Pole Quiver
When you're running trails, mountain runs, ultras or long runs in hilly terrain, running poles can make a big difference. But when the poles are not in use, they need to be carried in a way that doesn't interfere with your running. A quiver, or pole case, is a smart solution for those who want to be able to quickly take out and put away their poles during the run.
At Outdoor Buddies Shop you will find quivers and pole cases for running poles, trail running, ultra running, mountain running, fast hiking and outdoor. A quiver is usually attached to a running vest, running backpack or carrying system and ensures that the poles sit stably on your back when you are not using them. This gives you freer hands, better movement and faster handling in technical terrain.
A quiver is a pole case or carrying system for collapsible running and hiking poles. It is used to carry the poles on your back or side of your body when they are not needed. In trail running and ultra running, the quiver is particularly popular because it makes it easy to switch between running with and without poles.
A quiver is suitable for those who want:
Quick access to running poles
Stable and flexible storage on the move
Hands free when the poles are not in use
Less bump than with loose poles on the vest
Better organization during long sessions and competitions
A solution for trail running, ultra and mountain running
Easier handling on steep uphill and downhill sections
The quiver is especially useful on races and sessions where you use poles periodically – for example on long climbs, technical mountain terrain or during power hiking.
When trail running, the terrain often changes quickly. Sometimes you want to use your poles on steep slopes, sometimes you want to run freely on flatter trails or technical descents. In those cases, it is important to be able to pack your poles away quickly without having to stop for a long time or fiddle with straps.
Benefits of quiver when trail running:
Faster handling of rods
Less disruption when running without poles
Rods sit more closely together and stably
Easy access even during races
Good for technical terrain where hands need to be free
Practical for mountain runs, ultra-runs and longer trail runs
Reduces the need for improvised solutions on the vest
A good quiver should be light, stable and easy to use even when you are tired, cold or have a high pulse.
For ultramarathons, mountain marathons and long trail races, running poles are often an essential piece of equipment. They can help you on long climbs, relieve pressure on your legs and provide extra rhythm during power hiking. But during parts of the race you want to be able to run without poles in your hands.
A quiver is particularly suitable for:
Mountain Marathon
Ultra running
Trail running with lots of elevation gain
Long passes in a mountain environment
Technical races with varied terrain
Power hiking on steep climbs
Races where poles are used periodically
Fast walks and fast hiking
When racing, quick access is essential. A quiver allows you to take out your poles for climbs and quickly stow them away when the terrain flattens out or becomes more technical.
Many quivers are designed to be used with running vests. They are often attached to the back with special mounts, straps or hooks. The placement keeps the poles close to the body, reducing bounce and making them easier to carry for extended periods of time.
When choosing a quiver for a running vest, you should consider:
If the quiver is compatible with your vest
How it attaches to the vest
Whether the poles are carried diagonally, vertically or horizontally
How easily you reach the poles on the go
If the quiver sits stable when you run
If it works with the rod length you are using
If it interferes with back pockets, hydration bladder or other packing
Some quivers are designed for specific vests or brands, while others are more universal. Always check compatibility before purchasing.
See running vests and running backpacks
There are several ways to carry running poles. Some running vests have built-in pole mounts, while others work best with a separate quiver.
Quiver
Best when you want quick access, stable storage and easy handling during races or long workouts. Especially good if you often take out and put away your poles.
Pole mounts on vest
Can work well if you only need to carry the poles occasionally, but can be slower to use on the go.
Waist belt with pole attachments
Suitable for shorter sessions or when you don't want to use a running vest, but may become less stable with longer or heavier poles.
Handheld
Works for short periods of time, but becomes impractical if you need your hands free or run longer distances without using the poles.
For most trail and ultra runners with collapsible poles, a quiver is the most practical solution.
Which quiver is best depends on what vest you use, what poles you have, and how you want to carry them.
For competition
Choose a light and stable quiver that provides quick access and doesn't get in the way when the pace is high.
For mountain running
Choose a model that fits securely even when you have more gear, fluids and mandatory equipment in the vest.
For ultra
Choose a quiver that is comfortable for many hours and easy to use even when you are tired.
For walking and fast hiking
Choose a more robust solution if you use poles frequently and move in varied terrain.
For specific vests
Check if the quiver is made for a specific brand or model. Compatibility is especially important.
No, not all poles will fit in all quivers. Most quivers are made for collapsible running poles, often three- or four-piece models with a short pack length. Fixed poles or very long collapsible poles may be more difficult to carry in a compact quiver.
Consider this:
Folded length of the rods
Rod diameter
If the rods are three-part or four-part
If tips and handles fit without getting stuck
If the quiver holds the rods steady
If the rods are easy to remove and put back in during movement
If you use a quiver in competition, you should always test the combination with your particular poles before the race.
In steep terrain, poles can be very useful uphill, but less practical downhill or on technical sections where you need balance and free hands. A quiver makes it easier to adapt your equipment to the terrain.
Typical situations where quiver is extra useful:
Before long climbs
After a climb when you want to run downhill without poles
On technical trails where hands need to be free
When passing over stones, blocks or roots
At a competition where the terrain changes frequently
When you want to avoid holding the rods all the time
A good quiver makes the poles a tool when you need them, not an annoyance when you don't.
It may take a few sessions to get the hang of using the quiver. Start by practicing on calm sessions before using it in competition or on technical terrain.
Tips for use:
Attach the quiver according to the instructions for your vest or backpack.
Try inserting and removing the rods at home.
Try on a fully packed vest to see how everything fits.
Practice taking out the poles while walking or jogging.
Make sure that the poles do not hit the head, back or arms.
Test on hills, downhill runs and technical terrain.
Adjust the brackets and placement until it feels stable.
Once the routine is in place, the quiver can save both time and energy during longer workouts and races.
A quiver is often part of a larger running kit. When running long distances you also need to think about hydration, energy, clothing and safety. Therefore it is important that the quiver does not block important pockets or make it difficult to reach bottles, gels or a jacket.
A smart approach could be:
Sticks in quiver on the back
Soft flasks on the front of the vest
Sports drink in one bottle and water in the other
Gels or chews in easy-to-access pockets
Windbreaker or rain jacket in the back pocket
Salt tablets in small pocket
Mobile and security equipment at fixed locations
Although quivers are often associated with trail running and ultra-marathons, they can also be useful for fast hiking, mountaineering and other outdoor activities. When you switch between using your poles and needing to keep your hands free, a pole case is an easy solution.
Quiver is also suitable for:
Fast hiking
Easy hiking
Mountain tours
Long day trips
Scrambling and technical games
Tours where poles are used periodically
Outdoor workout with running vest or light backpack
For longer hikes with a traditional backpack, other pole mounts can sometimes be better, but for faster and lighter tours, quivers are often very handy.
A quiver works best with collapsible running poles that have a short pack length. For trail running and ultra running, lightweight carbon fiber poles or more durable aluminum poles are often used depending on the needs.
Carbon fiber rods
Light and fast, perfect for competition and long sessions where low weight is important.
Aluminum rods
Often more durable and affordable, good for technical terrain or for those who want more robust poles.
Three-piece or four-piece rods
Easy to fold and carry in a quiver. Short pack length makes handling easier.
Fixed length
Often provides low weight and a direct feel, but requires the right size and can be less flexible than adjustable poles.
See guide: choose the right length of running poles
At Outdoor Buddies Shop you will find quivers and pole cases for running poles, trail running, ultra running, mountain running and outdoor. The range is selected for those who want to carry their poles stably, access them quickly and avoid complicated solutions during the session.
Whether you're running a mountain marathon, training for an ultra, using poles on long runs, or want a more flexible solution for fast hiking, there are quivers that make pole handling easier.
A quiver is a pole case or carrying system for collapsible running poles. It is used to carry the poles on a running vest, backpack or carrying system when you are not using them.
A quiver makes it easier to quickly retrieve and store poles while running. It is especially useful for trail running, ultras and mountain running where the terrain changes a lot.
No, not all quivers fit all vests. Some are made for specific brands or models, while others are more universal. Always check compatibility.
Most quivers work best with collapsible walking poles with a short pack length. Three- or four-piece poles are often easiest to carry.
Yes, quivers are very practical for ultra races because you can use the poles on hills and then quickly put them away when you want to run more freely.
It depends on the use. A quiver is often faster and more convenient if you often take out and put away the poles. Simple pole mounts can be enough if you only carry the poles occasionally.
Yes, quivers can work well for fast walking, mountaineering and fast hiking, especially if you use a light vest or backpack and want quick access to your poles.
It should sit firmly close to the body without bouncing or hitting the head, back or arms. The poles should be easy to remove and put back in, even when moving.