10 sec
1Unfold
Undo the velcro strap. Hold the grip and let the pole hang straight down. A cord inside keeps the sections loosely together.
Three sections joined by a cord. This is normal. They lock together in the next step.
FDTP - Instructions - Getting Started - QR
Z-Style Folding Poles
Set up your poles in 3 steps
It takes about a minute. Each step has a short clip you can watch on your phone.
The step most people miss: pull the pole apart harder than feels natural, until a silver button pops out. No button means the pole isn't locked.
Set up
Unfold, lock, set your height
20 sec
2Pull hard to lock
Let the sections slide together. Then hold the grip in one hand and pull the patterned bottom section down firmly until you hear a click and a silver button pops out just below the grip.
Tip: It takes more pull than you'd expect. Most people stop too early. No silver button means the pole isn't locked yet.
This is what you're looking for. The silver button sticks out just below the grip. If you can see it, the pole is locked.
25 sec
3Set your height
Your pole has one flip lock, just under the grip. Open it. Slide the top section up until your elbow bends at about 90 degrees on flat ground. Close the lock until it lies flat.
Slips when you lean on it? Open the lock and turn this screw a little clockwise. Counterclockwise loosens it.
Don't pull past the STOP line on the top section. If it comes out, slide it back in gently.
Before you hike: 3-second check
You're set. Enjoy the trail. If anything wobbles, repeat step 2.
Fold up
Fold them back up
- Open the flip lock and slide the top section all the way down. Close the lock.
- Pull the grip and tip apart a little to take the pressure off the button, then press the silver button in and push the sections together. The pole will fold.
- Fold the three sections side by side and wrap the velcro strap around them.
Button too stiff for your thumb? Press it with the edge of a coin or a key instead. It gets easier after the first few times.
30 sec
Fix a problem
Something not right? Try this first
These fixes solve most of the calls we get. If none of them work, text or call us and we'll sort it out.
I can't find the silver button
The pole isn't pulled apart far enough. Hold the grip and pull the bottom section down harder, with a firm, steady pull. You'll hear a click when the button pops out.
15 sec
I can't press the button in to fold them
Pull the sections apart slightly while you press the button, so it isn't pinched, then push them together. Use the edge of a coin or key if your thumb can't do it. Don't use pliers; they can bend the button.
30 sec
The pole slides down when I lean on it
- Open the flip lock.
- Turn the screw on the lock a little clockwise to tighten it. (Counterclockwise loosens it.)
- Close the lock. It should take a firm push. Repeat until the pole holds.
13 sec
The pole wobbles or rattles
A wobble almost always means the pole isn't fully locked. Check that the silver button is showing. If not, repeat step 2 with a harder pull. Still wobbly with the button out? Contact us and we'll replace it.
The top section came out
It was pulled past the STOP line. Open the flip lock, line the section up, and slide it back in gently. Close the lock. Keep the STOP line inside the pole from now on.
The wrist strap is loose or came undone
Pull the plastic stopper on top of the grip out to loosen the strap. Pull the strap to adjust it, then press the stopper back in. Put your hand up through the strap from below, then hold the grip.
A part is missing or broken
Text or call (406) 219-1363 or email hello@hikerhunger.com with your order number. We'll mail the part or a replacement.
What's in the box
What's in the box, and which tip to use
Everything below comes in your set. Check the carry bag pockets before you order more. Each attachment slides over the metal tip.
Pavement, rock2 rubber tipsSmall caps that cover the metal tip on hard ground.
Sidewalk, indoors2 rubber feetAngled, treaded feet for sidewalks, gravel and floors.
Mud, sand2 mud basketsSmall baskets that stop the pole sinking.
Dirt trail, iceMetal tip (on the pole)Grips dirt, rock and ice. Use it bare.
Snow2 snow basketsWide baskets for soft snow.
PackingVelcro strapHolds the folded sections together.
StorageCarry bagFits both folded poles and the extras.
On the grip2 wrist strapsAlready on the poles. Hand goes in from below.
Video: what each attachment is for
Emily walks through the mud baskets, snow baskets, rubber feet and rubber tips, and shows how each one goes on. About 2 minutes.
Size and specs
Which size do I have?
Look at the length marks on the top section. Short goes to 120 cm. Long goes to 135 cm.
Got the wrong size? Message us and we'll help you swap.
| Short | Long | |
|---|---|---|
| Your height | 5'8" and under | 5'9" and up |
| Length range | 100 to 120 cm | 115 to 135 cm |
| Folded | 14 in | 15 in |
| Weight, per pole | 9.95 oz | 10.7 oz |
| Shaft | Aircraft-grade aluminum | |
Prefer one video?
Full walkthrough, start to finish
Rory, our founder, sets up a pair and folds it back up in under two minutes.
2 min
Before you return them
Let us fix it first
We're a small family company in Bozeman, Montana. A real person answers, and most problems take five minutes to fix over text.
Stuck on setup?Text us a photo and we'll walk you through it.
Wrong size?We'll help you swap Short for Long, or Long for Short.
Something broken?Covered by our 1-year warranty. We'll send a replacement.
Register your 1-year warranty
Add your email so we can look up your poles fast if you ever need a part or a replacement.
Bought on Amazon? You can still contact us directly. It's usually faster than a return.
FAQ
Other questions
Can I bring them on a plane?
Folded, they're 14 or 15 inches and fit in most carry-ons. Many customers fly with them, but TSA agents decide case by case, so we can't promise it. Packing them in a checked bag is the safe option. Read our TSA guide.
How much weight can they hold?
Poles are made for balance and to take some load off your knees. Don't lean your full body weight on them, especially on one pole at full length.
Can I replace the metal tip?
The tip isn't sold on its own, but we sell replacement sections and accessories for every part of the pole.
What does the warranty cover?
1 year against defects in materials and workmanship from normal use. It doesn't cover wear and tear, accidents or misuse. Warranty details.
How do returns work?
Email hello@hikerhunger.com within 30 days and we'll sort it out. If the poles aren't working as they should, tell us first. We can usually fix it or send a replacement.
How do I clean the cork grips?
Wipe them with a damp sponge and a little soap, or a wet Magic Eraser. After a wet hike, unfold the poles and let them dry before you pack them away.
Have the Carbon Fiber Poles instead? Here's that guide.