Porto to Santiago (walking sticks?)

[EmoJohnson]

Buen Camino! I walk the coastal Portuguese way in late May. Given the terrain, will I need walking sticks?

 

[Mike Savage]

Welcome EmoJohnson!

Need? Probably not. I used mine probably 40-50% of the time from Porto to Santiago de Compostela on the coastal route.

 

[EmoJohnson]

Welcome EmoJohnson!

Need? Probably not. I used mine probably 40-50% of the time from Porto to Santiago de Compostela on the coastal route.

Thanks for the warm welcome! It's my first Camino and I thought I'd prefer a coastal route and due to time constraints...I'm so excited!! I'm going to get real minimal. No walking poles and a bag at (hopefully) 10 lbs.

 

[HeidiL]

I walked without sticks the first few times, but am now a convert. I walk faster, easier, and happier with my beloved poles!

Can you borrow sticks from someone and do a trial walk at home, just in case?

 

[rgutena]

I have been told by numerous people in this forum and elsewhere that walking poles are highly recommended to ward off the dogs. I am DEFINITELY taking mine for Portugues central (and will buy one in Lisbon if mine gets lost in transit!). Not sure whether the coastal route is different though.

 

[Davie Blisters]

Welcome Emo,
I am a convert to walking poles, well one to be exact.
There has been a lot of research that supports the protection and distribution of weight across your body rather than just your knees. Numerous other benefits I found was supporting my poncho when I made an impromptu tent during a storm, a quick support for a washing line and more importantly for fighting off dragons around OCebreiro!

Buen Camino
Davie

 

[tillyjones]

My hands swell up if they hang so I have to have poles to keep my hands from swelling.

 

[Patch]

ward of dogs! Probably better to throw the stick and while the dog goes to fetch it you scramble up the nearest tree. If you have wooden ones you can have a nice homely fire in the Alberge in the evening much to the delight of your fellow pilgrims.

 

[frida1]

Everyone has their opinion. I also like the poles to avoid hands swelling while walking. Other than that, I would consider poles in the way on that route. I have the z poles that fold up very small, so I can easily put them away when not needed.

 

[Deleted member 56069]

I pretty much use mine almost 100% of the time, except in larger towns/cities where they can get in the way.

 

[EmoJohnson]

I walked without sticks the first few times, but am now a convert. I walk faster, easier, and happier with my beloved poles!

Can you borrow sticks from someone and do a trial walk at home, just in case?

That's an intriguing idea! I'll try that! Thank you

 

[EmoJohnson]

I have been told by numerous people in this forum and elsewhere that walking poles are highly recommended to ward off the dogs. I am DEFINITELY taking mine for Portugues central (and will buy one in Lisbon if mine gets lost in transit!). Not sure whether the coastal route is different though.

Oh my! I hadn't considered roving packs of dogs...

 

[EmoJohnson]

Welcome Emo,
I am a convert to walking poles, well one to be exact.
There has been a lot of research that supports the protection and distribution of weight across your body rather than just your knees. Numerous other benefits I found was supporting my poncho when I made an impromptu tent during a storm, a quick support for a washing line and more importantly for fighting off dragons around OCebreiro!

Buen Camino
Davie

Clever! An impromptu tent! I've come to the right place for pilgrim wisdom...

 

[EmoJohnson]

My hands swell up if they hang so I have to have poles to keep my hands from swelling.

Interesting about the hand swelling...wow, this forum is priceless. If you've never done a walk like this you'd never know...

 

[EmoJohnson]

ward of dogs! Probably better to throw the stick and while the dog goes to fetch it you scramble up the nearest tree. If you have wooden ones you can have a nice homely fire in the Alberge in the evening much to the delight of your fellow pilgrims.

Hahaha! We need Pilgrim Comedy Hour on this forum!

 

[EmoJohnson]

Everyone has their opinion. I also like the poles to avoid hands swelling while walking. Other than that, I would consider poles in the way on that route. I have the z poles that fold up very small, so I can easily put them away when not needed.

Thank you! What did those poles cost you?

 

[EmoJohnson]

I pretty much use mine almost 100% of the time, except in larger towns/cities where they can get in the way.

Have you walked from Porto to Santiago with them?

 

[Deleted member 56069]

Have you walked from Porto to Santiago with them?

Not, yet, but starting April 7th. I would take my trekking poles on any Camino route for sure.
I cross country ski and poles feel completely natural and allow a good pace with lower fatigue. Very use full for climbing, descent and in wet areas. I use them on completely flat terrain as well.

 

[Helenmcinerney]

I'm a bit late to the party but do you have to check in the poles ? Of course I fly tomorrow and have not booked hold luggage!!

 

[EmoJohnson]

I'm a bit late to the party but do you have to check in the poles ? Of course I fly tomorrow and have not booked hold luggage!!

Best wishes for your beautiful camino! (I can't answer about poles, sorry.)

 

[dougfitz]

I'm a bit late to the party but do you have to check in the poles ? Of course I fly tomorrow and have not booked hold luggage!!

The TSA and other air safety regulators prohibit poles as carry on luggage. However, there are many forum members who can attest to the fact that these rules are applied by humans, and there appears to be considerable leeway in how they are applied.