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Do they actually help you on the uphills and downhills? You don't have to use them the rest of the time.
Personally, I hate the two pole system.
I have one pole, I use it for downhill support.
First: are they adjusted properly?
Second: are you using them properly?
Third: have you practiced with different hand positions, using the hand straps?
All of the above make a difference. Geometry is everything. Pace and cadence are vital. Knowing when to use or remove rubber tips is also critical.
Rather than try to diagnose your specific issues, I recommend that you go to the website for Leki, Black Diamond, or to You Tube, to find and review videos on “How to use hiking poles.”
Personally I believe that using poles is as natural as walking, swimming, or riding a bicycle. Once you learn it, you never forget. It is muscle memory. Once ingrained, you are stuck with it.
Hope this helps.
Do they actually help you on the uphills and downhills?
I also love the workout they give my hands and shoulders and arms when walking the Camino. You can feel it.
You need to consider using poles on the treadmill...They help me. I could not walk without them, but I've got no depth perception (being nearly blind in one eye), knees that are totally stuffed, and poor balance. This morning in the gym, on the treadmill - I managed to fall off because I was not holding the guide rail!
Less my post be construed as being opposed to your advice, Tom, it isn't meant to. For those who want to use trekking poles and experience their definite benefits, your advice is spot on. I was only speaking of those who have tried, are utterly frustrated, and really are wondering why they are putting up with trying to 'get it'
I think that,for some,they are a bit of a fad. Years ago on the Le Puy route I met a lecturer in biomechanical engineering and he bluntly asked someone why he had them..the reply was because others were using them even tough he thought they were doing no good. I've lost count how many times I've seen these poles trailed along the ground,slung across the shoulders or gently tapping on asphalt..the benefit?..nil. Another time someone was walking across a small slipway with ankle deep water and as he slipped he came down and missed spearing himself in the leg with the point. I also find it odd that you need to "learn" how to use them properly. To me they seem like a con from the skiing pole manufacturers..I can just hear them.."look fellas how can we flog these things out of skiing season?...I know lets say they take 40% pressure off your knees,hang on that's too much..make it 25%"Backgroud: Up to this day, two caminos and many other travelling around the world without walking poles.
Simply put, I hate them: feel uncoordinated, tired, dislike the noise even with rubber tips - hate them so much that i'm concious of being biased against them.
Situation: we are going on the Camino Lebaniego in April. Lots of mountains. I gave in and got a pair of poles to help me on the uphills. I occasionally borrowed my partner's pole when going uphil in previous trails, and there are benefits in using them, so well, decided to try.
I am training with them for two months now. I'm watching videos on how to position. I had them fitted at the store. I asked help from my cousin who is a physiotherapist.
And I still feel extremely tired, with sore arms and very irritated by the end of any walk with those sticks of doom. When people ask me "but you are getting extra support, right?" Sincerely, I don't know. I totally don't feel it, even though they are apparently well fitted. Only feel it when going uphill.
Question: Should I simply ditch them and go as I always did, pole free? Or are the Picos de Europa really challenging and I would benefit from the uphill support?
Nope. You may not like them @omar504, but many of us swear by them, for good reason.To me they seem like a con from the skiing pole manufacturers
They just seemed to be in the way for me, like dealing with a pair of javelins... I'm fairly light and agile, and my pack is not heavy, so balance is not really an issue. But it shows that everyone is different. I think the opinions above to relinquish them is fair, if indeed you derive or perceive no benefit in using them. Otherwise, keep-on practicing!
My wife walked the Camino in 2016 with Pacer Poles and has made me a convert to them. I don’t know if Pacer Poles make users look “stupid”, but I find their design makes a good deal of sense and really seems to provide good support and balance. I’ll be on the Camino beginning in late-April with my Pacer Poles in hand. In any case, my experience has been that hiking poles in general are a real benefit to long distance trekking.Even though I'm sure I look stupid walking with them, I love my PacerPoles.
I always recommend a pair of walking sticks. I watch people using them and they are using them improperly. The tips should not come forward past the back edge of your heal unless you are going down hill, when they can provide added stability in front of your body. REI and other outfitters can provide training on the use of poles.Backgroud: Up to this day, two caminos and many other travelling around the world without walking poles.
Simply put, I hate them: feel uncoordinated, tired, dislike the noise even with rubber tips - hate them so much that i'm concious of being biased against them.
Situation: we are going on the Camino Lebaniego in April. Lots of mountains. I gave in and got a pair of poles to help me on the uphills. I occasionally borrowed my partner's pole when going uphil in previous trails, and there are benefits in using them, so well, decided to try.
I am training with them for two months now. I'm watching videos on how to position. I had them fitted at the store. I asked help from my cousin who is a physiotherapist.
And I still feel extremely tired, with sore arms and very irritated by the end of any walk with those sticks of doom. When people ask me "but you are getting extra support, right?" Sincerely, I don't know. I totally don't feel it, even though they are apparently well fitted. Only feel it when going uphill.
Question: Should I simply ditch them and go as I always did, pole free? Or are the Picos de Europa really challenging and I would benefit from the uphill support?
They also help when crossing a stream by way of wobbly rocks, judging the depth of the mud, and yes when negotiating a steep and rocky down hill trail that has a fast moving stream running down it - as in the descent into Molinaseca.Do they actually help you on the uphills and downhills? You don't have to use them the rest of the time.
Personally, I hate the two pole system.
I have one pole, I use it for downhill support.
I love my PacerPoles too. I bought them because they seemed "idiot proof", and the learning curve was very small. Because of their ergonomic grip I didn't have to learn how to hold them correctly.My wife walked the Camino in 2016 with Pacer Poles and has made me a convert to them. I don’t know if Pacer Poles make users look “stupid”, but I find their design makes a good deal of sense and really seems to provide good support and balance. I’ll be on the Camino beginning in late-April with my Pacer Poles in hand. In any case, my experience has been that hiking poles in general are a real benefit to long distance trekking.
They also help when crossing a stream by way of wobbly rocks, judging the depth of the mud, and yes when negotiating a steep and rocky down hill trail that has a fast moving stream running down it - as in the descent into Molinaseca.
Brought mine thinking "sissy me"!! I'll never use them. Tried them day 1 and never started a day after that without them.Backgroud: Up to this day, two caminos and many other travelling around the world without walking poles.
Simply put, I hate them: feel uncoordinated, tired, dislike the noise even with rubber tips - hate them so much that i'm concious of being biased against them.
Situation: we are going on the Camino Lebaniego in April. Lots of mountains. I gave in and got a pair of poles to help me on the uphills. I occasionally borrowed my partner's pole when going uphil in previous trails, and there are benefits in using them, so well, decided to try.
I am training with them for two months now. I'm watching videos on how to position. I had them fitted at the store. I asked help from my cousin who is a physiotherapist.
And I still feel extremely tired, with sore arms and very irritated by the end of any walk with those sticks of doom. When people ask me "but you are getting extra support, right?" Sincerely, I don't know. I totally don't feel it, even though they are apparently well fitted. Only feel it when going uphill.
Question: Should I simply ditch them and go as I always did, pole free? Or are the Picos de Europa really challenging and I would benefit from the uphill support?
I don't know how rugged the Picos are. Maybe check for some YouTube videos done by hikers.Question: Should I simply ditch them and go as I always did, pole free? Or are the Picos de Europa really challenging and I would benefit from the uphill support?
Question: Should I simply ditch them and go as I always did, pole free? Or are the Picos de Europa really challenging and I would benefit from the uphill support?
Anamya - Just an idea - maybe your physiotherapist cousin could help you with a program to really build up muscle in your thighs/calves. I've been amazed by the fact that although I'd done long training every year and hiked with poles on all Caminos, a trainer here helped me build super-thigh strength this year over and above what running and yoga does, and it's all so much easier now with the much-increased thigh strength that I'm hiking in the mountains where I live without poles now and doing the West Highland Way next month without poles. I got the idea to build up super-strength when hiking some extreme inclines on rock and mud with a tough little Frenchwoman on the Le Puy last year - she never used poles and was a dynamo.Backgroud: Up to this day, two caminos and many other travelling around the world without walking poles.
Simply put, I hate them: feel uncoordinated, tired, dislike the noise even with rubber tips - hate them so much that i'm concious of being biased against them.
Situation: we are going on the Camino Lebaniego in April. Lots of mountains. I gave in and got a pair of poles to help me on the uphills. I occasionally borrowed my partner's pole when going uphil in previous trails, and there are benefits in using them, so well, decided to try.
I am training with them for two months now. I'm watching videos on how to position. I had them fitted at the store. I asked help from my cousin who is a physiotherapist.
And I still feel extremely tired, with sore arms and very irritated by the end of any walk with those sticks of doom. When people ask me "but you are getting extra support, right?" Sincerely, I don't know. I totally don't feel it, even though they are apparently well fitted. Only feel it when going uphill.
Question: Should I simply ditch them and go as I always did, pole free? Or are the Picos de Europa really challenging and I would benefit from the uphill support?
I think that you mean should not be tired...Your arms should be tired or hurt after walking all day with them.
Ditch the poles. Here are three videos of the Camino Lebaniego. The hardest part looks to be the second half of etapa 2.
CAMINO LEBANIEGO en 3 ETAPAS
Todas las Etapas del Camino Lebaniego a pie. Una experiencia de momentos y lugares irrepetibles concentradas en 3 días inolvidables!www.youtube.com
Anamya - Just an idea - maybe your physiotherapist cousin could help you with a program to really build up muscle in your thighs/calves. I've been amazed by the fact that although I'd done long training every year and hiked with poles on all Caminos, a trainer here helped me build super-thigh strength this year
Not everyone needs or likes using walking poles. If you don´t like them, don´t use them. Simple.
I surely can, and that's exactly the part I dislike! Just feels like energy I waste that could have been used otherwise!
Probably I should just admit that i tried, but no, they are not for me....
@AnamyaSimply put, I hate them: feel uncoordinated, tired, dislike the noise even with rubber tips - hate them so much that i'm concious of being biased against them.
You're my superhero, Anamya, for being able to leg press so much weight!!! I'm doing barbell squats, weighted walking lunges, prisoner squats and weighted sumo squats, which seem to help a great deal (I seem to be squatting a lot, lol). Maybe I should get cracking on those leg presses!I watched those videos just the other day, while researching about the trail! They are very good (luckyly i understand Spanish), and the comments are helpful.Second half of etapa 2 in indeed what seems the steepest, towards Cabanes.
I wish there were more posts in the Vadiniense/Lebaniego area of the forum, I'm SOOOOO excited to be in this trail!
Totally agreed, and we actually are working on that! We often exercise together, and my legs are reasonably strong. In younger years I could easily legpress 200kg, these days I'm happy with 150kg-something. My issue is usually with uphills, and we are working on that. Lots of stairs and hills for me in preparation for this walk!
I'm doing barbell squats, weighted walking lunges, prisoner squats and weighted sumo squats, which seem to help a great deal
Yikes!I'm doing barbell squats, weighted walking lunges, prisoner squats and weighted sumo squats,
I do the weighed lunges and a fair bit of squats s well, but I'm surely not as good as you! My cousin taught me how to do them with proper form, and a few already feel like a big workout!
Correcting my post nowI think that you mean should not be tired...
Great idea! One for uphill push or downhill balance. I'm quite envious of people walking WITHOUT them!! I find I HAVE to use two otherwise I get slower and more tired without them. I walk extremely well and properly with them and have noticed how some folk look uncoordinated and they seem to be only for decoration.I surely can, and that's exactly the part I dislike! Just feels like energy I waste that could have been used otherwise!
Probably I should just admit that i tried, but no, they are not for me. I may take one pole to the Lebaniego, just to assist with the uphills, and then donate the pair to someone that can make better use of them
I love your answers to all sorts of questions here on this forum' davebugg' because they always have practical answers and are full of just plain common sense. So, I give you a vote of thanks.Ditch them.
Up until the last 5 years I never used trekking poles. When I started using them, I found they provided benefit and I enjoy having them along. I put on and remove the rubber tips on Camino as needed.
If you do not like them, feel disadvantaged while using them, find them creating problems, etc, then I would not put up with them any more than an ill fitting shoe or backpack. Go with what you know and makes things better, not worse.
I am not going to presume that you need to be taught better, have more practice, attach rabbit's feet to the poles, or chant in a certain way. . . If they are not working, they are not working. I tend to think that a lot of pilgrims employ trekking poles because they think it is 'part of the Camino thing to do'. It is obvious as you watch them that they are like an appendix, sort of a useless appendage.
So remove yourappendixtrekking poles from your person and do what is good for you
Backgroud: Up to this day, two caminos and many other travelling around the world without walking poles.
Simply put, I hate them: feel uncoordinated, tired, dislike the noise even with rubber tips - hate them so much that i'm concious of being biased against them.
Question: Should I simply ditch them and go as I always did, pole free? Or are the Picos de Europa really challenging and I would benefit from the uphill support?
I think that I very much prefer the way Davebugg has responded to this question.I hear you perfectly! I hate them too!(With all due respect to the ones who have chosen otherwise.)
In my opinion, they are completely redundant, a ballast if you will. So, my personal advice is, just ditch them and ENJOY your Camino! You'll feel free and relaxed.
However, this is if for the ones that are healthy and fairly trained. I understand that for older and weaker people those poles may come in handy.
Well, it's only a matter of opinions. Everybody has one. There's no right or wrong. And you didn't need to express your opinion on my opinionI think that I very much prefer the way Davebugg has responded to this question.
I could tell you all about poles and why I like them but that's about me. From what you said I would tell you to ditch the poles. Doesn't sound like your thing. Sort of like fitting a round peg in a square hole. If it's so important why not just carry one pole like a walking stick?Backgroud: Up to this day, two caminos and many other travelling around the world without walking poles.
Simply put, I hate them: feel uncoordinated, tired, dislike the noise even with rubber tips - hate them so much that i'm concious of being biased against them.
Situation: we are going on the Camino Lebaniego in April. Lots of mountains. I gave in and got a pair of poles to help me on the uphills. I occasionally borrowed my partner's pole when going uphil in previous trails, and there are benefits in using them, so well, decided to try.
I am training with them for two months now. I'm watching videos on how to position. I had them fitted at the store. I asked help from my cousin who is a physiotherapist.
And I still feel extremely tired, with sore arms and very irritated by the end of any walk with those sticks of doom. When people ask me "but you are getting extra support, right?" Sincerely, I don't know. I totally don't feel it, even though they are apparently well fitted. Only feel it when going uphill.
Question: Should I simply ditch them and go as I always did, pole free? Or are the Picos de Europa really challenging and I would benefit from the uphill support?
Backgroud: Up to this day, two caminos and many other travelling around the world without walking poles.
Simply put, I hate them: feel uncoordinated, tired, dislike the noise even with rubber tips - hate them so much that i'm concious of being biased against them.
(SNIP)
Question: Should I simply ditch them and go as I always did, pole free? Or are the Picos de Europa really challenging and I would benefit from the uphill support?
It sounds to me like you are overthinking the use of poles. I got used to mine by just casually walking around the neighborhood with them. I try not to grip the poles to tightly. This lessens the arm fatigue. Sometimes I use them in parallel to my feet( right foot and right pole forward at the same time, then left foot left pole); sometimes opposite to my feet; sometimes both forward, then both back; pretty random motion. My girlfriend tried this casual approach and has had much better success than when she tried to follow instructions.Backgroud: Up to this day, two caminos and many other travelling around the world without walking poles.
Simply put, I hate them: feel uncoordinated, tired, dislike the noise even with rubber tips - hate them so much that i'm concious of being biased against them.
Situation: we are going on the Camino Lebaniego in April. Lots of mountains. I gave in and got a pair of poles to help me on the uphills. I occasionally borrowed my partner's pole when going uphil in previous trails, and there are benefits in using them, so well, decided to try.
I am training with them for two months now. I'm watching videos on how to position. I had them fitted at the store. I asked help from my cousin who is a physiotherapist.
And I still feel extremely tired, with sore arms and very irritated by the end of any walk with those sticks of doom. When people ask me "but you are getting extra support, right?" Sincerely, I don't know. I totally don't feel it, even though they are apparently well fitted. Only feel it when going uphill.
Question: Should I simply ditch them and go as I always did, pole free? Or are the Picos de Europa really challenging and I would benefit from the uphill support?
I prefer poles with angled cork grips more natural and comfortable.
<SNIP>
I do the Camino with only one pole .Do they actually help you on the uphills and downhills? You don't have to use them the rest of the time.
Personally, I hate the two pole system.
I have one pole, I use it for downhill support.
Lighten up Life's too short! I'm 75 and been using poles for 20+ years. Get poles with long grips so you can constantly raise or lower your hands as the terrain shifts.Backgroud: Up to this day, two caminos and many other travelling around the world without walking poles.
Simply put, I hate them: feel uncoordinated, tired, dislike the noise even with rubber tips - hate them so much that i'm concious of being biased against them.
Situation: we are going on the Camino Lebaniego in April. Lots of mountains. I gave in and got a pair of poles to help me on the uphills. I occasionally borrowed my partner's pole when going uphil in previous trails, and there are benefits in using them, so well, decided to try.
I am training with them for two months now. I'm watching videos on how to position. I had them fitted at the store. I asked help from my cousin who is a physiotherapist.
And I still feel extremely tired, with sore arms and very irritated by the end of any walk with those sticks of doom. When people ask me "but you are getting extra support, right?" Sincerely, I don't know. I totally don't feel it, even though they are apparently well fitted. Only feel it when going uphill.
Question: Should I simply ditch them and go as I always did, pole free? Or are the Picos de Europa really challenging and I would benefit from the uphill support?
I love your answers to all sorts of questions here on this forum' davebugg' because they always have practical answers and are full of just plain common sense. So, I give you a vote of thanks.
There are no awards for the dumb comment of the day on this forum, but if there was you would be the winner.However, this is if for the ones that are healthy and fairly trained. I understand that for older and weaker people those poles may come in handy.
I'm sorry that wasn't meant in a bad wayThere are no awards for the dumb comment of the day on this forum, but if there was you would be the winner.
I'm sorry that wasn't meant in a bad wayI was just saying that basically depends on several, different variables, and what works for some, may not work for others.
OK, Peace!I'm sorry that wasn't meant in a bad wayI was just saying that basically depends on several, different variables, and what works for some, may not work for others.
I understand and I officially apologize with all my heart!I understand what you were trying to say, and that you were attempting to give an example to underscore your point.
Can you see how it reads as being condescending and stereotypical, though? If you had left out the word 'older' in that sentence, you would have a legitimate point. The word 'older' made your sentence a specific statement about the totality of those within that age group, labeling them as being infirm.
That is why some might view what you wrote in a negative light.
OK, Peace!
I agree gear choice is a highly personal thing be it trekking poles, boots, shoes or packs. There is no one 'correct' way to walk your Camino.
Just a note though about the weaker comment though, I actually find since I have very good upper body strength I gain even more benefit from my poles. At almost 59 I still easily bench press my own weight and every day 100 push ups is part of my training along with other core building exercises.
Yes I Left my pool after having lunch.I don't use them. I like to have my hands free when walking and without them your brain will also exercise to coordinate your body better.
It is one more really in cumbersome thing to carry around and most easily lose item. I do not follow those carrying them to close as they nearly poked my eyes out with steal point, many times.
I walked without them all my life and had not issue. It is matter of getting used to, pole or no poles.
Thank goodness babies keep trying to walk after both seeing fellow babies fail at it and experiencing numerous failures themselves before they get it.I never got the hang of playing a piano. Everyone else also should quit that thing.
Backgroud: Up to this day, two caminos and many other travelling around the world without walking poles.
Simply put, I hate them: feel uncoordinated, tired, dislike the noise even with rubber tips - hate them so much that i'm concious of being biased against them.
Situation: we are going on the Camino Lebaniego in April. Lots of mountains. I gave in and got a pair of poles to help me on the uphills. I occasionally borrowed my partner's pole when going uphil in previous trails, and there are benefits in using them, so well, decided to try.
I am training with them for two months now. I'm watching videos on how to position. I had them fitted at the store. I asked help from my cousin who is a physiotherapist.
And I still feel extremely tired, with sore arms and very irritated by the end of any walk with those sticks of doom. When people ask me "but you are getting extra support, right?" Sincerely, I don't know. I totally don't feel it, even though they are apparently well fitted. Only feel it when going uphill.
Question: Should I simply ditch them and go as I always did, pole free? Or are the Picos de Europa really challenging and I would benefit from the uphill support?I completed the Lebaniego in September. I prefer the poles and find them particularly helpful on steep grades in bad conditions like mud. It's not necessary to have them if you prefer not too. Maybe the best thing to do is just take one.
Even though I'm sure I look stupid walking with them, I love my PacerPoles.
As one of the 'oldies' here and, most definitely 'more weaker' this year, I do admit to being upset by your earlier wording, but thought not to draw attention to it. Thankyou from one of us, for apologising and, just to help you feel easier, it is very easily done.I understand and I officially apologize with all my heart!I really didn't mean to use 'older' in a negative way. I would never do that!
I'm also grateful and respectful, and I can learn a lot actually from people more experienced than me, in many different fields. Again, I feel really bad if someone may have misunderstood my wording. I was naive about that. :/ I didn't express myself very well, but I surely didn't want to offend anybody. Hope you guys are going to forgive me for my stupidity.
EDIT: I changed the last sentence so there won't be anymore misunderstanding.
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