Rolled my eyes at the hiking pole trick for packing... then I tried it

For years I swore I'd never be that person strapping a hiking pole to the outside of my carry-on. Looked so awkward and clunky to me. Then last month I took a trip to Denver where I needed poles for a trail near Boulder but also wanted to stay carry-on only. I finally gave in and used a simple velcro strap to attach them along the side of my backpack. It freed up so much space inside for my cold weather jacket and extra socks. Honestly the poles didn't get snagged on anything at the airport or in the overhead bin. Has anyone else had a weird packing trick they resisted forever but now swear by?

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1 Comment

rowan_hayes4d ago

I mean, maybe it's just me but I'd rather just check a small bag than strap things all over my pack. I've seen those poles catch on escalators before and it looks like a disaster waiting to happen.