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... and learn to use them. There is a third group of walkers who have brought poles but just dangle them half-heartedly alongside or in front of themselves, achieving nothing. Unless they have forgotten or worn through their rubber tips, in which case they succeed at making annoying clacking noises and not much else. I wouldn't walk without my Pacerpoles (use the forum search for more info) myself - they are my rocket boosters uphill, hand brakes downhill and prevent sausage fingers on the flat.If you love your knees you'll take poles
... and learn to use them. There is a third group of walkers who have brought poles but just dangle them half-heartedly alongside or in front of themselves, achieving nothing. Unless they have forgotten or worn through their rubber tips, in which case they succeed at making annoying clacking noises and not much else. I wouldn't walk without my Pacerpoles (use the forum search for more info) myself - they are my rocket boosters uphill, hand brakes downhill and prevent sausage fingers on the flat.
As for sleeping bag or liner, it depends on you - do you sleep hot or cold? My very lightweight down bag is well worth the extra weight on a cold night and I love having a snuggly cocoon to wrap into after a long day. If it gets too hot I'll just open it up.
I'm no Mr Universe, and when I try this, I get about 14 kg difference with moderate pressure, and about 27 kg difference with a really solid downward pressure. Sure, if you fairy tap the poles, you get fairy level weight changes. But I expect that for ordinary people rather than fairies, there will be reasonable weight reductions using the poles normally.Two good questions. If you are an average healthy person then you don't need poles. Regardless of what people say there are no 'weight' benefits ... stand on your bathroom scale with two poles and push them down onto the floor either side - see how much strength you have to use to move the scale even a couple of grams.
In structural engineering we talk about the static loading and dynamic loading of a structure - the one being the self/stationary load and the other imposed by a moving object. The dynamic loading can have quite an effect on the design.Two good questions. If you are an average healthy person then you don't need poles. Regardless of what people say there are no 'weight' benefits ... stand on your bathroom scale with two poles and push them down onto the floor either side - see how much strength you have to use to move the scale even a couple of pounds, and only one pole is in contact to the ground at any time.
I think pilgrims look silly, leaning forward like old cripples, tapping their way along the level Camino - sad.
But! There are plenty of fundamentalist Polists who will rage at me for the above - so, this is my opinion
Saying that I always carry one staff or pole with me as turning yourself from a biped into a stable triped when negotiating ascents and descents really helps, especially in wet weather, the rest of the time it is put away.
I would go with a bag - you will be ending late in the year, some terrain is high, as are the refugios, and our European weather patterns have been very strange the last few years - you could have warm sunshine all the way or cold and rain, we can no longer predict it.
The best light and packaway-small bag I know - and it is really cheap too - is the Snugpak jungle bag.
Snugpak make kit for our military and also sell it retail - rectangular, opens fully into a throw, built in insect screen, 7C comfort, 2C Low, and weighs 900gms, which is pretty good for a £44 bag! see here - https://www.snugpak.com/outdoor/jungle-bag
I got distracted responding to another post earlier, but my take is:As such, I'm wondering if trekking/walking poles would be useful. And if I should bring a sleeping bag along? Or would a sleeping bag liner be suffice?
Hello! I've finally fixed a date to my walk and will be starting my Camino in SJPDP on 19th Sept. I would be taking my time with the walk to Santiago and possibly to Finisterre. With some buffer time factored in, I'll be walking from Sept till early Nov. As such, I'm wondering if trekking/walking poles would be useful. And if I should bring a sleeping bag along? Or would a sleeping bag liner be suffice? Thanks in advance!
Trekking poles can be useful if you use the properly. Most people do not. On level and uphill areas the poles come no further forward than the heals of your feet. On downhill areas they are in front of you and provide balance. Following these two rules you can make life a lot easier on yourself and save energy. If you do not, then you will waist a lot of energy.Hello! I've finally fixed a date to my walk and will be starting my Camino in SJPDP on 19th Sept. I would be taking my time with the walk to Santiago and possibly to Finisterre. With some buffer time factored in, I'll be walking from Sept till early Nov. As such, I'm wondering if trekking/walking poles would be useful. And if I should bring a sleeping bag along? Or would a sleeping bag liner be suffice? Thanks in advance!
Regardless of what people say there are no 'weight' benefits ... stand on your bathroom scale with two poles and push them down onto the floor either side - see how much strength you have to use to move the scale even a couple of pounds, and only one pole is in contact to the ground at any time.
Yes, to poles. BUT you have to use them correctly. Otherwise there is little reason. There are great tutorials on UTUBE. IF you use them correctly they are a tremendous aid on flat ground, inclines and downhill. I have a piece written up that gives instructions. Glad to share it if you want it. Poles are also an amazing way to help your body in general function well. But only if you use them correctly.Hello! I've finally fixed a date to my walk and will be starting my Camino in SJPDP on 19th Sept. I would be taking my time with the walk to Santiago and possibly to Finisterre. With some buffer time factored in, I'll be walking from Sept till early Nov. As such, I'm wondering if trekking/walking poles would be useful. And if I should bring a sleeping bag along? Or would a sleeping bag liner be suffice? Thanks in advance!
This 79 year old finds poles to be very helpful and I shall try to remember not to be leaning over them like a “silly old cripple”Two good questions. If you are an average healthy person then you don't need poles. Regardless of what people say there are no 'weight' benefits ... stand on your bathroom scale with two poles and push them down onto the floor either side - see how much strength you have to use to move the scale even a couple of pounds, and only one pole is in contact to the ground at any time.
I think pilgrims look silly, leaning forward like old cripples, tapping their way along the level Camino - sad.
But! There are plenty of fundamentalist Polists who will rage at me for the above - so, this is my opinion
Saying that I always carry one staff or pole with me as turning yourself from a biped into a stable triped when negotiating ascents and descents really helps, especially in wet weather, the rest of the time it is put away.
I would go with a bag - you will be ending late in the year, some terrain is high, as are the refugios, and our European weather patterns have been very strange the last few years - you could have warm sunshine all the way or cold and rain, we can no longer predict it.
The best light and packaway-small bag I know - and it is really cheap too - is the Snugpak jungle bag.
Snugpak make kit for our military and also sell it retail - rectangular, opens fully into a throw, built in insect screen, 7C comfort, 2C Low, and weighs 900gms, which is pretty good for a £44 bag! see here - https://www.snugpak.com/outdoor/jungle-bag
You will get lots of advice on the advantages of trekking poles and some people that will tell you how much they don't like them.Hello! I've finally fixed a date to my walk and will be starting my Camino in SJPDP on 19th Sept. I would be taking my time with the walk to Santiago and possibly to Finisterre. With some buffer time factored in, I'll be walking from Sept till early Nov. As such, I'm wondering if trekking/walking poles would be useful. And if I should bring a sleeping bag along? Or would a sleeping bag liner be suffice? Thanks in advance!
I also get this, and think you will find this is pretty common. Do a web search using the term 'oedema walking hands' and you will get a range of resources to keep you reading for a little while. There are several reasons advanced for the swelling including things like increased blood flow at higher heart rates, the action of moving/swinging one's arms, and electrolyte imbalance.When I don’t use poles my hands swell, not sure if anyone else finds this.
When I don’t use poles my hands swell, not sure if anyone else finds this.
❤ my Pacer Poles
I'd read up on any info I can get to understand better!I have a piece written up that gives instructions. Glad to share it if you want it.
Certainly do plus all 4 of the meds I'm on make me prone to numbness or tingling in the fingers. Elevated hands seem to help prevent this.When I don’t use poles my hands swell, not sure if anyone else finds this.
If you're using a backpack transportation service and/or your pack is super light plus an avid hiker- then maybe you won't need them, but...I'm for the use of trekking poles.Hello! I've finally fixed a date to my walk and will be starting my Camino in SJPDP on 19th Sept. I would be taking my time with the walk to Santiago and possibly to Finisterre. With some buffer time factored in, I'll be walking from Sept till early Nov. As such, I'm wondering if trekking/walking poles would be useful. And if I should bring a sleeping bag along? Or would a sleeping bag liner be suffice? Thanks in advance!
Hi,If you're using a backpack transportation service and/or your pack is super light plus an avid hiker- then maybe you won't need them, but...I'm for the use of trekking poles.
Here's why I recommend them based on my recent experience with CF:
1. When used properly, they will help you take weight off of a sore foot, knee, etc. Especially downhill. Just use the sticks and slow your pace.
2. They're great with assisting when crossing muddy, slippery areas with puddles. I had to cross a few, and I'm glad I had them.
3. They help if you have to go off trail to take care of business. Throughout the camino, you'll find that right off trail, the land can sit much lower or there are parallel ditches that are hard to see because of plant growth that conceals them. They help you feel the terrain to make sure you don't take a sudden fall. Saved my butt on more than one occasion.
4. They will help you when going uphill as well, especially when you're gassed.
5. Protection. I came across a snake as well as some unsavory characters during my 35 day trek without a pilgrim in sight. Glad to have something that can provide a bit of protection. Something most of us don't consider when speaking of trekking poles.
6. Compact and can store easily when not needed.
Trekking poles are one of those items that I'd rather have and not need, then need and not have.
Which is why I use my poles almost all the time - the exception being when I'm in busy cities and towns. My poles do me no good as added weight in my backpack.Whatever you take you have to carry,
Hello! I've finally fixed a date to my walk and will be starting my Camino in SJPDP on 19th Sept. I would be taking my time with the walk to Santiago and possibly to Finisterre. With some buffer time factored in, I'll be walking from Sept till early Nov. As such, I'm wondering if trekking/walking poles would be useful. And if I should bring a sleeping bag along? Or would a sleeping bag liner be suffice? Thanks in advance!
I'd read up on any info I can get to understand better!
Really appreciate it! Thank you!These are just my experiences. I am not anybody´s expert, but this really helped me and wanted to share! Buen Camino!!!
These are perennial questions on the forum. Just do a quick search on "walking poles" and see. If the answers were easy and universal the questions wouldn't come up that often.Hello! I've finally fixed a date to my walk and will be starting my Camino in SJPDP on 19th Sept. I would be taking my time with the walk to Santiago and possibly to Finisterre. With some buffer time factored in, I'll be walking from Sept till early Nov. As such, I'm wondering if trekking/walking poles would be useful. And if I should bring a sleeping bag along? Or would a sleeping bag liner be suffice? Thanks in advance!
I found this on my 2016 Camino. Avoiding the swelling wasn't my main reason for getting the poles part way through, but it was certainly a fringe benefit.When I don’t use poles my hands swell, not sure if anyone else finds this.
For what it is worth, I found the Camino Portugues to be much easier on the knees than the Camino Frances. I'm not saying that there were no descents, but not ones like I had experienced on my previous Camino a couple of years previous. Perhaps on the CP I would not have needed poles like I found myself needing on the CF.Hi,
For what its worth I am a 66 year old man. In Mar/Apr this year I walked the Camino Portuguese from Lisbon to SDC and then as I has a couple of days over did Muxia and Finisterre.
I had never done any form of distance walking/hiking before and had no particular problems apart from 1 over enthusiastic dog which eventually came around to my point of view.
Did not use poles, a significant number of walkers I saw who had poles were carrying them.
Had a sleeping bag without liner and used it every night without problem.
Each to their own but from my experience I am a strong advocate of the KISS principle - keep it simple stupid.
Whatever you take you have to carry, so keep it in mind though obviously your own fitness, health etc will provide guidance as to what you need.
Cheers
I absolutely agree! Especially when going up and down a slippery slope. I also felt that it deterred stray dogs from approaching too close. Most dogs were friendly or chained but a few times I encountered free roaming big dogs.If you love your knees you'll take poles!
I would never walk without poles. They take weight off your joints, especially your knees, and are invaluable going both up and downhill.Hello! I've finally fixed a date to my walk and will be starting my Camino in SJPDP on 19th Sept. I would be taking my time with the walk to Santiago and possibly to Finisterre. With some buffer time factored in, I'll be walking from Sept till early Nov. As such, I'm wondering if trekking/walking poles would be useful. And if I should bring a sleeping bag along? Or would a sleeping bag liner be suffice? Thanks in advance!
What is this rhythm? I have never heard of it before, and did a quick browse of the pacer pole site and couldn't see anything there about it. Would it be possible to get some details of this?I use them in pacer pole rhythm
I would say yes to poles all year round. Particularly if you are over 50. Age aside, poles are great for mud, steep wet sections with rocks, frost and snow, as well as for pointing out at the yellow arrows to your comrades. Use rubber tips unless your are maneuvering rock or ice when you need the carbide tips. So far I covered about a week of walking the Camino--most likely you wont need them after that week which is at the beginning and about two thirds of the way through. They also help take the weight off your knees when you are going down hill and ease you back when going up hill. If you take them learn how to use them before you leave.
I didn't keep mine once we got to Sarria, wanted them going to Finisterre though.
Late october and November it is getting cold in Northern Spain, so yes to a sleeping bag when walking after September. Unless you sleep cold a summer weight bag is plenty.
Haha--the real reason for having a pole!!!!as well as for pointing out at the yellow arrows to your comrades.
Yes, everytime...so even when I do training hikes on flat paths, wearing my pack, I use my poles...definitely keeps my hands from swelling...as far as keeping balance, on my first Camino in 2016, the poles were particularly helpful the first several days during some sharp downhill segments...When I don’t use poles my hands swell, not sure if anyone else finds this.
What is this rhythm? I have never heard of it before, and did a quick browse of the pacer pole site and couldn't see anything there about it. Would it be possible to get some details of this?
I just use my poles in what feels like a natural rhythm, though on steep hills I do change it a bit.Single poll action only, none of this double pole, step step step stuff! I have nothing against it, but it isn't the only way to use poles
Basic Walking
Trekking poles, Walking poles, Pacerpoles apply biomechanics to whole body movementwww.pacerpole.com
Isn't this (shown on the link you posted) the standard recommended method - not unique to pacer poles?Single poll action only, none of this double pole, step step step stuff! I have nothing against it, but it isn't the only way to use poles
I cannot see the video right now, but it's not like Heather Rhodes invented walking. And call me thick if you like, @newfydog , but I am having difficulty understanding what walking might be if not this 'step, step, step stuff', whether it is one pole or two.Isn't this (shown on the link you posted) the standard recommended method - not unique to pacer poles?
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