How to reduce the "clanking" sound of two poles banging together when strapped to a pack?

Few sounds are as irritating on a peaceful hike as the relentless clank‑clank‑clank of two trekking poles knocking against each other while strapped to your backpack. Every step amplifies the noise, disturbing wildlife, breaking your rhythm, and annoying fellow walkers. Fortunately, this is a common problem with a handful of simple, inexpensive solutions. In this guide, we will explore why the clanking happens, then walk you through a range of fixes – from quick trail hacks to more permanent modifications – so you can enjoy a silent, rattle‑free carry.

Why Do Poles Clank?

Most hikers strap their collapsed poles to the outside of their packs – either diagonally across the front, vertically on the side, or horizontally across the top. When the poles are not secured tightly, or when they are positioned so that their shafts or handles touch, the natural bounce of walking causes them to vibrate and strike each other. The sound is amplified by hollow aluminium or carbon tubes, which act like resonating chambers. The clanking is not just annoying – it can also cause scratches, dents, or even damage to the locking mechanisms over time.

Quick On‑Trail Fixes

If you are already out and the clanking is driving you mad, try these instant remedies:

• Separate the poles: Strap one pole on each side of your pack, rather than both together. Most packs have side compression straps or daisy chains that can hold a single pole vertically. This eliminates contact entirely.
• Use a spare sock or buff: Wedge a folded sock, a neck gaiter, or any soft fabric between the two poles where they touch. This acts as a simple damper and costs nothing.
• Adjust the strap tension: Tighten all compression straps that hold the poles. Often, clanking is just from loose webbing – cinch them down firmly so the poles cannot move independently.
• Twist the poles: If you are using telescopic poles, extend them slightly or collapse them at different lengths so their handles and tips do not align – offset contact points reduce the chance of hitting.

More Permanent Solutions for Your Kit

For a long‑term fix, consider these upgrades:

• Velcro or rubber straps: Wrap a reusable cable tie, a Velcro one‑wrap strap, or a rubber band (e.g., from a bicycle inner tube) around the midpoint of the two poles when they are placed side‑by‑side. This holds them together as a single unit, so they cannot knock. You can buy dedicated pole‑holder straps, but a simple Velcro tie works perfectly.
• Foam or rubber spacers: Cut a piece of closed‑cell foam (like a sleeping pad offcut) or a rubber tube and place it between the shafts at the contact point. Secure with tape or a strap. This not only silences but also protects the finish.
• Dedicated pole bags or sleeves: Many brands offer neoprene or fabric pole sleeves that cover each individual pole. They add a little bulk but completely isolate the shafts from each other. Alternatively, roll the poles in a lightweight stuff sack or a piece of fabric.
• Adhesive felt or cloth tape: Stick small patches of adhesive‑backed felt or mole‑skin where the poles naturally touch. This provides a soft buffer that stays in place.

Optimise Your Pack Attachment Method

How you attach the poles matters as much as the padding. Here are some strategic tips:

• Use the ice‑axe loop: Most backpacks have a small webbing loop at the bottom front. Insert the tip of the poles into this loop, then secure the handles under the top compression strap. This diagonal carry keeps the poles away from each other.
• Side‑by‑side vertical carry: Place both poles vertically on the same side of the pack, but separate them by threading one through a side pocket and the other behind a compression strap. The pack itself acts as a divider.
• Horizontal carry under the lid: Place the poles across the top of the pack, between the main body and the lid. Use the lid straps to cinch them down – they will lie flat and not bounce.

Materials That Work Best

• Velcro One‑Wrap – reusable, no adhesive, holds tight.
• Silicone wristbands – slip over the handles to cushion contact.
• Pipe insulation foam – cheap, lightweight, and can be cut to length.
• Self‑amalgamating tape – wraps around shafts to create a rubbery, non‑slip coating.

Maintenance and Checking

After every few hikes, inspect your poles for scratches or dents caused by clanking. If you see wear, adjust your strapping method. Also, check that your chosen dampers (Velcro, foam) are still secure – they may loosen over time. Re‑tighten or replace as needed.

A Note on Carbon vs. Aluminium

Carbon poles are more susceptible to damage from repeated impacts – the clanking can cause micro‑cracks that eventually lead to failure. If you use carbon poles, take clanking seriously and use padded separation. Aluminium is more forgiving, but scratches can still weaken the anodised finish. In either case, silencing the clank is good for both your sanity and your gear.

The Ultimate Trick: Combination Approach

For the quietest carry, combine two methods: strap the poles on opposite sides of the pack, and then use a Velcro band to hold them securely against the pack’s side – this prevents any movement. If you must carry both on one side, place a foam sleeve between them and cinch all compression straps tightly. Many experienced hikers swear by the “sock trick” – slipping a spare hiking sock over each pole tip and handle – which muffles contact and also protects the tips.

When Clanking Indicates a Bigger Problem

Occasionally, persistent clanking even after applying fixes may point to worn or damaged locking mechanisms that allow internal play – the rattle might not be between poles but inside one pole. In that case, refer to our guide on internal rattles and repair the pole itself. But for typical external clanking, the solutions above are guaranteed to work.

Final Verdict

Reducing the clanking sound of two trekking poles strapped to your pack is neither difficult nor expensive. With a few cents' worth of foam, a Velcro strap, or a simple change in packing technique, you can eliminate that annoying noise entirely. Not only will your walk be more peaceful – you will also extend the life of your poles by preventing unnecessary knocks. So before your next hike, try one (or a combination) of these methods. Your ears – and your fellow trail‑users – will thank you.