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I'm 67, I've hiked, backpacked, climbed and led groups in Western Canada since I was in my teens. I have never used poles and I honestly don't see the need for them for individuals who are fit and don't have STABILITY issues. Until recently...
That is exactly what I used to do and for the same reasons. Whether you need them or not is moot and may depend on what condition you want your knees to be in down the track when you are old and buggered, but still want to camino.
I wish I had...
You most definitely do not need them. However, you may want to use them.
On all of my caminos I have always just carried a single pole (normally strapped to my back pack) for those tricky water crossings and to fend off the odd overly intrusive dog.
Then by all means let's not have them and have poles!😊
Seriously another vote for YES and I never dream of going on any trail anywhere without them
Good luck and Buen Camino
And especially annoying to the residents of the small villages on the Camino!
Yes - they give me a good rhythm. They also help my posture, especially when my center of gravity is off while I'm wearing a pack. Good posture keeps my back from...
My preference for using one pole exactly mirrors Camino Chrissy's post. Except I bring my one pole with me --- AND I haven't broken any body parts -- yet. Buen Camino
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