Guiding Stones: DIY LED Hiking Poles

Since ancient times, megaliths and standing stones have guided travelers across landscapes. Inspired by these monuments, I created my own modern “light stones”: LED hiking poles that illuminate your path during foggy nights, low-light hikes, or campsite adventures.

These poles are simple to make, safe, and multifunctional — they can also serve as tent poles or ambient light sources around your campsite. By combining practical illumination with a nod to the awe-inspiring presence of megaliths, this project turns a simple hiking trip into a visually striking experience.

Whether you’re exploring backcountry trails, camping under the stars, or photographing mystical stone formations, these glowing poles are your personal guiding markers in the wild.

1. Hiking poles (collapsible if possible)
2. Waterproof LED 3.7V warm white light strip with pre-soldered JST connectors (link)
3. Li-Po battery (3.7V, ≥270mAh) with matching JST connector (link)
4. 2 pin male and female JST connectors (to connect all components)
5. Solderless connectors (to connect internal components)
6. On/off switch
7. USB-C charging circuit (to charge the battery) (link)
8. Double-sided tape or zip ties (for securing components)
9. Velcro strap (for securing battery)

(See picture of the assembled elements for reference.)

1. Measure & Cut the Strip

1. Measure the section of your hiking pole where you want the LEDs.
2. Most LED strips have cut points marked every few LEDs — cut to the length you need.
3. Choose a strip that already has JST connectors pre-soldered. This way you can plug it directly into the switch and battery without soldering.
4. Make sure the JST connector on the battery matches the one on the LED strip (same number of pins, same spacing).
5. Tip: Waterproof LED strips are more durable outdoors, but they’re also stiffer and harder to bend neatly.

2. Attach the LED Strip

1. Most strips come with adhesive backing — just peel and stick it along the pole.
2. Place it so the connectors end near the handle, where you’ll connect the switch and battery.

3. Install the On/Off Switch

1. Insert the switch on only one of the two wires between the LED strip and the JST connector.
2. Use a solderless connectors to make the connection quickly.
3. Fix the switch to the pole near the handle with double-sided tape.
4. Wrap it with adhesive tape to hold it in place and keep out dust or light moisture, leaving only the movable part exposed so you can toggle it.

4. Connect & Mount the Battery

1. Plug the Li-Po battery into the JST connector.
2. Secure the battery near the handle with a Velcro strap: stable while walking but easy to remove for charging.

1. Connect the USB charging circuit to the battery’s JST connector using a solderless connector.
2. Charge the battery via USB. This charging circuit doesn’t need to stay on the pole — keep it separate for recharging between hikes.
3. Test the LED strip: flip the switch on and off to make sure everything works.
4. Adjust the positioning of the LED strip, battery, and switch until the setup feels secure and comfortable.

Your LED hiking poles are now modern guiding stones, ready to illuminate the path and add a touch of magic to your outdoor adventures.

1. Use them on foggy or night hikes, just like ancient travelers relied on standing stones to find their way.
2. Transform them into lighted tent poles or campsite lanterns.
3. Create safe markers for group hikes or as playful props for photography near natural or man-made stone formations.

By connecting practical outdoor gear with the timeless presence of megaliths, this project celebrates both adventure and imagination. Share your glowing poles in action — in nature, near stones, or on your campsite — and inspire others to make their own “light stones” for the wild.