niamhburke
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- August 2023
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Couldn’t agree more. And that’s the key -if you decide to get some, learn to use them PROPERLY! As in, all the time. Dougfitz absolutely nails it (above ).On poles: they are rarely essential, but they are always beneficial if you have learned to use them properly. It
I’m a pretty avid hiker, I just haven’t done a trip such as this before and on all hikes I’ve done I’ve never used poles. I’ve done 20 mile hikes with no poles but everyone who I know that’s done the Camino has used poles so I was just wondering!I'm assuming by your question you're not a regular walker, or maybe just on pavements. You need to decide if you need pole support when walking on footpaths with your backpack. The average walker shouldn't need them unless going cross-country, off the track so to speak (or you're body isn't all it used to be). The coastal route is not in any way 'technical'.
I would suggest almost the opposite. If you think there is a possibility that you will want to use poles, buy a set now and learn to use them properly. They don't have to be expensive - there are plenty of good quality poles available in most places.If in doubt, don't bring them..you can always change your mind along the way. The forrest will provide if needed, a solid branch of eucalyptus will do the job.
Yes, bring poles. We hiked from Vigo to Santiago on the Portuguese Way and there are a lot of hills all the way up the central route. You will be glad you have those poles.Hey! So I’m doing the costal Portuguese route for the first time this august, and was wondering, do I need trekking poles? And what are ppls opinions on bringing a water reservoir? I’m traveling for Europe for 2 weeks after the Camino, so I want to pack lightish but also be prepared for the 2 week Camino. Thanks!
I did the coastal route in 2019. I am old and creaky but did not need poles. I have found that the Camino provides a pole or poles or sturdy stick at times when needed. I would add that if I lived in Europe I most likely would bring poles but am not willing to risk putting mine in the belly of the planes I am on.I’m a pretty avid hiker, I just haven’t done a trip such as this before and on all hikes I’ve done I’ve never used poles. I’ve done 20 mile hikes with no poles but everyone who I know that’s done the Camino has used poles so I was just wondering!
Interesting conversation, but not one that I've found to be true. I have found more if a divide between older and younger pilgrims.After two camino, my observation is that many Europeans use them as that is what they are accustomed to use them when hiking. The majority of folks from the USA do not use poles. I would assume that it is a cultural preference.
I walked from Sarria to Santiago last year as a 70-year old peregriña, using an inexpensive walking stick only. I found it to be useful to steady myself on uneven paths. I have never used poles and was completely fine with the single walking stick.I’m a pretty avid hiker, I just haven’t done a trip such as this before and on all hikes I’ve done I’ve never used poles. I’ve done 20 mile hikes with no poles but everyone who I know that’s done the Camino has used poles so I was just wondering!
I never used them in my youth; but when I started climbing in the alps in the 1980’s, all the guides were using poles. They believed it would extend their career by a few years. I always used them when carrying a sack from that point onAfter two camino, my observation is that many Europeans use them as that is what they are accustomed to use them when hiking. The majority of folks from the USA do not use poles. I would assume that it is a cultural preference.
So true. That is why poles should be in one's hands being used, and not in one's pack as dead weight. There is no point taking poles if they aren't going to be used while you are walking. More, if they are going to help you should you stumble or have some other emergency, they are of absolutely no use if they aren't in your hands.Lugging around just-in-cass stuff, is generally seen as a bad thing in packing discussions.
Of course, and they can be helpful everywhere else as well. The physics of pole use doesn't change with the slope. People use them to increase their speed, reduce the weight on their lower joints, or some combination of both. If you don't want those advantages, and feel that your hips, knees and ankles will survive without using poles, that's fine too. They aren't essential, but they are always useful.Yes, they can be helpful on inclines like the ponte lima hill.
If this is happening to you, I would suggest that you are not wearing the strap correctly, because if you were, the poles would fall away from your hands as soon as you released the handles. You could retrieve an handkerchief, pick your nose, take a photo or any of the many other things one might contemplate because your hands are free of the poles.My hands like the freedom to be open handed, it's easier to take out my phone out of my cross body bag to take photos with my hands free,
I am a little puzzled by what you mean here. If you are talking about the tapping noise of your own poles, you are entirely in control of that. Make sure your 'rubber' pole tips have not worn through so the metal tip has been exposed, and carry some spare rubber tips. If you are talking about other people with poles tapping away, I suggest you have no control over that at all, and it isn't a good reason for you not to carry poles. In either case, I don't see this as a valid reason not to carry poles.And the click click noise can be distracting from the sounds along the path like bird song and wind rustling the leaves.
After two camino, my observation is that many Europeans use them as that is what they are accustomed to use them when hiking. The majority of folks from the USA do not use poles. I would assume that it is a cultural preference.
I agree with Trecile.I have found more if a divide between older and younger pilgrims.
Hey, I'm by no means an expert but do have 3 caminos under my belt, and have opinions on what worked for me.Hey! So I’m doing the costal Portuguese route for the first time this august, and was wondering, do I need trekking poles? And what are ppls opinions on bringing a water reservoir? I’m traveling for Europe for 2 weeks after the Camino, so I want to pack lightish but also be prepared for the 2 week Camino. Thanks!
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