Kitkat1066
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- Future May 2022
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Using poles does help eliminate hand swelling. This article explains how and why.Bit puzzled as to why you think they might be useful in Oedema (swelling due to fluid retention).
Thank you much appreciated, as far as the Oedema is concerened they said that poles helped with the swelling because the poles meant that their arms were elevated all the time. Might have up to my water whilst walking.I usually walk without poles. Have always been happy without.
Bit puzzled as to why you think they might be useful in Oedema (swelling due to fluid retention). Daft as it may sound the useful response to that is drinking water
They definitely stop you getting 'sausage fingers', probably because they are held up, and also as they clench the pole handle. On other walks I have seen people clench a small ball in their hands to stop them swelling.I have never walked with poles before and to be honest I have never really thought about using them, except that people say they have helped when it comes to your fingers swelling, which mine can do. I am interested to hear from other pilgrims who have completed walks/pilgrimages or just walked long distances without poles. Do you wish you had bought them or were you okay without them? Any tricks to help with the swelling of the hands and fingers also greatly appreciated?
Thank you I am seriously considering buying a collapsible set and giving them a thorough trial before next year.They definitely stop you getting 'sausage fingers', probably because they are held up, and also as they clench the pole handle. On other walks I have seen people clench a small ball in their hands to stop them swelling.
On the practical side, if you have to fly to begin your walk, collapsible poles mean you can fit them in your pack. As to brand people have different preferences. I havent tried Pacer Poles, but people seem to like them. Mine are lightweight poles I picked up at a store in Leon.
I didn't walk with poles when I was younger, but I was sold on them on my second Camino, and wouldn't walk without them now. Saves my knees, helps my balance, and the downhills are much easier. I arrive each day feeling great and not tired. I love my poles.
However I see people with them tied to their packs, or being carried but not used. I would say in that case they are just extra weight.
A tip - mark or tie your poles in some way so that someone doesn't grab them by mistake as they leave in the morning (as with shoes).
I hear you for all of the above which I have done without poles but I know in hindsight life would have been so much easier with them. I think I am going to have to buy a set and try them out to be certain that they are for me.HIi @Kitkat1066 Such a personal choice but ... for what it's worth. I've walked with and without. I like walking with poles because ...
I feel they help give a nice rhythm to my stride on long straight stretches (but beware not to grip too tight)
Useful on steep descents for balance, supporting knees etc
Useful when navigating narrow muddy paths (I'm looking at you Le Puy)
Useful for balance when stone stepping while crossing a creek
Useful for batting away low hanging branches
Useful for making a bit of a noise when passing unfriendly dogs
Useful for reducing swelling in hands - that's a definite yes from me.
I can easily fold down and put one or both in the side of my pack any time. Mine are v lightweight.
Not all of the above circumstances (e.g. creeks, unfriendly dogs) may be encountered on the Camino Frances, but yes on other paths.
Buen camino.
One thing I'd add - and others may have had the opposite experience. I've had expensive poles and cheap poles. The expensive ones caused problems after a while with the 'collapsing' mechanism. The cheap ones (20 euros a pair) bought some years ago are still going strong. Like many things, I find that the simpler the mechanism (the fewer the moving parts), the less likelihood for something to break or jam. Particularly if you are trying out, I wouldn't spend a lot of money on them. Happy trails.I hear you for all of the above which I have done without poles but I know in hindsight life would have been so much easier with them. I think I am going to have to buy a set and try them out to be certain that they are for me.
Excellent article! Thank you Trecile for posting the link.Using poles does help eliminate hand swelling. This article explains how and why.
Why your hands swell while hiking: the real reason - Because it's there
The myths of why hands swell while hiking You're five miles into a hike with a group of friends. You've never been hiking before and it sounded adventurousgraysoncobb.com
That is a fascinating read!Using poles does help eliminate hand swelling. This article explains how and why.
Why your hands swell while hiking: the real reason - Because it's there
The myths of why hands swell while hiking You're five miles into a hike with a group of friends. You've never been hiking before and it sounded adventurousgraysoncobb.com
I’m definitely a fan of poles. They take weight off your knees, hips, and back, and they help with balance. From my time on the Camino I know younger folks use poles much less, but for older hikers, poles really making the going much easier. I hiked my Camino at 75, using Pacer poles, which has a hand grip which is more of a shaped hand rest— this is a simple design innovation that relieves the pressure of wrapping your hands around the horizontal shaft of a conventional pole. Look up Pacer poles on Google. They’re more expensive than many poles but are well made and well designed. But, speaking generally, hiking poles are a big aid to enjoying long treks that roll on for miles.I have never walked with poles before and to be honest I have never really thought about using them, except that people say they have helped when it comes to your fingers swelling, which mine can do. I am interested to hear from other pilgrims who have completed walks/pilgrimages or just walked long distances without poles. Do you wish you had bought them or were you okay without them? Any tricks to help with the swelling of the hands and fingers also greatly appreciated?
Obviously each of us has our own correct answer to this question. Mine is this. I always rejected the idea of poles, thought it was a stupid idea. Then at age 62 I experienced an episode of vertigo. I’ve pretty well recovered but discovered that I’m a little unsure and unbalanced especially when going down a descending trail. Someone suggested trying a pole and the result is fantastic. If I knew then what I know now, I would have always taken a pole with me. The first day on my first Camino was really rough especially on my ankles. The same route with a pole on my second Camino was a breeze. I’ve found carrying a single pole to come in handy when traversing through mud and a slick trail. I’m not one of those walkers who march through their Camino click-click-click but I wouldn’t do it again without one.I have never walked with poles before and to be honest I have never really thought about using them, except that people say they have helped when it comes to your fingers swelling, which mine can do. I am interested to hear from other pilgrims who have completed walks/pilgrimages or just walked long distances without poles. Do you wish you had bought them or were you okay without them? Any tricks to help with the swelling of the hands and fingers also greatly appreciated?
I have never walked with poles before and to be honest I have never really thought about using them, except that people say they have helped when it comes to your fingers swelling, which mine can do. I am interested to hear from other pilgrims who have completed walks/pilgrimages or just walked long distances without poles. Do you wish you had bought them or were you okay without them? Any tricks to help with the swelling of the hands and fingers also greatly appreciated?
My first Camino I walked with two poles. My fingers tend to swell and this helped a lot. However, after a while I found them to be a bit cumbersome. My next two Caminos I used one pole and would switch sides when needed and that kept my fingers from becoming little sausages. Also, I found going downhill with one pole worked better. If you get collapsible poles, you can always pack one away.I have never walked with poles before and to be honest I have never really thought about using them, except that people say they have helped when it comes to your fingers swelling, which mine can do. I am interested to hear from other pilgrims who have completed walks/pilgrimages or just walked long distances without poles. Do you wish you had bought them or were you okay without them? Any tricks to help with the swelling of the hands and fingers also greatly appreciated?
I have now completed 8 different caminos and never found the need for walking poles. If you are worried about swelling on the hands and fingers, periodically raise your arms from the elbows and hold on to the shoulder straps of your rucksack to help any build up of fluid to disperse. It is nice to have the hands free for looking at instructions or holding a camera, without poles getting in the way.I have never walked with poles before and to be honest I have never really thought about using them, except that people say they have helped when it comes to your fingers swelling, which mine can do. I am interested to hear from other pilgrims who have completed walks/pilgrimages or just walked long distances without poles. Do you wish you had bought them or were you okay without them? Any tricks to help with the swelling of the hands and fingers also greatly appreciated?
I walked the Le Puy for 14 days without them. I don’t use them. However I had to cut my walk short as I got terrible blisters despite having comfortable supportive shoes and wonder if having poles might have helped.I have never walked with poles before and to be honest I have never really thought about using them, except that people say they have helped when it comes to your fingers swelling, which mine can do. I am interested to hear from other pilgrims who have completed walks/pilgrimages or just walked long distances without poles. Do you wish you had bought them or were you okay without them? Any tricks to help with the swelling of the hands and fingers also greatly appreciated?
This is somewhat true. However, if you're using the straps, the poles can just hang from your wrists as you snap a photo. Although they can be a little annoying if you're trying to do something more complicated. I've also attached an action camera mount to the bottom of one of my poles and the pole makes a great selfie stick which can be deployed more quickly than a regular selfie stick.It is nice to have the hands free for looking at instructions or holding a camera, without poles getting in the way.
I use hiking poles every time I walk a Camino. I find that those having trouble with them are using them wrong and waste even more energy. Two simple rules. on level ground and up hill hiking, the pole tips should never come forward of your heals. Going down hill use them for balance in front of you. When used properly they can save you a lot of energy.I have never walked with poles before and to be honest I have never really thought about using them, except that people say they have helped when it comes to your fingers swelling, which mine can do. I am interested to hear from other pilgrims who have completed walks/pilgrimages or just walked long distances without poles. Do you wish you had bought them or were you okay without them? Any tricks to help with the swelling of the hands and fingers also greatly appreciated?
Any tricks to help with the swelling of the hands and fingers also greatly appreciated?
I won't answer finger swelling because several people have commented on this. However I use them as they help your balance going up and down hill and also if used correctly (not swung about like you are conducting an orchestra) they take a percentage wear of your legs and knees. This may only be 5 or 10% but over the course of a long distance walk this will be considerable.I have never walked with poles before and to be honest I have never really thought about using them, except that people say they have helped when it comes to your fingers swelling, which mine can do. I am interested to hear from other pilgrims who have completed walks/pilgrimages or just walked long distances without poles. Do you wish you had bought them or were you okay without them? Any tricks to help with the swelling of the hands and fingers also greatly appreciated?
I hiked for years without poles - they seemed superflous. I gradually came to appreciate their utility in many ways and now use them (6,000 miles plus) for any hike longer than a day. I sometimes use them on day hikes.I have never walked with poles before and to be honest I have never really thought about using them, except that people say they have helped when it comes to your fingers swelling, which mine can do. I am interested to hear from other pilgrims who have completed walks/pilgrimages or just walked long distances without poles. Do you wish you had bought them or were you okay without them? Any tricks to help with the swelling of the hands and fingers also greatly appreciated?
Hiking poles can help prevent your fingers swelling. I imagine it's because when you walk without them, your hands are usually lower and swinging back and forth like a large pendulum. I know that when I had the swelling happen, I would walk for a while with my arms and hands up above my head trying to let gravity take its course. But aside from that, hiking poles can increase stability--especially when trying to get through a muddy, rocky, or steep stretch of trail. They also take some load off your knees, knees, and feet and increase the work that your arms do. Finally, they are great for holding up tents, discouraging dogs, and holding laundry in hotel rooms.I usually walk without poles. Have always been happy without.
Bit puzzled as to why you think they might be useful in Oedema (swelling due to fluid retention). Daft as it may sound the useful response to that is drinking water
Normally, i walk without poles. But when you keep in mind that while walking El Camino you carry a backpack of 6 to 8 kg and you have these steep descents… those poles really help you with balance and to get some pressure off your knees…I have never walked with poles before and to be honest I have never really thought about using them, except that people say they have helped when it comes to your fingers swelling, which mine can do. I am interested to hear from other pilgrims who have completed walks/pilgrimages or just walked long distances without poles. Do you wish you had bought them or were you okay without them? Any tricks to help with the swelling of the hands and fingers also greatly appreciated?
I had not heard of the connection between using poles and swollen fingers, however, the answers given by earlier commenters make sense.I have never walked with poles before and to be honest I have never really thought about using them, except that people say they have helped when it comes to your fingers swelling, which mine can do. I am interested to hear from other pilgrims who have completed walks/pilgrimages or just walked long distances without poles. Do you wish you had bought them or were you okay without them? Any tricks to help with the swelling of the hands and fingers also greatly appreciated?
Lots of hot, humid summer hiking has taught me to take along a golf ball and run it around in my palm, squeezing and releasing the pressure with my fingers; transferring it from hand to hand as desired: voila: no more ‘fat hand syndrome’I have never walked with poles before and to be honest I have never really thought about using them, except that people say they have helped when it comes to your fingers swelling, which mine can do. I am interested to hear from other pilgrims who have completed walks/pilgrimages or just walked long distances without poles. Do you wish you had bought them or were you okay without them? Any tricks to help with the swelling of the hands and fingers also greatly appreciated?
More…just returned from second CF three weeks ago: it worked quite wellLots of hot, humid summer hiking has taught me to take along a golf ball and run it around in my palm, squeezing and releasing the pressure with my fingers; transferring it from hand to hand as desired: voila: no more ‘fat hand syndrome’
When I walked in 2016 it was the first time I experienced swelling of the hands while backpacking, and I experienced it from the first day. I was told walking with my hands held high would alleviate it, and it did, somewhat, but it is tiring. I didn't get poles to avoid the hand swelling. I got them when my knees were in terrible shape and everything else I tried (lots of Advil, knee braces, a hiking staff) didn't seem to be enough. But when I did get the poles the hand swelling disappeared right away. I can't say why it works, but it does. I suspect it has something to do with the arms not swinging down with the same motion.I usually walk without poles. Have always been happy without.
Bit puzzled as to why you think they might be useful in Oedema (swelling due to fluid retention). Daft as it may sound the useful response to that is drinking water
Aloha,I have never walked with poles before and to be honest I have never really thought about using them, except that people say they have helped when it comes to your fingers swelling, which mine can do. I am interested to hear from other pilgrims who have completed walks/pilgrimages or just walked long distances without poles. Do you wish you had bought them or were you okay without them? Any tricks to help with the swelling of the hands and fingers also greatly appreciated?
PI usually walk without poles. Have always been happy without.
Bit puzzled as to why you think they might be useful in Oedema (swelling due to fluid retention). Daft as it may sound the useful response to that is drinking water
Hi Kitkat, I too have hands that swell. I ordered a product from ULA I had seen years ago, but noted for my trip when I finally was able to go (April). I've seen homemade versions of these also, where they are a little more like a sling (and padded). But these were cheap so I thought I'd start here (you could add some hiker's wool to cushion a little):I have never walked with poles before and to be honest I have never really thought about using them, except that people say they have helped when it comes to your fingers swelling, which mine can do. I am interested to hear from other pilgrims who have completed walks/pilgrimages or just walked long distances without poles. Do you wish you had bought them or were you okay without them? Any tricks to help with the swelling of the hands and fingers also greatly appreciated?
The article that I posted above explains why it works.But when I did get the poles the hand swelling disappeared right away. I can't say why it works, but it does
Agree with all you have said @Jeff Crawley ; I have exactly the same problem and do as you do - it works!The older I get the more I appreciate them! If I walk without and let my hands swing along my fingers inevitably swell. Using poles elevates my hands and my fingers don't swell - the alternative, for me, is to hook my thumbs into my pack straps to elevate my hands.
The other thing to consider is how you'll get them to Spain - loads of conversations about this. Best to buy there unless you, like me, get devoted to PacerPoles.
Yup. A concern before my first Camino was to maintain muscle tone in my arms while walking for over a month. I know myself well enough to know that it was unlikely that I would do any upper body exercises after a day of walking. So putting my arms to work using poles was the best solution.Poles help build upper arm strength. Using poles also helps burn 20-40% more calories! You can then have a second helping, or another pint!
I am 73 years old. I did the Frances first in '16 when I was 68. I have done the Frances again, the Portuguese, and the Ingles. I wouldn't walk without poles. There are many places where poles are needed to brace your footing and the poles take great pressure off your ankles, knees, hips, and back.I have never walked with poles before and to be honest I have never really thought about using them, except that people say they have helped when it comes to your fingers swelling, which mine can do. I am interested to hear from other pilgrims who have completed walks/pilgrimages or just walked long distances without poles. Do you wish you had bought them or were you okay without them? Any tricks to help with the swelling of the hands and fingers also greatly appreciated?
I was SO glad that I had hiking poles. I'd never used them before in walking/hiking. During my Camino Frances, about my day 20, I had the fun surprise of developing some tendonitis in one foot. OMG I was glad to have the help of the poles (and ibuprofen). I learned that when I do the Caminho Portugues next October, I will definitely include poles.Thank you much appreciated, as far as the Oedema is concerened they said that poles helped with the swelling because the poles meant that their arms were elevated all the time. Might have up to my water whilst walking.
I was SO glad that I had hiking poles. I'd never used them before in walking/hiking. During my Camino Frances, about my day 20, I had the fun surprise of developing some tendonitis in one foot. OMG I was glad to have the help of the poles (and ibuprofen). I learned that when I do the Caminho Portugues next October, I will definitely include poles.I have never walked with poles before and to be honest I have never really thought about using them, except that people say they have helped when it comes to your fingers swelling, which mine can do. I am interested to hear from other pilgrims who have completed walks/pilgrimages or just walked long distances without poles. Do you wish you had bought them or were you okay without them? Any tricks to help with the swelling of the hands and fingers also greatly appreciated?
Thank you for your insight and the link. My husband is very tall with bad knees. I took your advice and just ordered each of us a pair of these poles.I got this pair from Amazon- they have cork grips and adjust easily, even long enough for my 6’ 6“ camino partner. At $36, I’d have been ok if they were lost but I found them helpful more often than not. Interesting article, but I have hand swelling without a pack too. ?https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N69RARX/?tag=casaivar02-20
Me too. Poles help me maintain my balance, especially when crossing streams. However, I discovered another unintended use of poles, and that is to ward off barking dogs. Apparently you can enlarge your physical image - as viewed by the dogs - by stretching your arms holding the poles. It worked for me!I am 73 years old. I did the Frances first in '16 when I was 68. I have done the Frances again, the Portuguese, and the Ingles. I wouldn't walk without poles. There are many places where poles are needed to brace your footing and the poles take great pressure off your ankles, knees, hips, and back.
I have a half dozen wraps of duct tape around mine just below the handles. That’s where I store my duct tape.I wrapped Hello Kitty duct tape around the tops of them. No one has ever mistakenly walked off with them.
Clever ideaAloha,
My hands swell too, which prevents wearing rings
P
Hi Kitkat, I too have hands that swell. I ordered a product from ULA I had seen years ago, but noted for my trip when I finally was able to go (April). I've seen homemade versions of these also, where they are a little more like a sling (and padded). But these were cheap so I thought I'd start here (you could add some hiker's wool to cushion a little):
Hand Loops Set
Not sure what to do with your hands while you're hiking? Grab a set of hand loops —they're like armrests for your backpack...www.ula-equipment.com
Compression fingerless gloves are also used a lot with walkers to help with this.
Buen Camino!
I took my walking poles from US by placing them in a FedEx carton and checking them in as my free bag (I had that option, if not you would have to pay a fee depending on your airline).The older I get the more I appreciate them! If I walk without and let my hands swing along my fingers inevitably swell. Using poles elevates my hands and my fingers don't swell - the alternative, for me, is to hook my thumbs into my pack straps to elevate my hands.
The other thing to consider is how you'll get them to Spain - loads of conversations about this. Best to buy there unless you, like me, get devoted to PacerPoles.
I think you do that with bears too; I believe they are near sighted. I didn't know that about dogs. Any bears we should be worried aboutMe too. Poles help me maintain my balance, especially when crossing streams. However, I discovered another unintended use of poles, and that is to ward off barking dogs. Apparently you can enlarge your physical image - as viewed by the dogs - by stretching your arms holding the poles. It worked for me!
Did you think to get any spare rubber tips? Depending on their hardness and the surface you're walking over they can wear out quickly.Love this forum such great views from both sides and some novel ways of using them. So bit the bullet brought a cheap set to see if they will help with, aches, pains and swelling or whether they will just get in the way. I am hoping they will towards the end of a days walk to help prevent 'rubber legs' or make those last few kms a little easier.
Thay come with a couple of sets to start with I figure that should be enough for training and if I like the poles I can get extra.Did you think to get any spare rubber tips? Depending on their hardness and the surface you're walking over they can wear out quickly.
I think we are ok for bears? this is where someone proves me wrong lol? But your right those that have thru hiked the Appalachian Trail have said the same with regard to frightening them off.I think you do that with bears too; I believe they are near sighted. I didn't know that about dogs. Any bears we should be worried about?
Can't speak about their use in regards to hand swelling, but they helped me tremendously on inclines and declines. My bag was heavy, and I know I would have struggled climbing the Pyrenees. If you ever have to step off the trail due to nature calling, there are ditches running parallel to the camino in various areas which are at a lower level, but are sometimes hard to notice due to them being completely covered in vegetation. The sticks saved me from taking a nasty spill on more than one occasion by allowing me to notice the differences in ground level as I momentarily exited the path. I also found them extremely helpful in allowing me to shift my weight in order to assist with a tender foot or ankle. I've never used hiking poles before. I did watch a tutorial on YouTube-pre Camino- explaining their proper use-and I'm glad I did. I would never hike without them. I purchased a pair at the store in SJPP-(hiking store) and shipped them back home from SDC. It took about a month for them to arrive. Hope this helps.I have never walked with poles before and to be honest I have never really thought about using them, except that people say they have helped when it comes to your fingers swelling, which mine can do. I am interested to hear from other pilgrims who have completed walks/pilgrimages or just walked long distances without poles. Do you wish you had bought them or were you okay without them? Any tricks to help with the swelling of the hands and fingers also greatly appreciated?
My wife and I walked 4 caminos.. we can’t imagine walking without poles. To many slippery walks and very rocky paths. You stabilize your body. When you trip the poles keep you upright. google benefit’s of using walking poles. We use them still on any off pavement walks. CheersI have never walked with poles before and to be honest I have never really thought about using them, except that people say they have helped when it comes to your fingers swelling, which mine can do. I am interested to hear from other pilgrims who have completed walks/pilgrimages or just walked long distances without poles. Do you wish you had bought them or were you okay without them? Any tricks to help with the swelling of the hands and fingers also greatly appreciated?
I've noticed the difference if I put some of my weight on the poles. Obviously that is different than what many people do—just tap the ground with them as they go along. But a bigger benefit for me is to keep from falling when the surface is neither solid nor flat.I use poles for caminos as they eliminate finger swelling and ease the burden on the knees and back over long distances. I read that they assist in reducing the load by a noticeable percentage but don’t have that data in front of me. For day hiking steep hikes, I should use them but tend not to, out of convenience.
They certainly work for me!
I use Leki Micro Vario and have used them on my first Camino in ´14 and subsequent three trips and on my training trips at home too..Did you think to get any spare rubber tips? Depending on their hardness and the surface you're walking over they can wear out quickly.
It will certainly be interesting to learn how to use them, but if they help with sausage fingers and the added sense of stability on rough terrain I am willing to try them out.A little late to this Casa Ivar version of a flash mob but here is my take on poles. I do believe they are very much a personal preference. I use one pole pretty consistently when walking distances more than 5 miles. My wife uses 2 somewhat inconsistently but we use them for very different reasons. My wife uses them to help her with her pacing, plain and simple.
But I have knee problems in both knees. Down hill, even walking down steps, give me a bit of a problem so the poles help me maintain some control over my stability. Secondly I have discovered, through a thread on this very forum, and agree that my progressive lenses tend to distort my ability to judge fine distance when looking down at my feet. By using the pole I can, much easier, judge the distance to the next downward step again increasing my perception and stability. I usually only use one and don't use it for any real weight bearing although I do depend on it if I am on lose gravel to avoid sliding. Occasionally I switch arms or use 2 poles, but 90% of the time it is just one pole in my left hand.
And yes it does seem to help with avoiding finger swelling.
Good luck with your choice and remember, they are not superglued to your hands so you can use them intermittently as your comfort dictates.
Never used poles, before so as recommended on this thread opted for budget friendly poles with the best reviews on Amazon that were light weight. That way I haven't broke the bank account if I don't like them.aussieozjane said:
Hi, I'm currently looking to purchase some trekking poles, and am overwhelmed by choice. I've read reviews on the Komperdells which say the duo locking device does not work that well, reviews on the Leki Diva's that are a bit so so - then there are the Jacko Prostars and the Nordic walking poles plus many more.
Can anyone help with a bit of advice on the best poles you've had?
Many thanks
Jane
( redirected from: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/advice-on-trekking-poles-please.8523/)
A lot depends upon what you want out of the poles?
Is your focus or priority, comfort, weight, durability, price etc.?
See this review for 2021 of the various poles. I, personally am a fan of LEKI poles. Aluminum poles are more durable than the carbon poles, but carbons are not-as heavy Personally, I am not a fan of the externally locking systems. Cork handles help prevent sweating and blisters.
The 6 Best Trekking Poles of 2024
Looking for the best trekking poles available today? We can help! Over the last 11 years, we've tested 62 unique pairs, with the top 17 featured in our...www.outdoorgearlab.com
Excellent article! Thank you Trecile for posting the link.
aussieozjane said:
Hi, I'm currently looking to purchase some trekking poles, and am overwhelmed by choice. I've read reviews on the Komperdells which say the duo locking device does not work that well, reviews on the Leki Diva's that are a bit so so - then there are the Jacko Prostars and the Nordic walking poles plus many more.
Can anyone help with a bit of advice on the best poles you've had?
Many thanks
Jane
( redirected from: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/advice-on-trekking-poles-please.8523/)
A lot depends upon what you want out of the poles?
Is your focus or priority, comfort, weight, durability, price etc.?
See this review for 2021 of the various poles. I, personally am a fan of LEKI poles. Aluminum poles are more durable than the carbon poles, but carbons are not-as heavy Personally, I am not a fan of the externally locking systems. Cork handles help prevent sweating and blisters.
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topi...//graysoncobb.com/hands-swell-hiking/[/QUOTE]I like this more general paragraph from his hand edema article:
How to keep your hands from swelling
Now that I’ve explained the pathophysiology of hand swelling while hiking, I have a couple solutions. My first recommendation is using trekking poles, for so many reasons in addition to totally preventing the hand swelling. They help prevent injuries, make hiking easier, faster, and enable you to bounce down gnarly trails like a mountain goat. You’ll look dumb to everyone who has never used them but hey you already look dumb to everyone back at home relaxing on their sofas.
I highly recommend the Black Diamond Distance Z trekking poles.
I LOVED them! They helped me greatly. I never had problems with my hands, I bought them in Pamplona, and I still have them!I have never walked with poles before and to be honest I have never really thought about using them, except that people say they have helped when it comes to your fingers swelling, which mine can do. I am interested to hear from other pilgrims who have completed walks/pilgrimages or just walked long distances without poles. Do you wish you had bought them or were you okay without them? Any tricks to help with the swelling of the hands and fingers also greatly appreciated?
Great idea with the gloves.We just got back from the Camino Portugues and used hiking poles. I got cheap ones with a cork grip from Amazon. I loved my hiking poles. A marked difference in exertion between when I used them and not. I don't think we would have finished without them. Two pro tips -- 1) take extra rubber tips. We wore through ours pretty quickly and the back up ones as well. We did not find an abundance of replacement tips. 2) I found fingerless weightlifter gloves with padded palms at Decathelon for about five euro. Very helpful. Kept the sun off the backs of my hands, provided a little padding, and I could use my phone for pictures on the fly.
Gloves, yes a very good idea.Great idea with the gloves.
I always use poles - four Caminos. To use or not depends somewhat on age, I believe. I want to walk as long as possible. Poles are like a cane for older people. Poles take great pressure off the knees and hips. There are some steep inclines and declines on the Caminos. The poles help brace me so that I don't fall. As far as the swelling goes, poles force us to use the arms more. When our arms are at our sides for long periods of time, the hands swell because of less circulation.I have never walked with poles before and to be honest I have never really thought about using them, except that people say they have helped when it comes to your fingers swelling, which mine can do. I am interested to hear from other pilgrims who have completed walks/pilgrimages or just walked long distances without poles. Do you wish you had bought them or were you okay without them? Any tricks to help with the swelling of the hands and fingers also greatly appreciated?
ExactlyI always use poles - four Caminos. To use or not depends somewhat on age, I believe. I want to walk as long as possible. Poles are like a cane for older people. Poles take great pressure off the knees and hips. There are some steep inclines and declines on the Caminos. The poles help brace me so that I don't fall. As far as the swelling goes, poles force us to use the arms more. When our arms are at our sides for long periods of time, the hands swell because of less circulation.
They help me a lot with this. I think that helping to keep them elevated, and the muscles pumping, helps to reduce the oedema, which happens to me even when I am well hydrated.I usually walk without poles. Have always been happy without.
Bit puzzled as to why you think they might be useful in Oedema (swelling due to fluid retention). Daft as it may sound the useful response to that is drinking water
I have walked four times and will do my fifth in September, God wiling. I wouldn't walk without poles. Not only do poles help with circulation and swelling in the hands, but they preserve my ankles, knees, and hips for future walks.I have never walked with poles before and to be honest I have never really thought about using them, except that people say they have helped when it comes to your fingers swelling, which mine can do. I am interested to hear from other pilgrims who have completed walks/pilgrimages or just walked long distances without poles. Do you wish you had bought them or were you okay without them? Any tricks to help with the swelling of the hands and fingers also greatly appreciated?
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