- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino primitivo April 24
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I haven't seen anyone else discuss this issue so I wonder if I'm the only one! I use Pacer Poles (which I LOVE) with plastic handles (which I don't love as much) so my hands get sweaty most days. On my first Camino, I ended up wrapping a handkerchief around my hands. Not a great solution. On my second Camino I wore some old fingerless biking gloves and that worked pretty well but they were worn out at the end. So on my third camino I wore fingerless yoga gloves which are ok, too. But for my fourth camino, I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas for the perfect glove. I never saw anyone else wearing gloves at all. And only saw one other person using Pacer Poles. So is it just the Pacer Poles or do I just have really sweaty hands. (I don't, actually.) How come no one else talks about this?
A different approach one could try is to go to a tennis equipment store and buy racket grip tape/wraps. They come in many varieties but perhaps a shammy style wrap would be the most absorbent and 'grippy' and come in many different colours. For PP's I suppose you would need to use a light 2-sided tape due to the irregular grips but then at least they would stay perfectly fixed in place?
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If you haven't forgot them in that chino store after purchase you're OKI too have sweaty hands and pacer poles! Being old and arthritic I find I have to keep my hands protected. Particularly on cold mornings. My glove of choice has also been cyclists fingerless mitts with leather palms. My main problem is losing them! I too have often wondered if I was the only person with this problem. A trawl around charity shops is always handy for a supply of cheapies and failing that just cut the fingers off whatever gloves are to hand. Not very elegant but needs mustGood luck anyway!
Yours aye,
The Malingerer.
Why do you think that Pacer Poles aren't actual trekking poles??An alternative is to buy actual trekking poles. Held properly, by putting your hand up through the loop from the bottom, and then dropping your hand to the handle, letting the strap take all weight, allows you to barely grip the pole. No gloves required. And way more stable for ups, downs, and flats.
I'm not sure how well this would work. The unique thing about Pacer Poles is their ergonomic grip, which isn't cylindrical.A different approach one could try is to go to a tennis equipment store and buy racket grip tape/wraps.
Understood, @trecile, that’s why I would suggest laying the 2-sided tape over the entire surface and then laying the wrap on the tape with a slight overlap still. Because the pressure is still primarily downward, I hope it would hold well in place. I guess trying this at home before leaving would be a good idea to see if it holds wellThe unique thing about Pacer Poles is their ergonomic grip, which isn't cylindrical.
I sweat profusely and I wear these fingerless sun-protective gloves. They have suede on the areas of the palms that contact hiking poles. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00V5RXW1G/?tag=casaivar02-20I haven't seen anyone else discuss this issue so I wonder if I'm the only one! I use Pacer Poles (which I LOVE) with plastic handles (which I don't love as much) so my hands get sweaty most days. On my first Camino, I ended up wrapping a handkerchief around my hands. Not a great solution. On my second Camino I wore some old fingerless biking gloves and that worked pretty well but they were worn out at the end. So on my third camino I wore fingerless yoga gloves which are ok, too. But for my fourth camino, I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas for the perfect glove. I never saw anyone else wearing gloves at all. And only saw one other person using Pacer Poles. So is it just the Pacer Poles or do I just have really sweaty hands. (I don't, actually.) How come no one else talks about this?
Lightweight workout gloves work really well for this. Amazon has many choices and are not too expensive. They also add support to my wrists over a period of time.I haven't seen anyone else discuss this issue so I wonder if I'm the only one! I use Pacer Poles (which I LOVE) with plastic handles (which I don't love as much) so my hands get sweaty most days. On my first Camino, I ended up wrapping a handkerchief around my hands. Not a great solution. On my second Camino I wore some old fingerless biking gloves and that worked pretty well but they were worn out at the end. So on my third camino I wore fingerless yoga gloves which are ok, too. But for my fourth camino, I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas for the perfect glove. I never saw anyone else wearing gloves at all. And only saw one other person using Pacer Poles. So is it just the Pacer Poles or do I just have really sweaty hands. (I don't, actually.) How come no one else talks about this?
Hi. When I had my Pacer Poles I had the same problem so I used fingerless bike gloves. I loved those poles but hated the handles so I gave up and bought different poles with non plastic handles.I haven't seen anyone else discuss this issue so I wonder if I'm the only one! I use Pacer Poles (which I LOVE) with plastic handles (which I don't love as much) so my hands get sweaty most days. On my first Camino, I ended up wrapping a handkerchief around my hands. Not a great solution. On my second Camino I wore some old fingerless biking gloves and that worked pretty well but they were worn out at the end. So on my third camino I wore fingerless yoga gloves which are ok, too. But for my fourth camino, I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas for the perfect glove. I never saw anyone else wearing gloves at all. And only saw one other person using Pacer Poles. So is it just the Pacer Poles or do I just have really sweaty hands. (I don't, actually.) How come no one else talks about this?
I haven't seen anyone else discuss this issue so I wonder if I'm the only one! I use Pacer Poles (which I LOVE) with plastic handles (which I don't love as much) so my hands get sweaty most days. On my first Camino, I ended up wrapping a handkerchief around my hands. Not a great solution. On my second Camino I wore some old fingerless biking gloves and that worked pretty well but they were worn out at the end. So on my third camino I wore fingerless yoga gloves which are ok, too. But for my fourth camino, I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas for the perfect glove. I never saw anyone else wearing gloves at all. And only saw one other person using Pacer Poles. So is it just the Pacer Poles or do I just have really sweaty hands. (I don't, actually.) How come no one else talks about this?
Used cycling gloves first camino, after that, plain old hands. However, I use poles from the German discount store, Lidl. Lightweight and with cork handles that dont have the same problem with causing sweaty handsI haven't seen anyone else discuss this issue so I wonder if I'm the only one! I use Pacer Poles (which I LOVE) with plastic handles (which I don't love as much) so my hands get sweaty most days. On my first Camino, I ended up wrapping a handkerchief around my hands. Not a great solution. On my second Camino I wore some old fingerless biking gloves and that worked pretty well but they were worn out at the end. So on my third camino I wore fingerless yoga gloves which are ok, too. But for my fourth camino, I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas for the perfect glove. I never saw anyone else wearing gloves at all. And only saw one other person using Pacer Poles. So is it just the Pacer Poles or do I just have really sweaty hands. (I don't, actually.) How come no one else talks about this?
Please read my posting #7 above - a direct cut and paste from PPs website (except my underlining). PacerPoles are meant not to be gripped.I didn't understand the problems with sweaty hands until I looked up Pacerpoles and saw they're meant to be gripped.
I use old-school straight poles and run my hand up through the straps (like Walkerooni and RJM) just like I'm cross-country skiing (I actually use my adjustable length Leki ski poles for hiking). Since the poles spend most of the time dangling from the straps, my hands don't get too sweaty. I don't wear gloves unless it's cold.
No modern trekking pole needs to be gripped. Indeed, if you have to grip the pole to use it, you are doing something wrong. My observation is that the single most common fault is not having the straps on conventional poles the correct way around. I have two further observations about that.Please read my posting #7 above - a direct cut and paste from PPs website (except my underlining). PacerPoles are meant not to be gripped.
That's why I bought them. I needed idiot proof poles.it is almost impossible to hold pacer poles incorrectly. So from the outset, new users get the benefits of holding them as they are meant to be held for effective use
You lend your treasured PPs to an idiot for them to use? A friend indeed!That's why I bought them. I needed idiot proof poles.
With the forefinger/thumb technique I tend to get blisters on them even if I'm not gripping or holding on tightly.Don't forget what Heather advises about how to hold PPs:
Forget about the pole, just be aware of the hands/forearms moving up-and-down at your side (not out in front) left hand goes up passed your hip when the right leg moves forward etc. Feel the upward and forward thrust each time your hand pushes downwards and backwards - don’t grip the handle, push against it.
If you grip hard it’s the equivalent of lacing-up your boots too tight - which disrupts the flow of movement over the joints so they can’t function as they should. As the body pivots over the shaft tip, loading is being controlled and directed through the hand/handle’s contours as a dynamic action. Relax the fingers - just pressure between thumb and index finger is usually all that is needed to retain the pole. Gripping the handle tightly wastes energy, and can cause sweat (as can suncream / insect repellent on the hands). plus jamming the sides of the fingers together skin-to-skin can also cause sweat. By allowing air to circulate as the hand/palm peels away from the handle at the end of each stride, allows the skin to 'breathe' (see hand images on the Product page/What is a Pacerpole).
Before I got my PPs I had cork handled Lekis - don't remember them getting sweaty.
Dire Straits fan by any chance?With the forefinger/thumb technique I tend to get blisters on them even if I'm not gripping or holding on tightly.
I wear lightweight, leather palmed, fingerless gloves. Not so much because of sweaty hands, but because they prevent blistering and increase the grip. Kinda like these:
Wells Lamont Men's Hi-Viz Fingerless Synthetic Leather Work Gloves, Large (841YL) - - Amazon.com
Wells Lamont Men's Hi-Viz Fingerless Synthetic Leather Work Gloves, Large (841YL) - - Amazon.comwww.amazon.com
Cycling gloves are great and some have gel padding if desired. Also, as others have stated, don't grip poles too tightly. Be sure to use the wrist straps as that if placed correctly, you can let the pole somewhat "swing" without much grip and thereby increase air circulation to hands.
I have pacer poles and worried about the sun on my hands so wore these: https://www.coolibar.com/unisex-fin...MI5f-WsPy15AIVAtlkCh2JyA-BEAQYAyABEgKwyvD_BwEI haven't seen anyone else discuss this issue so I wonder if I'm the only one! I use Pacer Poles (which I LOVE) with plastic handles (which I don't love as much) so my hands get sweaty most days. On my first Camino, I ended up wrapping a handkerchief around my hands. Not a great solution. On my second Camino I wore some old fingerless biking gloves and that worked pretty well but they were worn out at the end. So on my third camino I wore fingerless yoga gloves which are ok, too. But for my fourth camino, I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas for the perfect glove. I never saw anyone else wearing gloves at all. And only saw one other person using Pacer Poles. So is it just the Pacer Poles or do I just have really sweaty hands. (I don't, actually.) How come no one else talks about this?
I haven't seen anyone else discuss this issue so I wonder if I'm the only one! I use Pacer Poles (which I LOVE) with plastic handles (which I don't love as much) so my hands get sweaty most days. On my first Camino, I ended up wrapping a handkerchief around my hands. Not a great solution. On my second Camino I wore some old fingerless biking gloves and that worked pretty well but they were worn out at the end. So on my third camino I wore fingerless yoga gloves which are ok, too. But for my fourth camino, I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas for the perfect glove. I never saw anyone else wearing gloves at all. And only saw one other person using Pacer Poles. So is it just the Pacer Poles or do I just have really sweaty hands. (I don't, actually.) How come no one else talks about this?
What a great idea. I already have strips of reflective tape on my poles (for early starts and road walking) and a wrap of gaffer tape, but some chamois-type tape on the handles would be luxury.
To the OP - I hope you find a solution. Don’t give up on the pacer-poles.
No modern trekking pole needs to be gripped. Indeed, if you have to grip the pole to use it, you are doing something wrong. My observation is that the single most common fault is not having the straps on conventional poles the correct way around. I have two further observations about that.
First, there are some who claim that wearing the straps correctly is more dangerous than not wearing the straps at all. Their 'evidence', if they suggest there is any, is anecdotal, and they have never been able to point to anything like reported walking related accident or injury statistics that bear out their assertions. At that point, I take the view that their objections are matters of personal preference, not rational objective decision making, and leave them to it.
Others haven't been instructed about fitting the strap when they purchased their poles, or the importance of this wasn't emphasised and the information has got lost in the maze of other things people have had to think about as they prepared for their walk. It could be for any number of reasons.
Second, the one and perhaps only demonstrable difference between conventional poles and pacer poles is that it is almost impossible to hold pacer poles incorrectly. So from the outset, new users get the benefits of holding them as they are meant to be held for effective use. The same cannot be said for conventional poles, where some care is needed to learn how to fit, adjust and wear the strap to use the poles effectively.
This is clearly a significant advantage. There have been many posts on various threads over the years lamenting that there are so many pilgrims not getting the benefit of using conventional poles. Pacer poles are one way, but not the only way, to address this.
Ps, before any relatively new PP aficionados get tempted to rehearse their 'many' benefits, this is a well worn but not recent discussion. I suggest you will find most of the benefits claimed for PP are shared with conventional poles, ie they are not unique to PP.
Yes. I borrowed a pair for a short try out on the CF in 2016 while I was the hospitalero at San Anton.Have you tried the Pacer Poles, Doug?
Here it is, from post # 43
I walked with Pacer Poles in May 2019. My hands sweat with these Poles and I hated it but love the poles. I had bought some cooling towels for when it gets hot and tried wrapping it around the pacer pole handles and they worked perfectly. If my hand sweat at all it absorbed the sweat. Then I found by using a medium towel and wrapped it twice I could fit my hand in between the two layers of towels and keep my hands warm enough on a cold morning or protect my hands from the hot son because the towels have UV protection. My poles looked a little strange, but no one wanted to steal them and you could not tell they were Pacer Poles. I tried wearing fingerless sun gloves but my hands still sweat. The cooling towels were a perfect solution for me. I bought the Alfamo cooling towels on Amazon.I haven't seen anyone else discuss this issue so I wonder if I'm the only one! I use Pacer Poles (which I LOVE) with plastic handles (which I don't love as much) so my hands get sweaty most days. On my first Camino, I ended up wrapping a handkerchief around my hands. Not a great solution. On my second Camino I wore some old fingerless biking gloves and that worked pretty well but they were worn out at the end. So on my third camino I wore fingerless yoga gloves which are ok, too. But for my fourth camino, I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas for the perfect glove. I never saw anyone else wearing gloves at all. And only saw one other person using Pacer Poles. So is it just the Pacer Poles or do I just have really sweaty hands. (I don't, actually.) How come no one else talks about this?
Hey DebbieCB, it's funny that you should respond to this now. It's been over a year since I originally posted this but I was just thinking about the issue this weekend because I think I have a new solution.I walked with Pacer Poles in May 2019. My hands sweat with these Poles and I hated it but love the poles. I had bought some cooling towels for when it gets hot and tried wrapping it around the pacer pole handles and they worked perfectly. If my hand sweat at all it absorbed the sweat. Then I found by using a medium towel and wrapped it twice I could fit my hand in between the two layers of towels and keep my hands warm enough on a cold morning or protect my hands from the hot son because the towels have UV protection. My poles looked a little strange, but no one wanted to steal them and you could not tell they were Pacer Poles. I tried wearing fingerless sun gloves but my hands still sweat. The cooling towels were a perfect solution for me. I bought the Alfamo cooling towels on Amazon.
That's an excellent idea!Hey DebbieCB, it's funny that you should respond to this now. It's been over a year since I originally posted this but I was just thinking about the issue this weekend because I think I have a new solution.
I've been wearing fingerless sun gloves and that's worked pretty well. But the ones I've been using have started to fray. Plus, I don't love taking them on and off; they're sweaty and tight and they turn inside out when you take them off and blah blah blah. Anyhoo, I took off my sunglasses and put them inside a little microfiber bag made for that purpose when it occurred to me that the bag would be perfect to fit over the handles of the pacer poles. So, I'll try that on my next hike, although by then it may not be hot enough to sweat. Still, I think it's a really good idea. (I might replace the little string in the top with elastic, but it seems like it stays on as is.)
That looks good too. Here is a photo of what my pole looks like with cooling towel. Even if my hands don't swell they still feel better with this material on them. I love my poles so much but if I didn't have a solution to the hand sweating I wouldn't wear them.Hey DebbieCB, it's funny that you should respond to this now. It's been over a year since I originally posted this but I was just thinking about the issue this weekend because I think I have a new solution.
I've been wearing fingerless sun gloves and that's worked pretty well. But the ones I've been using have started to fray. Plus, I don't love taking them on and off; they're sweaty and tight and they turn inside out when you take them off and blah blah blah. Anyhoo, I took off my sunglasses and put them inside a little microfiber bag made for that purpose when it occurred to me that the bag would be perfect to fit over the handles of the pacer poles. So, I'll try that on my next hike, although by then it may not be hot enough to sweat. Still, I think it's a really good idea. (I might replace the little string in the top with elastic, but it seems like it stays on as is.)
I have walked 4 Caminos using Pacer Poles, wouldn’t leave home for another Camino without them! I wear gloves, they wash and dry overnight. Here is a link to what I have used and they have been perfect.I haven't seen anyone else discuss this issue so I wonder if I'm the only one! I use Pacer Poles (which I LOVE) with plastic handles (which I don't love as much) so my hands get sweaty most days. On my first Camino, I ended up wrapping a handkerchief around my hands. Not a great solution. On my second Camino I wore some old fingerless biking gloves and that worked pretty well but they were worn out at the end. So on my third camino I wore fingerless yoga gloves which are ok, too. But for my fourth camino, I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas for the perfect glove. I never saw anyone else wearing gloves at all. And only saw one other person using Pacer Poles. So is it just the Pacer Poles or do I just have really sweaty hands. (I don't, actually.) How come no one else talks about this?
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