How To: Rig Your Trekking Poles for Leave No Trace

Rigging your trekking poles for Leave No Trace is an important step in ensuring that you are minimizing your impact on the environment while out on the trail. When used properly, trekking poles can be a valuable tool for hikers, providing stability and support on rough terrain. However, they can also cause damage to trails and vegetation if not used responsibly. By rigging your trekking poles in a way that minimizes their impact, you can help to preserve the natural beauty of the wilderness for future generations to enjoy.

One of the most important aspects of rigging your trekking poles for Leave No Trace is to ensure that they are properly secured when not in use. This can be achieved by using a simple and effective method known as the "tip protector" technique. To rig your trekking poles using this method, begin by removing the rubber tips from the ends of the poles. These tips are designed to provide traction on rocky surfaces, but they can also cause damage to delicate vegetation and soil when used in areas with softer terrain.

Once the rubber tips have been removed, you can then attach a small piece of foam or rubber to the end of each pole using a piece of string or a rubber band. This will help to protect the tips of the poles from causing damage to the environment when they are not in use. Additionally, it will also prevent the poles from making noise when they are not in use, which can disturb wildlife and other hikers.

Another important aspect of rigging your trekking poles for Leave No Trace is to ensure that they are properly stored when not in use. This can be achieved by using a simple and effective method known as the "stow and go" technique. To rig your trekking poles using this method, begin by collapsing the poles and securing them with a piece of Velcro or a rubber band. This will help to prevent the poles from getting caught on vegetation or other obstacles while you are hiking, which can cause damage to the environment.

When rigging your trekking poles for Leave No Trace, it is also important to consider the impact that they can have on the trail itself. One of the most common sources of damage to trails caused by trekking poles is the creation of "pole plants," which are marks left behind on the trail where the poles have been used to provide support. To minimize the impact of pole plants, it is important to use your trekking poles in a way that does not cause unnecessary damage to the trail.

One effective method for minimizing the impact of pole plants is to use the "three-point contact" technique when using your trekking poles for support. This technique involves using both poles and one of your feet to create a stable and secure base of support when traversing rough terrain. By distributing your weight evenly between your poles and your feet, you can minimize the amount of pressure that is placed on the trail, reducing the likelihood of creating pole plants.

In addition to using the three-point contact technique, it is also important to be mindful of where you are placing your trekking poles when using them for support. Avoid using your poles to push off of rocks or other obstacles, as this can cause damage to the trail and surrounding vegetation. Instead, focus on using your poles to provide stability and balance, without putting unnecessary pressure on the environment.

Finally, rigging your trekking poles for Leave No Trace also involves being mindful of how you carry them while hiking. When not in use, it is important to keep your trekking poles secured to your pack or stowed in a way that minimizes their impact on the environment. This can be achieved by using a simple and effective method known as the "pack strap" technique. To rig your trekking poles using this method, simply attach them securely to the outside of your pack using the built-in straps or loops. This will help to keep the poles out of the way and prevent them from causing damage to the environment while you are hiking.

In conclusion, rigging your trekking poles for Leave No Trace is an important step in minimizing your impact on the environment while out on the trail. By using the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can help to preserve the natural beauty of the wilderness for future generations to enjoy. Remember to always be mindful of how you are using your trekking poles and to take steps to minimize their impact on the trail and surrounding vegetation. With a little effort and consideration, you can enjoy the benefits of trekking poles while also being a responsible steward of the environment.