Author: Dylan

Incredible Tolmie Peak Backpacking Itinerary

Post author By Dylan
Post date December 3, 2021

3-Day 2-Night Tolmie Peak Backpacking Itinerary:

This 3-day 2-night Tolmie peak backpacking itinerary is great for a beginner with a log mileage and elevation gain. Designed as an in and out route you will need either two cars or plan for someone to give you a lift either to the start of the trailhead or when your finish. You will get amazing views of Mowich Lake, Ipsut Pass, Lake Eunice, and of course Tolmie Peak!

Overview:

Type Of Route: In and Out

Permits Required: Yes

Special Gear Considerations: May require ice-ax and crampons depending on trail conditions. Need bear hang equipment.

Mileage: ~19.7 miles

Total Elevation Gain: ~3,802ft

Day 1: Mowich Lake Entrance to Mowich Lake Campground

Via Paul Peak Trail
Mileage: ~6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,247ft

Day 2: Mowich Lake Campground to Ipsut Creek Campground (with a climb of Tolmie peak in between)

Via Wonderland Trail clockwise>Tolmie Peak Trail>Wonderland Trail Clockwise>Carbon River Trail.
Mileage: ~8.85 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,549ft

Day 3: Ipsut Creek Campground to Carbon River Trailhead

Via Carbon River Trail
Mileage: ~4.90 miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal to no elevation gain

Check Out More Mt Rainier Backpacking Itineraries!

Backpack The Wonderland Trail

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Backpack Through Spray Park

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Backpack The Northern Loop Trail

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Mt Rainier Itineraries

Breathtaking Northern Loop Backpacking Itinerary

Post author By Dylan
Post date December 2, 2021

Northern Loop Trail backpacking itinerary

5-Day 4-Night Northern Loop Backpacking Itinerary:

This Northern Loop Backpacking Itinerary is a loop trail starting and ending at Carbon River Trailhead(you can park on the side of Fairfax Forest Reserve Road). You will travel along a northern detour of the Wonderland Trail, getting views from Windy Gap, Yellowstone Cliffs, and James Lake. You will then return to your starting point, taking the Wonderland Trail counterclockwise back to Carbon River, where you will get views of Mystic Lake, Winthrop, and Carbon Glacier

Overview:

Type Of Route: Loop

Permit Required: Yes

Special Gear Considerations: May require ice-ax and crampons depending on trail conditions. Need bear hang equipment.

Mileage: ~42 miles

Total Elevation Gain: 10,040ft

Day 1: (park car at Fairfax Forest Reserve Road) Carbon River Ranger Station to Yellowstone Cliffs

Via Carbon River Trail>Wonderland Trail>Northern Loop Trail
Mileage: ~10.2 miles
Elevation Gain: ~3,560ft

Day 2: Yellowstone Cliffs to Fire Creek Camp

Via the Northern Loop Trail
Mileage: ~6.75 miles
Elevation Gain: ~2,067ft

Day 3: Fire Creek Camp to Mystic Lake

Via Nothern Loop trail> Wonderland Trail Counterclockwise
Mileage: ~11.70 miles
Elevation Gain: ~3,947ft

Day 4: Mystic Lake To Ipsut Creek Campground

Via Wonderland Trail Counterclockwise>Carbon River Trail
Mileage: ~8.0 miles
Elevation Gain ~463ft

Day 5: Ipsut Creek Campground to Carbon River Ranger Station

Via Carbon River Trail
Mileage: ~5.2 miles
Elevation Gain: minimal to none

Check Out Some More Mt Rainier Backpacking Itineraries!

Backpack The Wonderland Trail

Check Out This Itinerary!

Backpack To Tolmie Peak

Check Out This Itinerary!

Backpack To Spray Park

Check Out This Itinerary!

Itineraries Mt Rainier

Amazing Spray Park Backpacking Itinerary

Post author By Dylan
Post date December 2, 2021

3-Day 2-Night Spray Park Backpacking Itinerary:

Spray Park is a popular detour off the Wonderland Trail loop, giving you up-close views of Russel and Carbon Glacier. It is commonly called the “Mothers Mountain” hike as it loops around Mothers Mountain while traveling on the wonderland and Spray Park Trail. This loop route starts and ends at Mowich lake, offering fantastic views of Mowich Lake, Carbon River, and Ipsut Pass.

Overview:

Type Of Route: Loop

Permits Required: Yes

Special Gear Considerations: May require ice-ax and crampons depending on trail conditions. Need bear hang equipment.

Mileage: ~17 miles

Total Elevation Gain: 4,720ft

Day 1: Park car at Mowich Lake Road. Mowich Lake to Cataract Valley

Via Wonderland Trail>Spray Park Trail
Distance: ~6.4 miles
Elevation: ~1,825ft

Day 2: Cataract Valley to Ipsut Creek

Via Spray Park Trail>Wonderland Trail
Distance: ~5.2 miles
Elevation Gain: ~131ft

Day 3: Ipsut Creek to Mowich Lake

Via Wonderland Trail
Distance ~5.2 miles
Elevation Gain: ~2,766ft

Check Out Some More Mt Rainier Backpacking Itineraries!

Backpack The Wonderland Trail

Check Out This Itinerary!

Backpack To Tolmie Peak

Check Out This Itinerary!

Backpack The Northern Loop Trail

Check Out This Itinerary!

Gear Reviews

Teton Sports Scout 3400 Backpack Complete Review

Post author By Dylan
Post date December 1, 2021

How to Attach Hiking Poles To The Outside Of Your Pack

Teton Sports Scout 3400 Backpack Review:

The Specs:

Volume: 55 liters

Weight: 4.5lbs

Frame: Internal Frame

Shell: 600D Canvas Shell

Colors: Hunter Green, Black, Metallic Silver, Navy Blue

Check Prices on Moosejaw

My Experience With The Teton Sports Scout 3400:

When on the trail, a backpack is your home, so a functional one is crucial when undergoing a multi-day trek. I have personally used the Teton Sports Scout 3400 for several years. It is a durable and affordable pack, although it does have its drawbacks. Throughout this review, I will discuss my personal experience with it, including a thorough discussion of its pros and cons.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Price (extremely affordable)
Lifetime warranty
Durable
Enough space to comfortably pack for a 3-5 day backpacking trip
Rain cover included
Adjustable torso strap going from 15” to 19.5”

Cons:

Abrasive material particularly at shoulder straps and hips.
Heavier weight, not ideal for ultralight backpacking.

Pros Of The Teton Scout 3400 Backpack

The Size And Storage:

Teton Sports has several different-sized packs available to purchase. For this review, we will focus on the Teton Sports Scout 3400, which is 55 liters by volume, ideal for multiday backpacking trips (typically three to five-day trips).

The storage space consists of the brain (top flap of the bag), main compartment, 3 liters for water bladder storage, side pockets, and a bottom section for a sleeping bag and pad storage. Something to keep in mind with the sleeping bag and pad section is that you must have a compressible sleeping bag made of some form of down or synthetic down material otherwise it is unlikely the sleeping bag will be able to fit in this compartment.

Regarding the outside of this pack, there are many different storage options to lash things onto the backpack. Specifically, the Scout is equipped with compression straps to help pack your contents down and buckles outside of the bag where you can attach additional equipment such as hiking poles, tents, extra clothes, or ice axes.

Price:

When it comes to value, you really cannot beat this pack as it comes in at a price of less than a hundred dollars, which is difficult to find in the industry. This is excellent for people looking into trying backpacking for the first time but who do not want to spend a ton of money on starting out. Worst case scenario, if you do not enjoy backpacking/hiking (doubt it), you can use this affordable backpack as luggage when traveling abroad.

Durability:

This pack has withstood the test of time for my first four years as a backpacker. Not only did I bring this pack across the United States on various backpacking trips, but I have also used it as a suitcase when traveling abroad through Europe and Asia. This pack has taken a beating over several years, yet it still works great and does not have a single scratch. This is thanks to the durable 600D Canvas shell which protects both the pack and its contents from the harsh conditions of the wilderness.

Lifetime Warranty:

Another nice perk of this pack is the excellent warranty that comes along with it. Teton Sports offers a lifetime warranty and will fix or replace your backpack if it sustains any damage during your ownership of it. I have yet to use this warranty because of its previously mentioned durability. However, it is nice to have the peace of mind that your purchase is protected under a lifetime warranty.

Cons Of The Teton Sports Scout 3400 Backpack

Weight:

To start the cons, we will begin with its weight. The Teton Sports Scout 3400 weighs significantly more than its cohorts at a whopping 4.5lbs. This additional weight can slow you down and tire you out faster, especially for long-distance backpacking trips. If you are looking for your next ultralight backpack, this is certainly not it.

Material:

While the pack has padding around the hips and shoulders, the material is quite abrasive. It can cause some discomfort, particularly in the shoulders during longer hikes carrying a heavy load. The abrasive material of the shoulder straps has even led to me developing blisters in the past, especially during rainy days or when I am wearing a thin material shirt. While the pack is durable and very affordable, the abrasive material is one of its significant drawbacks that can be an annoyance on the trail.

Who Should Purchase The Teton Scout 3400 Backpack

The Grand Teton Scout 3400 backpack is an excellent buy for individuals looking to get started in backpacking. Although it is not the highest quality pack, it has all of the necessary features to allow you to go on a multi-day backpacking trip and enjoy your time on the trail. Between its durability, space, and price, this is an excellent bargain backpack for a beginner! If you are a more experienced backpacker, I recommend looking into one of our higher-end recommendations on our backpacking gear blog.

Teton Sports Scout 3400 Final Overview:

This backpack gets the job done. There are some drawbacks, including heavier weight and abrasive material. However, it is a sturdy backpack that will last you a while and provides a great value at its price point.

Check Out Prices Now On Moosejaw!

Itineraries Mt Rainier

Backpacking The Wonderland Trail The #1 Complete Guide

Post author By Dylan
Post date November 29, 2021

Backpacking the Wonderland Trail

What Is The Wonderland Trail?

The Wonderland Trail is a popular backpacking trek in Mt Rainier National Park that encircles the park’s dormant volcano, Mt Rainier. On this hike, you will get not only beautiful views of Mt Rainier but will also get to hike through lovely meadows, pristine sub-alpine lakes, views of Mt Helens and so much more! The Wonderland Trail is a very strenuous hike with a lot of mileage and elevation gain/descent. We will go over everything you need to know about the Wonderland Trail so you can prepare for your own adventure, so without further adieu, let’s get started!

Overview Of The Wonderland Trail:

Mileage: 93 miles (150 kilometers)

Cumulative Elevation Gain & Loss: ~ 22,000ft

Type of Trail: Loop Trail

Estimated Number Of Days: About 6-8 Days

Permits Required: Yes

Who Should Hike The Wonderland Trail?

The Wonderland Trail is a strenuous hike and should only be attempted by individuals with backpacking experience and basic outdoor skills. The trek is lengthy at 93miles with 22,000ft of total elevation gain and descent, and this is not a hike you do coming right off the couch. If you want some tips on how to improve your hiking endurance, you can take a look at our post.

When Is The Best Time Of Year To Hike The Wonderland Trail?

If you are shooting to hike in the best weather and avoid snow-covered trails, I recommend doing this trail from mid-July to early September. I made the error on my attempt to hike the trail in mid-June, where much of the park was still covered in snow, requiring us to hike with snow gear and deal with a whole lot of postholing!

How To Plan Your Own Wonderland Trail Backpacking Adventure:

Decide if you want to go clockwise or counterclockwise
Figure out how many days it would take for you to hike the trail confidently.
Pick a starting location.
Plug your information into Wonderland Guides. This is a very helpful website that takes the legwork out of planning a Wonderland Trail Itinerary.
Plan where you want to cache your food along the trail.
Make sure you can secure permits for your intended itinerary. This may require some flexibility on your end if you do not have available permits for your planned itinerary.
Have the right gear.

Hike The Wonderland Trail Clockwise Or Counterclockwise:

The classic direction for the Wonderland Trail is clockwise, typically starting and ending in Longmire Ranger Station. I do not believe it matters which direction you decide on hiking this trail. I would just try to find out whatever works best for the permit situation you find yourself in, then go with that.

Where To Start Hiking On The Wonderland Trail?

There are three major trailheads with available parking and camping nearby to start your wonderland trail trek. These are as follows:

Longmire
Mowich Lake
White River

How To Get Permits For The Wonderland Trail:

There are three ways to obtain backcountry permits for the wonderland trail.

Reservation: Mt Rainier National Park allocates two-thirds of their backcountry permits for reservations, during the summer season. Reservations can be made on recreation.gov starting on April 27th where you can make reservations from June 1st to September 30th. All reservations must be made 2 days prior to the start of your trip. Permits cost about $26.00 per a trip with a maximum of 13 days.
Walk-Up Permits: Mt Rainier National Park allocates the remaining one of third of their backcountry permits to walkups. Walk-up permits can be obtained no earlier than one day prior to the start of your trip, and can only be issued at one of the park’s wilderness information centers. There is a non-refundable $6.00 fee for walk-up backcountry permits.
Early-Access Lottery: Because the Wonderland Trail is such a popular attraction for the park permits are in extremely high demand which prompted the park to start a lottery This lottery is the BEST way to obtain permits for the Wonderland Trail because it allows you to make reservations before anyone else for the season. The lottery is typically open during the first couple of weeks in March, be sure to check the NPS website, for the latest lottery information.

***Keep in mind ALL permits must be activated at a ranger station to confirm your information, as well as go over safety, food storage and route information. Your Permit must be with you at all times when hiking, if you run into a ranger they will ask to see your permit information.

Can You Hike The Wonderland Trail Without A Permit?

Yes.

While only recommended for veteran ultralight backpackers as you have to hike the trail in three days. You would have to stay at three front-country campgrounds including Mowich Lake Campground, Cougar Rock Campground, and White River Campground. Mowich Lake is a free campground all you have to do is register in the parking lot, then for Cougar Rock and White River Campground each cost $20.00 to camp for the night. The nice thing about these campgrounds is that they are relatively spaced out from each other.

Cougar Rock Campground to Mowich Lake: ~36 miles
Mowich Lake to White River Campground: ~26 miles
White River Campground to Cougar Rock Campground: ~33 miles

Food Caches On The Wonderland Trail:

With over 93 miles of hiking fortunately the park has several locations where you can cache your food and fuel. You have the option of either mailing your cache to your desired destination or bringing it yourself to the ranger station. You want to use a sealable plastic container and properly label your cache with the name of the permit holder, where the cache will be picked up, when the cache will be picked up, and the permit number.

The areas where you can cache food are:

Longmire Wilderness Information Center (Fuel must be stored separately from cache)
White River Campground
Sunrise Old Gas Station
Carbon River Ranger Station

Preparing For Wonderland Trail Conditions:

Mountain weather conditions are always rapidly changing and Mount Rainier is certainly no exception. Be sure to properly research and study the trail conditions prior to setting out on your trip. A few ways you can do this is by reading through trip reports of people who recently hiked the trail or by reaching out to the ranger station to inquire about the most recent scouting reports of various parts of the park. I especially encourage the latter as this is often some of the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the trail conditions.

Backpacking Gear For The Wonderland Trail:

You would need the standard backpacking gear as on a typical backpacking trip. Refer to our backpacking checklist to ensure that you have everything you need for your hike. If there is a chance you will be hiking in the snow, I would highly recommend snow gear, including an ice-ax, crampons, and GPS navigation.

Get the most up-to-date maps! Because of the harsh climates in the park, there can be changes to the trail or detours that are necessary depending on environmental factors. I would recommend purchasing the latest National Geographic topographic map of Mount Rainier National Park.

On our backpacking gear blog, you can check out some of our highly recommended gear for your Wonderland Trail adventure.

I Hope This Helped!

I hope we answered all of your questions about hiking the Wonderland Trail! Please feel free to reach out if you have any other questions about the trek.

Itineraries Mt Rainier

3 Closest Airports Near Mt Rainier National Park

Post author By Dylan
Post date November 27, 2021

Closest Airports To Mt Rainier National Park

If you are not fortunate enough to live in the pacific northwest odds are you are flying to Mt Rainier! Below are the three closest airports to Mt Rainier National Park

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Portland International Airport
Vancouver International Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA):

At about 51 miles away, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the closest airport to Mt Rainier National Park. A hub for Alaska and Delta Airlines, SeaTac also hosts 34 other airline companies, which gives many flight options and variety when planning your trip.

Distance From Mt Rainier: 51 miles (from Carbon River Ranger Station)

Estimated Driving Time: about 1hour and 10 minutes to Carbon River Ranger Station

Address: 17801 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98158

Phone Number: (206) 787-5388

Website: Click Here

Portland International Airport (PDX):

If you are having difficulty getting flights intended schedule at SEA-TAC then Portland International Airport is your next closest option.

Distance From Mt Rainier: 144 miles (to Longmire Wilderness Information Center)

Estimated Driving Time: 2hours and 30minutes to Longmire Wilderness Information Center

Address: 7000 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97218

Phone Number: (503) 460-4234

Website: Click Here

Vancouver International Airport:

This would be a last resort option if you are unable to get a flight from the other two airports, reason being this is the farthest from the park no matter how you slice it.

Distance From Mt Rainier: 195 miles (to Carbon River Ranger Station)

Estimated Driving Time: 4hours and 40minutes to Carbon River Ranger Station

Address: 3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC V7B 0A4, Canada

Phone Number: +1 604-207-7077

Website: Click Here

Outdoors for Beginners Gear Articles Hiking Basics Hiking Boots

Are Hiking Socks Necessary? 5 Reasons Why You Should Buy A Pair Of Hiking Socks

Post author By Dylan
Post date November 25, 2021

why hiking socks are necessary — legs of the traveler in hiking boots with trekking poles

Are Hiking Socks Necessary? Why You Need A Pair

Yes.

Hiking socks are a necessary piece of gear to have on your hiking trip. Typically made out of wool, hiking socks offer several benefits when on the trail, including durability, warmth, and blister protection. Although it is possible to hike in classic cotton socks, this cheaper option has many drawbacks, which can lead to pain and discomfort during your backpacking trip. We will go over the benefits of hiking socks and some recommended socks for you to pick up for your next backpacking adventure!

Why You Should Avoid Using Cotton Socks For Backpacking and Hiking?

Before getting into why you need hiking socks, I will start with why your run-of-the-mill cotton socks just won’t cut it. Although cheaper and more available, cotton socks are much more likely to leave you with blisters and cold/wet feet. Blisters and dampness are a terrible combination and can lead to discomfort, pain, and even infection when on the trail.

Although great for casual everyday sock use, cotton is not a material meant to undergo long-distance hikes in the wilderness. These types of socks are simply not designed to hold up when in a wilderness setting where weather conditions can vary, and the environment itself has many more abrasive features such as branches, gravel, dirt, and boulders. Such an environment needs a sock explicitly designed to take a beating from the natural surroundings and the many miles of wear and tear brought on from hiking.

Why Are Hiking Socks Necessary?

Hiking have a number of benefits when on the trail, some of them include:

Durability
Warmth
Blister Prevention
Moisture Wicking

Hiking Socks Are Durable:

Outdoor and hiking socks are typically made from wool fabric, a thicker material built to last. Durability is a crucial feature for all of your backpacking gear. The wilderness can be a harsh environment full of debris and fauna that can damage your equipment, and your socks are no exception. The last thing you want on the trail is to get a hole in your sock leading to direct skin contact with your boot. This would lead to some painful hiking, not to mention gnarly blisters.

Having more durable socks also helps with ultralight backpacking because you do not have to worry about bringing many extra pairs, as two should do just fine, one for hiking and one for sleeping. The added durability of hiking socks will also save you money over the long run, as a good pair of wool socks can last you several years instead of spending more money each year on regular cotton socks.

Hiking Socks Keep You Warm:

Wool socks are inherently better insulated than cotton or nylon socks, thanks to their thicker design. This is especially helpful when hiking in more temperate climates to help make your hike all the more comfortable. Hiking socks also come in handy when you are trying to sleep. It is very easy to lose heat from your extremities, so you want to make sure you have a nice pair of hiking socks to keep you comfortable at night. The added warmth of hiking socks is crucial for those embarking on winter hiking trips to reduce the risk of frostnip and frostbite.

There are also different degrees of warmth associated with different kinds of wool socks. “Heavier” wool socks are better suited for travel in colder or snowy climates but if you are planning on hiking in an arid or desert-like environment you can elect to go with a more lightweight sock so your feet don’t overheat.

Hiking Socks Prevent Blisters:

Okay, now this is a big one for many reasons. First off, blisters can be very uncomfortable and painful, being the bane of many hikers’ existence(or maybe just mine!). Blisters can be painful, and they risk popping, which leads to an open wound, leaving you susceptible to infection. These can be a nuisance on the trail and lead to a miserable hike, so it is essential to take the proper measures to prevent them from developing.

Having a good pair of hiking boots can go a long way in blister prevention. These socks are specifically engineered for the activity of hiking, having added padding and protection at high impact points at your foot, including your toe and heel. This added protection pays dividends when on the trail because it reduces the risk of developing blisters, leaving you free to go out and enjoy your hike.

Hiking Socks Are Quick-Drying:

Wool hiking socks are moisture-wicking thanks to the properties of wool fabric. Moisture-wicking and quick-drying clothing are especially important when backpacking because mountain weather can be fleeting, going from clear skies and sunny to a rainstorm at the drop of a hat. So on those days where you get stuck in the rain, it is of the utmost importance to have quick-drying gear, so you are not soaked for your next day of hiking. Since your feet are stuck in a boot whenever you are hiking, it is even more important that your socks are quick drying.

The problem with cotton socks is that they can retain water for a while before drying, leaving you stuck with wet feet for days on end! This can lead to your feet developing blisters, becoming macerated, and even turning into trench foot. Having damp clothing while on a hike can be miserable, so spend a couple of extra bucks and get the fast-drying hiking socks!

How Much Do Hiking Socks Cost?

Hiking socks are more expensive than your classic cotton sock, typically in the price range of $20.00-$30.00, despite being more expensive they are certainly worth the investment due given their value and durability. This is one of those purchases that will save you money, in the long run. A pair of quality merino wool hiking socks will outlast a pack of cotton socks by many years saving you money and trips to the store.

What Kind Of Hiking Socks Should I Get?

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Blog

Best Hiking Boots For Morton’s Neuroma:

How To Keep Sand, Rocks, And Dirt Out Of Hiking Boots

How To Keep Sand, Rocks, And Dirt Out Of Your Hiking Boots:

Can You Hike In Sandals?

Ultimate Mt Rainier National Park Guide

Ultimate Grand Teton National Park Guide

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Outdoors for Beginners Gear Articles

How To Bring Hiking Poles On A Plane? 7 Helpful Tips

Post author By Dylan
Post date November 22, 2021

How To Bring Hiking Poles On A Plane

Flying for a backpacking trip can be stressful with all the gear needed to bring on each trip. It is hard to know what to pack (leave the fuel canisters at home) and how to pack all of your gear safely.

Hiking poles are a piece of equipment that many people have difficulty with because they are inflexible, large, and awkward pieces of gear, making them difficult to pack in any bag. Although these are essential pieces of equipment for protecting your knees on the trail, they can be challenging to bring on a plane if you have never traveled with them before. Here are some basic things to know to make it easy to bring your hiking poles on a flight:

Hiking poles must be checked-in on a flight.
Collapse them down as small as possible.
Remove tip protectors
Pack inside your pack if they can fit. It’s the safest and most secure way of packing your hiking poles.
Do not overstuff your hiking poles in your bag.
If attaching to the outside of the pack, buckle clips through straps.
Use elastic cords to fasten down poles as tightly as you can

Can I Bring Hiking Poles In My Carry On?

No.

According to the TSA, you may NOT bring hiking poles in a carry-on bag, meaning that you have to find a way to pack them with your check-in bag. Unfortunately, this rule applies to hiking poles across the board, including collapsible poles. The most likely reason these cannot be brought as a carry-on during a flight is that they can be viewed as weapons, so the only option we have is to pack them with our check-in bag.

How To Pack Hiking Poles For A Flight?

Although helpful, hiking poles are pretty cumbersome to pack due to their lack of flexibility and awkward size. Here are some tips to make traveling with hiking poles as easy as possible

Try to get them to fit in your pack.
Collapse them down
Remove tip protectors
Clip buckle through poles straps
Use elastic cord to sinch down poles to your pack
Do not try to overstuff your poles into your bag

Make Your Poles As Small As Possible Before Packing Them:

The first and most obvious thing you want to do to your poles before packing them is to make sure they are packed down to their smallest size. To do so, you want to make sure they are fully collapsed and remove the tip protectors. Although tip protectors are helpful on the trail when packing, they serve no purpose other than to get caught in the most inconvenient places. You can remove them easily by just twisting them counterclockwise off of your hiking pole, then just screw them back on to reattach.

Do Everything You Can To Fit Your Hiking Poles In Your Pack:

After you break your poles down, you want to pack your poles in your pack. Again this is the safest way to travel with hiking poles because it eliminates the risk of it becoming detached from your bag. When packing, you want to ensure you do not overstuff your sticks in your backpack because you risk puncturing a hole in your bag with the trekking pole tips. One precaution you can take to prevent this is wrapping your tips in foam or bubble wrap.

Best Way To Attach Your Hiking Poles To Your Backpack For A Flight

You want to inspect your backpack and see if it has any dedicated straps for attaching your hiking poles to for flight. If you do not see any, you will want to keep them as adhered to your backpack as possible. You need to sinch your poles down wherever you can using the elastic cords of your pack and point the tips pointing in a pouch or one of the water bottle holders. After this, as a final precaution, you should clip buckles on your backpack through your hiking pole straps to prevent them from getting separated from your backpack.

Hope This Helps!

Packing for a backpacking trip that requires flying can be stressful. Hopefully, this article helped making packing your hiking poles easier for your next flight. If you have any other tricks or tips for packing your trekking poles, be sure to leave them in the comment section