Are there trekking poles that fit inside a 20L backpack for bike touring?
Bikepacking or bike touring often involves a mix of cycling and hiking – you lock your bike and explore a trail on foot. Carrying trekking poles on a bike can be awkward: strapping them to the frame risks snagging, and most 20‑liter backpacks (the typical size for day tours) are too small for standard telescopic poles (65‑75 cm collapsed). The good news: yes, there are trekking poles that fit inside a 20L backpack. The solution is folding carbon Z‑poles, which collapse to just 33‑36 cm. Here’s everything you need to know for your next bike‑and‑hike adventure in Brazil.
Why folding poles are the answer
Traditional telescopic poles are too long to fit vertically inside a compact backpack. Even diagonally, they often protrude. Folding poles (also called Z‑poles) break into three or four sections connected by an internal cord. When collapsed, the sections lie parallel, creating a bundle no longer than the longest segment – typically 33‑36 cm (13‑14 inches). That’s shorter than most 20L backpacks are tall, allowing you to slide them inside alongside your rain jacket, tools, and snacks.
Top models that fit easily
| Model | Collapsed length | Weight (pair) | Packed in 20L? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z | 33 cm | 280 g | Yes, vertical |
| Decathlon Forclaz Compact 900 | 34 cm | 295 g | Yes |
| LEKI Ultratrail FX One | 36 cm | 290 g | Yes (may angle slightly) |
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z – The smallest (33 cm). Fits vertically in even the most compact 20L pack (e.g., Osprey Daylite, Deuter Speed Lite). The carbon shafts are ultralight, perfect for weight‑conscious bike tourers.
Decathlon Forclaz Compact 900 – At 34 cm, it’s almost as compact and significantly cheaper (R$399). The top section has a flick lock, allowing 10 cm of length adjustment – useful for different trail gradients.
Packing tips for your 20L backpack
- Use rubber tip covers – Carbide tips can puncture the backpack fabric. Always cap them.
- Vertical stow – Place the folded poles in a side pocket or inside the main compartment against the back panel. Most 20L packs have an internal sleeve or hydration pocket that works well.
- Secure with a strap – If your pack has a compression strap inside (e.g., for a laptop), use it to hold the poles in place.
- Distribute weight – Put poles on the side away from your bike’s sweaty back panel to avoid corrosion.
Why bike touring in Brazil benefits from compact poles
Brazil’s bike touring routes often include sections where you’ll want to hike – for example, from the Transamazônica into a jungle waterfall, or from a coastal bike path to a hilltop fort. Having poles that fit inside your small backpack means you don’t need to mount them externally on your bike, where they could rattle loose or catch on vegetation. Plus, when you lock your bike and start walking, you simply unzip your pack and deploy the poles – no external straps to undo.
Potential downsides and solutions
- Durability – Carbon folding poles are not as robust as aluminum telescopic. Avoid using them to lever yourself up steep rock moves. For pure bike‑to‑trail use (moderate terrain), they are fine.
- Length adjustment – Some folding poles have a fixed length. For bike touring, choose a model with a small flick lock (e.g., Black Diamond Distance FLZ, Decathlon Forclaz Compact) so you can adjust for up‑ and downhill.
- Cost – Carbon folding poles are more expensive (R$400‑800). If budget is tight, consider used or look for aluminum folding models (e.g., Decathlon’s older Forclaz 500 folding, around R$250, collapses to 40 cm – still fits most 20L packs).
How to pack when you have two pairs (tandem touring)
If you’re touring with a partner, you can split the poles – one pair in each pack. Or, use a small handlebar bag or frame bag to carry one pair (folding poles fit easily in a top tube bag). Avoid overstuffing your 20L pack – poles should slide in without forcing.
Final verdict
Yes, trekking poles that fit inside a 20L backpack for bike touring absolutely exist. Folding carbon Z‑poles with collapsed lengths of 33‑36 cm are the answer. The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z (33 cm) is the gold standard, while the Decathlon Forclaz Compact 900 (34 cm) offers excellent value. Use rubber tip covers, stow vertically, and you’re ready to explore Brazil’s bike‑and‑hike routes from the Atlantic coast to the Amazon. No more awkward external pole carry – just unzip, snap, and hike.
