Travel

When flying, presumably walking poles have to go as hold baggage for security. Is it generally acceptable to strap them to the outside of a rucksack or do airlines require them to be packed entirely inside a bag or case? My walking pole doesn't pack down short enough to go inside the rucksack...would be interested in anyone's experience of this.

I always take my poles with me, and always strap them to the outside of my pack. Usually I then put the pack inside a large rucksack bag which encloses everything. The only time I've not done this was flying back from Colorado last year. When the check-in clerk (by coincidence she was also a climber) saw my sack she immediately got a large bag that did the same job, saying that it would protect my external kit (eg. poles, ice axe etc) and other passengers baggage. Oddly she also suggested putting the crampons in hand luggage!!. Personally I'd suggest you invest in a similar sort of bag.

Definitely hold luggage and I'd definitely *not* put them on the outside of the pack.

When flying I pack tent poles and walking poles as near the middle of my pack as I can to avoid damage. I also use a rucksack holder bag (Field & Trek do them but go direct to the mfr for better deals/choice) to avoid straps etc damage. I've seen how luggage gets mistreated and have learned...

For flying, suggest Brasher Compact poles. I specifically got mine so I could pack them inside the rucksack for flights. Check they are long enough for you though.

Also if you break the poles down into their component parts you will usually save yourself a few inches and can probably get them in your pack. Other than that, as the other guys have sai - get rucsack holder bag

Some airports have shrink-wrap machines which are pretty good at securing your rucsac.
Basically you throw your 'sac in and it tightly wraps it in packaging strength cling film so there are no protruding straps or poles etc. Good for deterring thieves too.

I use two lengths of 2 inch(Dia) drain pipe, it is light and strong and if you buy 4 end caps and pipe cement the pipes stay together and the poles don't fall out.

Leki do a pole bag that straps nicely through the compression straps on large holdalls / rucksacks. I've packed mine this way lots and never had them damaged.