For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)
"trecile: I use my poles all the time, except in crowded cities and towns. I had never used poles before, so I chose Pacer Poles. Their ergonomic grip makes them practically "idiot proof", as there really is no learning curve to use them, after you have adjusted them to your height.
I agree...
I tightened my leather belt six holes during my Camino. (See pix)
My weight did not change that much (perhaps 5#), but I lost fat, put on some muscle, and improved my posture.
I was 70 on my first Camino and walked alone. I emphatically agree with the PacerPole recommendations if you decide to use poles. Here is my recent posting about them. ====
After reading this forum extensively in 2014 before my three 2015 Caminos, I investigated PacerPoles The PP videos and...
Footwear and poles can be very personal choices. I prefer boots and poles. I do not think I could have completed the caminos without both.
On my three caminos (and other hikes) at age 70, I used (a) Vasque Talus boots (bought at REI), and (b) Pacer Poles.
My second pair of Talus boots...
I agree with JillGat.
After reading this forum extensively in 2014 before my three 2015 Caminos, I investigated PacerPoles The PP videos and instructions were useful, and the PP unique handle design makes it easy to learn how to use them and difficult to use them improperly. (Chris...
My wife (age 70), our two adult children, and our two grandchildren (then 9 yrs, 2 mos, and 8 yrs, 10 mos) walked 120 miles on the Camino Frances (from Ponferrada) while I was walking alone from Roncesvalles. They stayed in the allergies. The grandchildren loved the Camino, and they have been...
"Enthusiasm is one thing, product promotion something completely different." What??
Please be assured that my motivation is my enthusiasm for a great product that I first discovered on this Forum, where I also obtained lots of helpful information, making my commencement of my 3 caminos more...
I recommend PacerPoles. Although I have X-C skied with Leki poles, walking with poles seems very different. I spent hours researching poles, and I ultimately discovered PacerPoles, which I love. Here is an earlier post about PacerPoles from me. I do not know about other poles, but I do know...
Because this thread is entitled "TREKKING POLES SELECTION", I wish to underscore your reference to "pacer poles" aka "PacerPoles," which I enthusiastically recommend.
http://www.pacerpole.com
They can be obtained online from Britain. There are also YouTube videos showing how to use them...
While actually walking, I walked alone in a relaxed manner. There was plenty of time and inspiration for reflection, and I enjoyed the richness of my time on the Camino.
Although not specifically about the Camino, you might enjoy these two items. One comes from the WSJ (The Walker and the...
For more background on the Visigothic era, I recommend Joseph F. O'Callaghan, A History of Medieval Spain, Part I, The Visigothic Era, 415-711, 1. The Visigothic Kingdom, 2. Visigothic Government, 3. Visigothic Society and Culture. This book was published by Cornell University Press in 1975...
Not sure how far back your "ancient" history interest may be, but I found this 1980 article interesting:
Ice-Age Subsistence in Northern Spain
A 12,000-year record of man's quest for food in Pleistocene times has been found in a cave near the Bay of Biscay. Changes in the use of resources...
I started the Camino Frances in Roncevalles April 22, 2015. I carried only a silk liner. Most albergues had blankets available. When they were not visible, I learned to ask. Whenever it was cold, I soon learned to wear socks or other clothing to bed if needed. I also had a long-sleeved...
Didn't think the videos looked like power walking. Ambling is fine. PacerPoles fit naturally with each hand. Holding lightly, keeping upper arms relatively still (not reaching forward as I do in X-Country skiing) and developing a rhythm to follow/complement the chosen stride was my approach...
In general, I adjust my poles to complement the particular stride I have on the particular surface I have encountered. But using poles can affect your stride if the pole action dominates. At times that can result in a shortened stride. For me comfort controls, and the mechanics follow whatever...
Oh, I have not taken a suitcase when walking the Camino.
Those trips with suitcases are simply where I happen to take my PacePoles with me. I have had several pocket knives confiscated over the years, usually because I had forgotten to put them in my suitcase. That's why I resigned myself...
This site is run by Ivar at in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon