Running Poles: Attaching to a Vest, Carrying Systems, and Optimal Methods

How to attach poles to a running vest?

Attaching running poles to a vest requires understanding your vest's specific carrying systems and practicing various methods to ensure security, accessibility, and comfort during your run, typically involving bungee cords, elastic loops, or dedicated quiver pockets.

The Purpose of Carrying Poles in Running

Trail running, especially in mountainous or technical terrain, often necessitates the use of running poles. These lightweight tools provide crucial benefits: enhanced stability on uneven ground, increased propulsion on ascents, reduced impact on descents, and improved overall balance. Effectively carrying these poles when not in use is paramount to maintaining a smooth, unencumbered running stride.

Understanding Your Vest's Pole Carrying Systems

Running vests are designed with various integrated systems for pole attachment, each offering distinct advantages. Familiarity with these features on your specific vest is the first step.

• Elastic Bungee Cords: Often found on the front, sides, or rear of vests. These typically involve a loop or hook on one end and a tensioning toggle on the other, allowing poles to be secured tightly.
• Elastic Loops/Webbing: Simple loops of elastic material, often paired with a more rigid hook or toggle system, used to secure pole sections.
• Dedicated Quivers or Holsters: Some vests, particularly those designed for ultra-distances, feature integrated or attachable "quivers" – sleeve-like pockets that poles slide into, often worn on the side or rear.
• Front Pockets/Straps: Certain vests allow poles to be stashed vertically in large front pockets or secured with front chest straps.

Types of Running Poles and Attachment

The design of your poles influences the most effective attachment method.

• Foldable/Z-Poles: The most common type for trail running. These poles fold down into short, compact sections, making them ideal for stowing on a vest due to their minimal length. Their segmented nature requires secure bundling to prevent rattling.
• Telescopic Poles: Less common for running vests due to their longer collapsed length, but still usable. They collapse by sliding sections into one another. They generally require a more rigid or longer attachment system.

Step-by-Step Attachment Methods

The optimal method depends on your vest design, pole type, and personal preference for accessibility and balance. Practice each method at home before a run to ensure proficiency.

Front Vertical Carry (Quick Access)

This method keeps poles within easy reach for immediate deployment or stowing.

• Description: Poles are typically folded and secured vertically along the front straps or side panels of the vest.
• Pros: Fastest access, good weight distribution if balanced, poles are visible.
• Cons: Can feel bulky or restrictive, may interfere with arm swing, potential for bouncing.
• Steps:
  1. Fold Poles: Collapse both poles into their shortest, folded configuration.
  2. Bundle: Hold the two folded poles together, aligning the handles at the top.
  3. Secure Top: Use an elastic loop or bungee cord near the top of your shoulder strap to secure the handles/top section of the poles.
  4. Secure Bottom: Guide the bottom sections of the poles down the side of your vest, often through another elastic loop or under a compression strap near your ribs or waist. Ensure they are snug against your body and do not protrude excessively.
  5. Test: Jog in place, perform arm swings, and bend over to check for security and comfort.

Side/Quiver Carry (Secure & Streamlined)

Ideal for longer runs where poles are needed frequently but not constantly.

• Description: Poles are stowed in a dedicated quiver (often attachable) or secured horizontally/diagonally along the side of the vest.
• Pros: Very secure, minimal bounce, keeps poles out of the way of arm swing, excellent for technical terrain.
• Cons: Less immediate access, may require removing the vest or twisting significantly to deploy.
• Steps (Quiver Method):
  1. Attach Quiver: If using an external quiver, attach it securely to the vest's designated loops or attachment points (often at the lower back or side).
  2. Fold Poles: Collapse both poles.
  3. Insert: Slide the folded poles, handles first, into the quiver. Ensure they go all the way to the bottom.
  4. Secure Top: Use any integrated elastic loops or bungee cords at the top of the quiver to cinch the poles tightly.
  5. Test: Move dynamically to check for stability.
• Steps (Side Horizontal/Diagonal using Bungees):
  1. Fold Poles: Collapse both poles.
  2. Position: Place the folded poles horizontally or diagonally across your lower back or side, just above your hips.
  3. Secure: Use two bungee cords or elastic loops on your vest – one near each end of the poles – to tightly secure them against your body. Ensure handles are oriented for easy grab if reaching back.
  4. Test: Check for rubbing or discomfort against your hips.

Rear Horizontal Carry (Out of the Way)

A common method for minimalist vests or when poles are less frequently needed.

• Description: Poles are folded and secured horizontally across the lower back of the vest.
• Pros: Out of the way of arm swing, good for vests with limited front real estate.
• Cons: Requires removing the vest or significant contortion to access, can feel like a "shelf" on the back, potential for bouncing if not secured tightly.
• Steps:
  1. Fold Poles: Collapse both poles and bundle them together.
  2. Position: Place the bundled poles horizontally across the lower back of your vest.
  3. Secure: Use two elastic loops or bungee cords (often integrated into the vest's compression system) to cinch the poles firmly against your back. One loop should secure each end of the bundled poles.
  4. Test: Ensure poles do not dig into your back or bounce excessively.

Rear Vertical Carry (Less Common, Specific Vests)

Some larger capacity vests or those with specific back panel designs allow for vertical rear carry.

• Description: Poles are stashed vertically along the spine of the vest, often in a dedicated sleeve or secured with multiple loops.
• Pros: Good balance, keeps poles narrow.
• Cons: Can be difficult to access without removing the vest, may be too tall for some users, could catch on overhead obstacles.
• Steps:
  1. Fold Poles: Collapse both poles.
  2. Insert/Secure: Slide poles into a dedicated vertical sleeve on the back of the vest or secure them with multiple elastic loops running vertically along the back panel.
  3. Test: Check for top-heavy feeling or interference with head movement.

Key Considerations for Optimal Pole Attachment

Beyond the mechanics, several factors influence the effectiveness of your pole carrying system.

• Security: The paramount concern. Poles must be cinched tightly to prevent bouncing, swaying, or falling out, which can cause discomfort, injury, or loss.
• Accessibility: How quickly and easily can you deploy and stow your poles without breaking stride or removing your pack? This is critical in races or on rapidly changing terrain.
• Balance and Weight Distribution: Unevenly distributed pole weight can throw off your running gait and lead to muscle fatigue or imbalance. Strive for symmetry.
• Comfort: Poles should not chafe, dig into your body, or interfere with your natural running mechanics. Test all methods during a training run.
• Pole Length and Foldability: Longer collapsed poles may be harder to secure horizontally or vertically without protruding awkwardly.
• Running Terrain and Conditions: Consider whether you'll need frequent access (e.g., highly technical, mixed terrain) or less frequent access (e.g., long, steady climbs) when choosing a method.

Pre-Run Check and Practice

Before embarking on any significant run or race, especially one where poles will be critical, always:

1. Practice Deployment and Stowage: Rehearse the motion of taking out and putting away your poles while wearing your vest and moving.
2. Test for Bounce: Go for a short, dynamic run with your poles attached to identify any unwanted movement. Adjust tension or position as needed.
3. Simulate Race Conditions: If possible, practice on similar terrain to what you'll encounter to ensure your chosen method holds up.

Mastering pole attachment is an essential skill for any serious trail runner. By understanding your equipment and practicing various techniques, you can ensure your poles are a valuable asset, not a cumbersome burden, on your next adventure.