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Mail trekking poles to SJPP?

Sharry

Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Frances (2020)
Does the Pilgrim Office in SJPP hold packages for pilgrims? Do the albergues?

After reading a thread on the topic of trying to take poles on airplanes, I've decided I don't want to risk losing them to airport security. And although I have a three hour layover in Paris to change airlines for the flight to Biarritz, I would rather not have to leave the secure area to fetch the poles from baggage claim, check them for the second flight, and go through security again. I'd rather mail them to SJPP, if possible.

Also, I'd rather buy the poles I want and that fit me here (USA) than hope that I can get what I need at Decathlon in SJPP.

If anyone has done this, let me know.

Thanks a bunch.

Sharry
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
You can check them. I do it when I DO decide to take my poles. Usually, though, I just pick up a pair in SJPP or use a wooden stick I get in SJPP. Honestly, I don't notice much difference and I have pacer poles.
 
Mail from the US will have to clear customs and may not make it to SJPDP.

If you have a booking at a private albergue, they would likely hold your package for your arrival. But there’s a good chance it’ll get stuck in Paris.
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
You can leave them at home, and then purchase a pair when you arrive in SJPdP. I did that on my last Camino and it worked out well.
 
Also maybe worth remembering that there isn't a Decathlon in SJPdP - the closest one is in Anglet, between Biarritz and Bayonne. But there seem to be several other sporting/hiking goods stores in SJPdP, so you shouldn't have a problem finding a new pair of poles when you arrive.

I'm leaving my Black Diamonds at home and will be picking up a new inexpensive pair of poles at the beginning of my trip, since I'll likely just be leaving them in Santiago when I finish rather than attempting to fly back to the US with them. I'm currently deliberating between visiting the Decathlon in Anglet en route to SJPdP (I have a four hour layover between the time my flight from Paris arrives in BIQ and when the train to SJPdP departs from Bayonne), or just buying something at one of the shops in SJPdP - like Boutique de Pelerin - right before I set off. Does anyone have any opinions on which would be the better option as far as price and selection are concerned?
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
Unless you are flying on a Low Cost Carrier (LCC), like Norwegian or Level, or flying on a Basic Economy ticket, one checked bag is usually included in your air fare. Since I usually do some traveling before and after my Camino I check a bag with my poles and before/after Camino clothes. When I do the Camino Frances I send my suitcase from SJPDP to Santiago via Express Bourricot.
 
The Decathlon in Anglet offered three versions of hiking poles when we were there in April, 2019, priced from 10€-25€ each. My wife has used the low-end ones twice on Caminos and they have held up very well.
 
Yes. The conventional wisdom is to not mail anything for your camino or post-camino vacation from another country and never from a location outside the EU.
I don't know about France or Spain but parcels from the US to the UK always get hit by customs so you receive a notification from the carrier that you have to pay the tax plus an £8 huddling free before they will release the parcel. last week I ordered something that cost 54 USD. plus 25 USd shipping then 23 USD customs fee. Basically the item I purchased was double the advertised price. I can order no end of stuff from China and pay no tax or customs on it. If France penalise US products in the same way you may as well buy some poles from the sports shop opposite the pilgrims office in SJPP.
 
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
Does the Pilgrim Office in SJPP hold packages for pilgrims? Do the albergues?

After reading a thread on the topic of trying to take poles on airplanes, I've decided I don't want to risk losing them to airport security. And although I have a three hour layover in Paris to change airlines for the flight to Biarritz, I would rather not have to leave the secure area to fetch the poles from baggage claim, check them for the second flight, and go through security again. I'd rather mail them to SJPP, if possible.

Also, I'd rather buy the poles I want and that fit me here (USA) than hope that I can get what I need at Decathlon in SJPP.

If anyone has done this, let me know.

Thanks a bunch.

Sharry
Hi Sharry,
You can send without problem your poles at the pilgrims office 39 rue de la Citadelle 64220 Saint Jean Pied de port with your name.
we will keep them until your arrival
Welcome to SJPP
Does the Pilgrim Office in SJPP hold packages for pilgrims? Do the albergues?

After reading a thread on the topic of trying to take poles on airplanes, I've decided I don't want to risk losing them to airport security. And although I have a three hour layover in Paris to change airlines for the flight to Biarritz, I would rather not have to leave the secure area to fetch the poles from baggage claim, check them for the second flight, and go through security again. I'd rather mail them to SJPP, if possible.

Also, I'd rather buy the poles I want and that fit me here (USA) than hope that I can get what I need at Decathlon in SJPP.

If anyone has done this, let me know.

Thanks a bunch.

Sharry
Does the Pilgrim Office in SJPP hold packages for pilgrims? Do the albergues?

After reading a thread on the topic of trying to take poles on airplanes, I've decided I don't want to risk losing them to airport security. And although I have a three hour layover in Paris to change airlines for the flight to Biarritz, I would rather not have to leave the secure area to fetch the poles from baggage claim, check them for the second flight, and go through security again. I'd rather mail them to SJPP, if possible.

Also, I'd rather buy the poles I want and that fit me here (USA) than hope that I can get what I need at Decathlon in SJPP.

If anyone has done this, let me know.

Thanks a bunch.

Sharry
 
Hi Sharry,
You can send without problem your poles at the pilgrims office 39 rue de la Citadelle 64220 Saint Jean Pied de port with your name.
we will keep them until your arrival
Welcome to SJPP
The problem could come with Customs when they first enter France, since they are coming from outside the EU.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
There is also an excellent oufitting shop in the old part of Bayonne.
 
The conventional wisdom is to not mail anything for your camino or post-camino vacation from another country and never from a location outside the EU.

My experience to date:
  • Forwarded excess luggage pre-camino from SJPP to SdC via Express Burricott 2017 - no problems
  • Mailed excess 'stuff' mid-camino home to Australia from Burgos 2017 - no problems
  • Mailed excess clothes pre-camino from Lisbon to SdC 2019 - no problems
  • Mailed walking sticks, etc. post-camino to Australia from SdC 2018 - no problems, although the cost exceeded the initial value of the sticks.
However - I would not contemplate mailing anything from outside the EU to either SJPP or SdC because of potential customs issues.
 
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Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
My husband and I bought poles at La Boutique du Pélerin in SJPP, just down from the Pilgrim Office. We were there in August and the poles were $10-$15 each. They did the job perfectly! We have poles here in the US but didn't want to lose them during the flights/bus/train treks.
 
Thank you all! It seems that the advice I've received to "not over-plan" and that "the Camino will provide" is already very useful. I will trust that the poles I will need for my walk will appear once I arrive in France.
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
I carried my pack on the plane—didn’t want that going missing. Bought a cardboard mailing tube about 24” long, and checked that. It contained my poles and I was able to sneak in a few extra liquids like an extra contact lens solution, etc. in there as well. I thought if that went missing, no big deal. On the way home I put both my pack and poles in a big stuff sack and checked the whole thing.
 
Thank you all! It seems that the advice I've received to "not over-plan" and that "the Camino will provide" is already very useful. I will trust that the poles I will need for my walk will appear once I arrive in France.

Totally agree - do not over-plan! But always useful to have a functional Plan B for critical items (ie. hiking sticks - buy in SJPP if the airline did by some chance to lose yours).

However, my humble view is that the manta "the camino will provide" needs be applied with caution. The reality is that there are many many support services along the camino which can generally be called upon as required, but "the camino will provide" should not be used to justify setting out on a wing and a prayer - ie. without planning for the basics and for key contingencies (such as walking sticks going AWOL), anticipating that someone one else will come along to bail you out should you run into trouble...
 
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Totally agree - do not over-plan! But always useful to have a functional Plan B for critical items (ie. hiking sticks - buy in SJPP if the airline did by some chance to lose yours).

However, my humble view is that the manta "the camino will provide" needs be applied with caution. The reality is that there are many many support services along the camino which can generally be called upon as required, but "the camino will provide" should not be used to justify setting out on a wing and a prayer - ie. without planning for the basics and for key contingencies (such as walking sticks going AWOL), anticipating that someone one else will come along to bail you out should you run into trouble...

Agree entirely - the Camino does occasionally provide, surprise and delight; sometimes gratis. It’s more generally true to say- especially on the Frances - that everything a walker could require has already been thought of and thus good old fashioned commerce will provide. Prices have always seemed reasonable to me.
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
Hi Sharry!

Poles are poles are poles.

Here are a couple of things to consider.

1) If purchasing poles in USA, consider finding poles that collapse into a size that fits in your pack.

2) Carrying anything that prompts a bag check is going to add the checking process to your trip, for every plane taken, say 3 or 4 times? Is it worth it to go through that or find what you need after arriving, use it and leave it behind for others to use.

3) There is an equipment store in SJPdP at 32 Rue de Citadelle, just a few doors down from the Pilgrim's Office that can provide a full range of gear. When leaving, turn left and after about 800 km, you will be in Santiago de Compostela.

4) The Napolean Way is incredible but can also be an endurance challenge. Taking the Valcarlos route is a bit easier and I personally find it a better way to start this long Pilgrimage.
 
Does the Pilgrim Office in SJPP hold packages for pilgrims? Do the albergues?

After reading a thread on the topic of trying to take poles on airplanes, I've decided I don't want to risk losing them to airport security. And although I have a three hour layover in Paris to change airlines for the flight to Biarritz, I would rather not have to leave the secure area to fetch the poles from baggage claim, check them for the second flight, and go through security again. I'd rather mail them to SJPP, if possible.

Also, I'd rather buy the poles I want and that fit me here (USA) than hope that I can get what I need at Decathlon in SJPP.

If anyone has done this, let me know.

Thanks a bunch.

Sharry
I have seen this thread many times and am bewildered by the question because folded down they fit easy into the sides of your pack. I carried them all the way from Sydney -America and through seven airports to New York then onto Madrid and Pamplona and then back to Perth... no problem
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Does the Pilgrim Office in SJPP hold packages for pilgrims? Do the albergues?

After reading a thread on the topic of trying to take poles on airplanes, I've decided I don't want to risk losing them to airport security. And although I have a three hour layover in Paris to change airlines for the flight to Biarritz, I would rather not have to leave the secure area to fetch the poles from baggage claim, check them for the second flight, and go through security again. I'd rather mail them to SJPP, if possible.

Also, I'd rather buy the poles I want and that fit me here (USA) than hope that I can get what I need at Decathlon in SJPP.

If anyone has done this, let me know.

Thanks a bunch.

Sharry
I bought a pair at the shop in SJPP for 40 Euros. I then mailed them from Correos SDC to Miami. Took about 1 month and a half later for me to receive them, but I didn't have to deal with airport nonsense.
 
Does the Pilgrim Office in SJPP hold packages for pilgrims? Do the albergues?

After reading a thread on the topic of trying to take poles on airplanes, I've decided I don't want to risk losing them to airport security. And although I have a three hour layover in Paris to change airlines for the flight to Biarritz, I would rather not have to leave the secure area to fetch the poles from baggage claim, check them for the second flight, and go through security again. I'd rather mail them to SJPP, if possible.

Also, I'd rather buy the poles I want and that fit me here (USA) than hope that I can get what I need at Decathlon in SJPP.

If anyone has done this, let me know.

Thanks a bunch.

Sharry

Hi Sherry,

Kind of late on replying but here goes. I live in Canada and sent my poles plus my friends and 2 Swiss army knifes ahead to our lodging in SJPDP unfortunately our flight was a day late and our poles disappeared for a few days. Bought some poles from equipment store close to Pilgrim Office and continued on, they were invaluable and were fine throughout the walk to Santiago. They sell adjustable poles at the store so I suggest buying them there and save yourself a hassle. Eventually returned to SJPDP from Pamplona to retrieve poles that had been taken to the Pilgrim Office.

Buen Camino, Enjoy yourself

Windwomyn
 
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I think that those of us who use Pacer Poles would beg to differ!
These days, there are all kinds of options. But in reality when buying walking poles, we must keep in mind, we are replacing a stick, a branch or a small tree.

For me, I went to the local hardware store and found some collapsible with suspension poles for C$6.00. They have been to Ireland, England, France and Spain with me twice so far, never checked before a flight.

And, admittedly, I am now looking at models now that are even more collapsible on Amazon, all under C$50.00 that will fit inside my pack (15" when collapsed).
 
Hi, I disassembled my poles and they fitted neatly in my backpack. They became 4 aluminium tubes which were just long enough to go inside. I checked my pack in and that was that....or so I thought. Unfortunately, after flying from Sydney-Dubai-Barcelona, I was met with an airline official with a large printed card with my surname on it. I immediately thought "who has died?"...but it was only news that my pack was left behind in Dubai. Within 24 hrs it had been delivered to my hotel in Barcelona...no worries and onward to SJPdP. Just a mere blip on the radar.
 
Has anyone ever had a problem through US TSA puting their poles inside their "carry-on" backpack? Mine are the ones that collapse into three pieces, connected by a cable. If so, what was the reason? Sharp tip/could be used as weapon/etc.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
I bought a pair at the shop in SJPP for 40 Euros. I then mailed them from Correos SDC to Miami. Took about 1 month and a half later for me to receive them, but I didn't have to deal with airport nonsense.
I know this is an older thread but can you tell me what it cost to mail poles from SDC to the US? Just want a ballpark figure to see if this might work for me this summer! Thanks!
 
I know this is an older thread but can you tell me what it cost to mail poles from SDC to the US? Just want a ballpark figure to see if this might work for me this summer! Thanks!
Sorry for the late reply. I'd say it cost around 30 Euros. I remember it wasn't cheap, but it was worth it for me. Those sticks saved me on more than one occasion and I couldn't have finished my thru hike without them.
 
Sorry for the late reply. I'd say it cost around 30 Euros. I remember it wasn't cheap, but it was worth it for me. Those sticks saved me on more than one occasion and I couldn't have finished my thru hike without them.
Thanks so much for the info Anthony! I have a pair of Black Diamond carbon trifold poles I want to bring. Probably would get through US TSA with them but from what I read, I know they won't make it in a carryon in Santiago. We are flying Vueling back to Paris to go home and 30 Euros is cheaper than checking in a bag! And if they get taken somewhere along the line, then it's new poles for me! 😊
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.

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