Trekking poles or a pilgrim staff

[Tim44]

I think I read somewhere that walking with a staff is less supportive than poles. Any thoughts on this? Has this been asked before - I couldn't find a search button.

 

[Laliibeans]

The search button is up in the top blue banner, and there is also a button written in Green just below the ad bar which say "Check if your question has been asked before". Either of these will make your search easy. Or, if you go to the Equipment Questions thread you'll often find a topic on walking poles right near the top. They are almost always being discussed so you should find a number of different perspectives to help you decide.

 

[JabbaPapa]

The staff is MUCH better if you have strong legs, but those with weaker legs should probably use trekking poles.

The staff has a clear advantage in terms of length, as it provides support in a wider variety of circumstances, and of course it can be essential against wild dogs. On a fast surface, if you're a fast walker, it can also function more or less like a third leg.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Trekking poles actually do something.

 

[tyrrek]

Consider starting with nothing, and after a few days think about what (if anything) you are lacking. Is it for balance? Support? Avoiding puffy hands etc.? I've only ever used one pole on a few stages of my Caminos, and that was just out of interest to see if I found any benefit. I know some people swear by them and find them really useful, but personally I think they're a pain in the backside. If you try to blow your nose you end up with a stick handle in your face. Not impressed, although I did use it here in the UK for balance when it was very icy. Buen Camino!

 

[Anniesantiago]

I've used both and I loved both
For me, in the end I sold my poles because it was too much trouble transporting them and wording about them getting stolen or lost.
My first Camino was done with a staff and I'm back to using a staff.

Remember, this is a WALK, not a mountain climbing trip

Pilgrims for generations before us found the staff quite fine.