stay Upright in Fast Water

River crossings can get dicey, especially with a heavy pack and slick rocks. Trekking poles help you balance, test footing, and maintain stability in shifting currents.

Tip: Extend your poles slightly longer than usual to improve reach and leverage during crossings.

3. Trailside Repairs - Emergency Gear Fixes

A snapped tent pole or loose strap doesn’t have to end your trip. Trekking poles can act as a splint, brace, or temporary frame for quick fixes.

Try it with:

• Tenacious Tape, duct tape, or a small repair kit like the Gear Aid Fix Kit for on-the-fly gear mending.

4. Photography Assistant - Your Built-In Monopod

With the right attachments, your trekking pole becomes a stable monopod for capturing long exposures, selfies, or wildlife shots without extra weight in your pack.

Try it with:

• A universal camera mount adapter
• Mountainsmith Trekker FX Lite - this pole comes with a built-in camera mount under the handle, perfect for backcountry photography.

5. Wildlife Deterrent - Make Some Noise

In bear country or dense brush, clacking your poles together as you hike can alert animals to your presence and reduce surprise encounters. In rare cases, poles also give you extra reach if needed for defense or distance.

Tip: Keep your poles handy and use them confidently—not aggressively—as a non-invasive safety tool.

6. Snow Probe or Depth Tester

In snowy conditions, trekking poles can help you measure snow depth or probe for hidden hazards like buried creeks, hollow snow bridges, or tree wells.

Try it with:

• Mountainsmith Halite 7075 - A pair of lightweight yet strong trekking poles, with adjustable length and a collapsible design ideal for snow travel.

7. Hanging a Bear Bag or Clothesline - Camp Hacks

Thread cord between two trekking poles to make a quick drying line for wet gear. Or use a pole to help hoist your bear bag line higher for better angles and clearance.

Bonus Tip: Stick a pole in the ground with a flag or bandana to mark your camp or trail junction in a busy backcountry zone.

8. Stretching Tool

After a long day of hiking, your poles can support static stretches and mobility work to ease tight muscles.

Try: Using your poles for:

• Calf and hamstring stretches (standing or seated)
• Shoulder mobility drills
• Quad or hip opener balance work

Bonus Use: Trail Gate or Marker

Use trekking poles to:

• Mark a side trail or water source for your group
• Prop open gates or push through dense overgrowth
• Signal a stop point or rally location

Small moves like this can make group travel smoother and safer.

Gear That Goes the Distance

Trekking poles aren’t just for walking—they’re tools for problem-solving, adapting, and staying efficient on the trail. Mountainsmith trekking poles are engineered for durability, modularity, and comfort, with models suited for every adventure from the CDT to the local loop. All of our newer (2024-2025) trekking poles come with removable snow and hiking baskets, replaceable carbide tips, and replaceable rubber boot tips, ensuring maximum performance and longevity across seasons.

Ready to hike smarter, pack lighter, and explore deeper?
Explore Mountainsmith's collection of trekking poles to find the pair that fits your pace—and don’t forget to pair them with a tarp, shelter, or camera mount for maximum backcountry versatility.