Hiking poles (please bear with me) need honest advice.

[Arbey48]

If you are considering poles and possibly Pacer Poles, the very best reference comes from another recent post, that asked whether anyone was willing to trade his or her pre-owner Pacer Poles? What you see is that there have been ZERO reactions to the thread.

My knees are rusty and I would not part with my Pacer Poles for the world. They are the difference between walking and not walking the Camino for me. Once Iberia at Madrid airport did not return them in the odd bagage (they told me to go to my Madrid hotel (huh, I only have a midnight Alsa bus to Burgos?) and wait, but instead I camped with my backpack right next to the customer desk and insisted that I would not leave until they retrieved them, which ultimately happened hours later into the night. Ever since, I check my backpack with the poles folded in it.

And it was my post that received ZERO responses. But I continue searching because the inventor/retailer of these very effective poles is a small concern based in the Lake District, UK. The poles are now manufactured in Taiwan, and as a result of the post-Covid supply chain interruptions & materials shortage, her business is regarded as a 'minnow' and falls to the bottom of the manufacturer's list of customers! I know Heather Rhodes is still committed to retailing her invention but she needs help here on this issue. This is not my area of expertise but if there's anybody within the Camino network who could help Heather, and ultimately the rest of us , then here's an opportunity for some altruistic community action.

 

[Popeye]

And it was my post that received ZERO responses. But I continue searching because the inventor/retailer of these very effective poles is a small concern based in the Lake District, UK. The poles are now manufactured in Taiwan, and as a result of the post-Covid supply chain interruptions & materials shortage, her business is regarded as a 'minnow' and falls to the bottom of the manufacturer's list of customers! I know Heather Rhodes is still committed to retailing her invention but she needs help here on this issue. This is not my area of expertise but if there's anybody within the Camino network who could help Heather, and ultimately the rest of us , then here's an opportunity for some altruistic community action.

And it was my post that received ZERO responses. But I continue searching because the inventor/retailer of these very effective poles is a small concern based in the Lake District, UK. The poles are now manufactured in Taiwan, and as a result of the post-Covid supply chain interruptions & materials shortage, her business is regarded as a 'minnow' and falls to the bottom of the manufacturer's list of customers! I know Heather Rhodes is still committed to retailing her invention but she needs help here on this issue. This is not my area of expertise but if there's anybody within the Camino network who could help Heather, and ultimately the rest of us , then here's an opportunity for some altruistic community action.

I hiked the Appalachian Trail and poles were a must have. I’ve brought mine along for the El Camino.

 

[CarolamS]

And it was my post that received ZERO responses. But I continue searching because the inventor/retailer of these very effective poles is a small concern based in the Lake District, UK. The poles are now manufactured in Taiwan, and as a result of the post-Covid supply chain interruptions & materials shortage, her business is regarded as a 'minnow' and falls to the bottom of the manufacturer's list of customers! I know Heather Rhodes is still committed to retailing her invention but she needs help here on this issue. This is not my area of expertise but if there's anybody within the Camino network who could help Heather, and ultimately the rest of us , then here's an opportunity for some altruistic community action.

I bought Pacer Poles many years ago. I'd certainly recommend them particularly if you've not used poles before because you automatically and easily use them properly. I only bought a different pair when I walked a Camino and wanted something that would pack smaller. I do hope they can continue producing them.

 

[DaveJ]

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 am a recent convert to trekking poles. I decided to get them for the Del Norte as it’s known for the tougher terrain. After one training hike with them I became a convert. Much easier to go up and downhills. And faster on the flats.

There are a number of instructional videos on proper technique which you should watch if you decide to get some. Technique matters. Walking with them engages your whole body.

I got Z poles instead of telescopic poles as I felt they would be more compact for traveling. I also bought several pairs of rubber tips which not only make walking quieter but they also remove some vibration on hard surfaces such as roads.

And yes, my hands did not swell.

 

[Former member 99816]

I bought two poles in Pamplona and gave them away three days later. They just got in the way

 

[mrsjulie]

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 adventurous

graysoncobb.com

thanks for this article link. I was wavering on getting some and this benefit puts me firmly in the 'use a trekking pole' camp

 

[BKK]

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?

Walk with walking poles to avoid the swelling of the hands and fingers. Find light ones.