Ah, the good ol’ topic of how-to-use-trekking-poles. It’s as if we can never get enough of it. That’s because we’ll always stumble upon some unanswered questions such as this one: how do you attach a mud basket to trekking poles?
Okay, so what’s the deal here? What exactly are mud baskets? To be honest, they don’t sound like much fun at first. One can immediately picture a basket that’s used for mud transportation or something. Luckily, that’s not the case and there are absolutely no mud transfers we’ll care to talk about today. Instead, we’ll address the how-do-you-attach-a-mud-basket-to-trekking-poles issue and discuss related info. Stay tuned!
Simply push them along the bottom side of your trekking pole until you get to the threading (about 3 inches (7.5 cm) away from the tip) and screw them clockwise to the stick. Make sure you screw them real tight and that’s about all that you should do.
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Trekking poles, mud baskets, etc.
Okay, so let’s solve the mystery once and for all: mud baskets aren’t regular baskets that are used in the transportation of mud (for whatever reason). In other words: it’s not how you imagine it to be. Let’s further elaborate on that!
What are mud baskets?
It’s important we get this out of the way first: mud baskets are little additions to your trusty trekking poles (and here’s how long they should be). They’re the small discs you’ve probably seen before attached to the end of your trekking poles. It’s not hard to assume that their sole function is to stop your poles from slipping into the soft ground once you’re trekking/hiking on muddy/sandy terrain.
Do trekking poles need baskets?
You’ll want to know that (mud) baskets are an absolute necessity if you’re hiking on the aforementioned soft terrain. Unless, of course, you’re trying your best to sink your poles into the soft ground, which we’re sure isn’t really your plan. Trekking pole baskets enhance stability, as one can imagine. Just picture how your body would react if your trekking pole was to sink into the ground. Not the most ideal scenario, right? Right.
Also, if you’re wondering how to use the aforementioned trekking poles in the correct manner, simply follow that link.
What are the different types of trekking pole baskets?
Needless to say, mud baskets aren’t the only baskets trekkers might attach to their poles. Let’s consider the other types of trekking pole baskets:
- Snow baskets. They’re bigger than mud baskets. That’s because they’re designed to withstand sinking into deep snow.
- Powder baskets. Even bigger than snow baskets. That’s because they’re made to resist snow that’s mostly air, the fluffy kind of snow you can find in Utah, USA (for example).
Wait, do trekking poles also need tips?
That’s right! Just like you, trekking poles also need some useful tips. Just not the same kind of tips. We’re talking about hard metal or carbide tips you’ll find on the end of your trekking pole(s). However, you’ll need some add-ons in the form of rubber tips. Here’s why “naked” metal poles aren’t ideal:
- Metal tips can easily wear down once used on so-called improved surfaces such as asphalt (or pavement). Additionally, they can leave behind some pretty unwanted scratches or harm sensitive soil/ground.
And here’s why one should opt for rubber trekking pole tips:
- They decrease wear. Extend the life of your trekking pole by adding a rubber tip.
- Provide better traction. They’re the absolute best when it comes to providing extra grip on most terrains (rock, concrete, etc.).
- They’re eco-friendly. You’ll steer clear of damaging the ground you’re trekking on.
- They won’t cause a mess inside your luggage. Rubber’s much easier on your luggage than metal. There won’t be any “stabbings”.
Okay, it’s safe to assume that’s more than enough of what was supposed to be a quick introductory section. Let’s finally begin answering the question: how do you attach a mud basket to trekking poles?
How do you attach a mud basket to trekking poles?
First of all, you’ll want to know that this process is something you’d call extremely easy. No, really, you’ll see for yourself in a second. So, how does one attach a mud basket to trekking poles?
- You’ll just have to push them along the bottom side of your pole until you reach the threading (about 3 inches from the tip) and screw them clockwise to the trekking stick. Make sure you screw them tight and that’s all there’s to it!
Now, you’d agree that wasn’t so hard. Since there’s not much left to say about ways you can attach a mud basket to trekking poles, we might want to consider some additional info revolving around this valuable piece of trekking equipment.
Do trekking poles really make a difference?
If you were to ask a couple of hiking/trekking enthusiasts about whether or not trekking poles make a difference, they’d probably look at you in confusion. As if they were to say: how dare you even ask such a question! Now, we’re just kidding. Still, you should be well aware that trekking poles make a tremendous difference.
Here are some advantages to trekking with poles:
- Trekking poles take some stress from your joints. They’ll assist your knees (when you’re moving both uphill and downhill).
- Trekking poles employ your arms. Hiking or trekking shouldn’t exclusively signal leg day.
- They help you keep balance. You’re equipped with an additional set of limbs that help you handle difficult terrain.
- You can use them to test how deep water or ice is. They’ll help you cross frozen streams without much hassle.
- Trekking poles help you steer clear of wild animals while in nature. Banging your poles against a tree or a rock will deter any wild animals that might cross your path. Also, you can check bushes for snakes.
Is it better to hike with one pole or two?
It’s a general rule of thumb that two trekking poles work better than just one. That’s because of the fact that sporting two poles will provide you with the symmetrical support one trekking pole just can’t give you.
How do you carry trekking poles on a backpack?
Here we’ll show you a few ways you’re able to pack and carry trekking poles in your backpack.
Solution #1: Utilize pole attachments
There’s a fair chance that your trekking backpack (and here’s where you’ll find a lot of them) has these little pole attachments. Some of them even have attachments that open & close all the way. Now, if you have the attachments in question, simply unhook the fastener and lay your trusty trekking pole in its place. Afterward, just close the fastener around your trekking pole and that should do it. Keep in mind that your poles’ handles have to be pointing toward the top of your trekker’s backpack.
Solution #2: Side pocket idea
Now, if your backpack doesn’t have the aforementioned pole attachments, it’s totally fine. We’ve got an alternative suggestion. However, your backpack will need to possess a side pocket and side compression straps. The process is simpler than you’d believe: easily poke the trekking pole handle ends down into your backpack’s side pocket. Afterward, simply fasten the so-called compression straps around the poles and tie ’em tight.
Speaking of trekking pole handles, here’s how you’ll sand cork handles.
Solution #3: Compression straps only
Okay, so imagine your backpack doesn’t possess side pockets. What then? You’ll want to utilize your compression straps only. Just loosen the straps and push your trekking poles through them (handles down, baskets up) and simply secure the compression straps around them tightly. The best thing about this is that your baskets will prevent your poles from falling through.
Of course, this will only work if you’re sporting poles with baskets on them. Also, if you don’t have a backpack with compression straps, look for patches that have 2 or more slots. There, you’ll be able to add your own compression straps that you’ve bought on the side.
Solution #4: If all else fails…
Now, if your backpack doesn’t have any of the addition we’ve mentioned above, there’s still a solution you might be able to benefit from. That’s right, you’ll want to simply lay the trekking poles across the top of your trusty backpack and secure/cinch them in place by closing the top of the backpack over ’em. Okay, it ain’t an ideal solution (it feels like you’re carrying a little crossbar) but you’ve got no choice. Also, it’s still more pleasant than having to hand-carry your trekking poles when you don’t need them.
The bottom line
Alright, outdoor-loving folks, that’s about it on the subject of attaching mud baskets to trekking poles and related info. Not only are you now equipped with the knowledge to successfully attach a mud basket to your trekking poles, but you also know how to pack your trusty trekking poles for the road. Needless to say, that ain’t a small thing!
For more tips on trekking and trekking-related activities, click right here.
