- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances 2022
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I'm gearing up to give the Camino France another hiking try early next year. I have a lot of foot and knee/hip problems, and the doctor I've been working with recommends hiking poles for me.I have Pacer Poles, and I love them. I checked out those angle grip poles at a Decathlon store, and the grip really isn't comparable to Pacer Poles. The handles of Pacer Poles kindle of cradle your hands - you don't have to really "grip" them.
You could try something like these from Amazon. Or to save money Pacer Poles sells just the top section of their poles that you can attach to poles of your choice.
This thread is in the correct place. It just needs the tag "poles", which is now under the title of the thread, so it will show up in the sub-forum called "Walking Poles". (It is true that the different terms might be confusing.)(and as an aside, there seems to be a walking pole sub-forum, but there was no option to place this question in that particular sub-forum. Only Equipment and Clothes. Is there something I'm missing on how to do this? I did try to tag this thread either hiking or walking poles...)
No, I had never used any kind of poles before my first Camino. I chose Pacer Poles because they seemed "idiot proof."I assume you also used regular polls in the past? Did you feel that the Pacer poles were more comfortable on your feet and knees because of the straighter stance
Hi:I'm looking at buying some hiking poles. I'm thinking about Pacer polls. And when I look at pictures of them, it seems that it's the angle of the handle that makes those polls different. I'm almost sure I saw some poles in a Spanish Decathlon with similar handles, but I'm not finding that on the decathlon.es website.
Does anybody know of other companies using similar designs in a more economical pole? With the angled grip?
The reason I ask this is that I seem to always misplace things like hiking poles or umbrellas. I kind of hate to buy something a bit pricey (about $150 to the US) that my history predicts that I will lose later!
(and as an aside, there seems to be a walking pole sub-forum, but there was no option to place this question in that particular sub-forum. Only Equipment and Clothes. Is there something I'm missing on how to do this? I did try to tag this thread either hiking or walking poles...)
Oh yes! That's exactly what I saw. Thanks! I wonder why it didn't come up when I searched forI guess this is what you are looking for. It is from the Spanish Decathlon website.
I am a happy Pacer Pole user myself, but my husband got this model from Decathlon. The grip is not quite as ergonomic as my Pacer Poles' but I would still prefer them to regular poles as I find the hand position far more comfortable and natural. And the price is hard to beat!
If you do buy these, I would be interested to know how well they work for you. I saw them when I was in Portugal earlier in the year, but didn't need another set of poles, and these looked more like walking sticks than trekking poles. It does appear that they will extend to a useful length as a trekking pole for most people, so they could be a good option.I checked on the Decathlon site where you can order things in the US where I am, and they didn't list that particular item. They have it in Canada, but they don't deliver to the US.
for reference, it's
FORCLAZ Trekking cane 1 ergonomic unit Forclaz MT100
Or in Spanish: FORCLAZ Bastón de trekking 1 unidad ergonómico Forclaz MT100. €14.
I'll try a little harder to see if I can get them in the US. It hadn't occurred to me but I'm only a few hours from the Canadian border and I might be transiting through Canada by car for a holiday visit. I want to settle on whatever I'm going to use before I go to Spain early next year.If you do buy these, I would be interested to know how well they work for you. I saw them when I was in Portugal earlier in the year, but didn't need another set of poles, and these looked more like walking sticks than trekking poles. It does appear that they will extend to a useful length as a trekking pole for most people, so they could be a good option.
Edit: and to be fair, you will pay 28 Euro for a pair. Pacer poles might four or five times that, but not 10 times.
Ha ha! I'm sure you're right, but eventually, I would screw up. It might not even be the first trip I make. But sooner or later. if I get them, maybe I'll glue a silicon AirTag to each of them!In fact, if you followed that process religiously, I'm pretty sure you would not lose them.
With Pacer Poles, it's the "heel" and outer edge of your hand which is cradled in the handle that does the pushing when propulsing yourself forward. The hand itself is relaxed and holds the handle quite loosely. I suffer from ostheoarthritis in my thumbs but can use Pacer Poles comfortably. The straps are not needed while walking.Just curious about Pacer Poles.
Given that you don't actually grip the handle on hiking poles, as the strap takes all the weight, do pacer poles require a different technique?
There are videos on the Pacer Pole site that show how they should be used.Just curious about Pacer Poles.
Given that you don't actually grip the handle on hiking poles, as the strap takes all the weight, do pacer poles require a different technique?
Sorry, but you really have to use them to realise how it works! No grasping at all, they just swing forward as you move. Watch the video. it may help understanding.Just curious about Pacer Poles.
Given that you don't actually grip the handle on hiking poles, as the strap takes all the weight, do pacer poles require a different technique?
I use Pacer Poles at home here in Colorado, but I bought some angled grip poles at Decathlon in Madrid. Only 38 Euro each! Just last month. They're great!I'm looking at buying some hiking poles. I'm thinking about Pacer polls. And when I look at pictures of them, it seems that it's the angle of the handle that makes those polls different. I'm almost sure I saw some poles in a Spanish Decathlon with similar handles, but I'm not finding that on the decathlon.es website.
Does anybody know of other companies using similar designs in a more economical pole? With the angled grip?
The reason I ask this is that I seem to always misplace things like hiking poles or umbrellas. I kind of hate to buy something a bit pricey (about $150 to the US) that my history predicts that I will lose later!
(and as an aside, there seems to be a walking pole sub-forum, but there was no option to place this question in that particular sub-forum. Only Equipment and Clothes. Is there something I'm missing on how to do this? I did try to tag this thread either hiking or walking poles...)
I see that you are in Ohio. Unless you are flying on a discount airline, most tickets from the US include one checked bag.I have pacer poles and I love them. But the cost of a checked bag to bring them along isn’t feasible when I can buy the ones mentioned above (from Decathlon) for a good price.
My experience is that flying economy (or whatever they call the cheap seats) on a major airline does not include a checked bag unless you upgrade and pay for it. I’ve flown to Europe many times and usually I choose not to pay extra because, like I said, it’s not worth it. I also don’t like checking a bag because it’s just easier to do a carry-on. Maybe things are different in Oregon.I see that you are in Ohio. Unless you are flying on a discount airline, most tickets from the US include one checked bag.
These Decathon poles are great. Down sides are not sprung and with fixed length adjustment. I have been using them for months after knee replacement BUT depending on your height they may be too short. I am 6’2” and can use the top of the handgrips but they are not long enough to use as standard hiking poles, thus your hands are always on top and the wrists are doing the work.Oh yes! That's exactly what I saw. Thanks! I wonder why it didn't come up when I searched for
"bastones de senderismo," which is "hiking poles?
I checked on the Decathlon site where you can order things in the US where I am, and they didn't list that particular item. They have it in Canada, but they don't deliver to the US.
for reference, it's
FORCLAZ Trekking cane 1 ergonomic unit Forclaz MT100
Or in Spanish: FORCLAZ Bastón de trekking 1 unidad ergonómico Forclaz MT100. €14 (edit 2 for €28)
And the Pacer Pole. You can see, it is similar, but the Pacer looks more comfortable. And I would imagine is of a higher quality for about 10 (edit: actually 5) times the price. 107 GBP.
View attachment 158871
That's true for the bare bones Basic Economy fares, but standard Economy includes a checked bag and seat selection on major US carriers.My experience is that flying economy (or whatever they call the cheap seats) on a major airline does not include a checked bag unless you upgrade and pay for it
I'm pleased to see someone with a 'P' routine. Whenever I stop for coffee, mine are P(ee), Pay and Put a sello in my passport. It works best for me in that order, but it isn't immutable.I always take my Pacer Poles on Camino and always do a “look back” and makes sure I have a my “P”, poles, pack, poncho, passport. (And sunglasses and Hat)
Thanks for the feedback. So when you say they're not sprung you mean they don't have any spring or give in the polls? I'm just under 6 feet, so I guess they would work for me.These Decathon poles are great. Down sides are not sprung and with fixed length adjustment. I have been using them for months after knee replacement BUT depending on your height they may be too short. I am 6’2” and can use the top of the handgrips but they are not long enough to use as standard hiking poles, thus your hands are always on top and the wrists are doing the work.
I have now mastered how to use them without gripping too tightly.
if you have knee issues the ability to place weight directly on top of the pole is a good thing.
also on the plus side they are cheap.
I expressed caution about this earlier. Let me explain. I'm 174 cm (5' 8.5") and I regularly set my pole at the 105 cm mark for normal walking. This is the maximum extension of the Decathlon walking stick, so I wasn't expecting it would be a good walking pole for anyone taller (than I am). More, I regularly extend my poles to 125 cm and as much as 135 cm for steeper descents. This stops me having to lean forward were I to descend without extending my poles. Clearly that wouldn't be possible with the walking stick.Thanks for the feedback. So when you say they're not sprung you mean they don't have any spring or give in the polls? I'm just under 6 feet, so I guess they would work for me.
I love my Pacer Poles, have used them fairly extensively while hiking the last few years. Pricey, yes but worth every penny. As you may know, they were developed by a physiotherapist and when paired with her advice on how to use them, makes hills up and down so much easier.I'm looking at buying some hiking poles. I'm thinking about Pacer polls. And when I look at pictures of them, it seems that it's the angle of the handle that makes those polls different. I'm almost sure I saw some poles in a Spanish Decathlon with similar handles, but I'm not finding that on the decathlon.es website.
Does anybody know of other companies using similar designs in a more economical pole? With the angled grip?
The reason I ask this is that I seem to always misplace things like hiking poles or umbrellas. I kind of hate to buy something a bit pricey (about $150 to the US) that my history predicts that I will lose later!
(and as an aside, there seems to be a walking pole sub-forum, but there was no option to place this question in that particular sub-forum. Only Equipment and Clothes. Is there something I'm missing on how to do this? I did try to tag this thread either hiking or walking poles...)
So tape some airtags to your stuffI'm looking at buying some hiking poles. I'm thinking about Pacer polls. And when I look at pictures of them, it seems that it's the angle of the handle that makes those polls different. I'm almost sure I saw some poles in a Spanish Decathlon with similar handles, but I'm not finding that on the decathlon.es website.
Does anybody know of other companies using similar designs in a more economical pole? With the angled grip?
The reason I ask this is that I seem to always misplace things like hiking poles or umbrellas. I kind of hate to buy something a bit pricey (about $150 to the US) that my history predicts that I will lose later!
(and as an aside, there seems to be a walking pole sub-forum, but there was no option to place this question in that particular sub-forum. Only Equipment and Clothes. Is there something I'm missing on how to do this? I did try to tag this thread either hiking or walking poles...)
I did say that in one of my other posts. It would dd about $25US to the cost of each pole though making them cost about $100 each. And you can still lose them. It's a good idea, though, and I might do that.So tape some airtags to your stuff
Do you think that you would need two Air tags? I mean would you take one pole and leave the other behind??I did say that in one of my other posts. It would dd about $25US to the cost of each pole though making them cost about $100 each. And you can still lose them. It's a good idea, though, and I might do that.
Thank you, That's good information about adjusting poles for my height. I've never used poles before. And after thinking about it, I realize that I'm actually not going to be able to get to a Decathlon in Canada. And these angled polls appear to be out of stock in every store in Quebec anyway, which is the province with stores nearest to me.I expressed caution about this earlier. Let me explain. I'm 174 cm (5' 8.5") and I regularly set my pole at the 105 cm mark for normal walking. This is the maximum extension of the Decathlon walking stick, so I wasn't expecting it would be a good walking pole for anyone taller (than I am). More, I regularly extend my poles to 125 cm and as much as 135 cm for steeper descents. This stops me having to lean forward were I to descend without extending my poles. Clearly that wouldn't be possible with the walking stick.
If you are going to visit Decathlon, and you do find the walking stick unsuitable, you should find that there is a variety of relatively cheap walking poles available as well as this walking stick. I think you would be well served by any of the ones that I have seen recently in Decathlon.
As a hint, while you are there, they have pole tips that appear to be good value. I have been using a pair regularly now for several months, and they are showing little wear. I suggest buying, and carrying, at least one spare pair on your camino.
Good point! Anyway, I found out that I can't really get a substitute angled handle poles in the US. As far as I can tell. So, I'll probably just order the pacer polls, give them a trial, and compare them to some inexpensive straight poles. And report back.Do you think that you would need two Air tags? I mean would you take one pole and leave the other behind??
Yes I use normal poles but they are to propel you forwards or steady descent.Thanks for the feedback. So when you say they're not sprung you mean they don't have any spring or give in the polls? I'm just under 6 feet, so I guess they would work for me.
Have you also used regular poles? How do they compare? I am especially interested in taking weight off my knees and feet
Hi again, when I bought my Pacer Poles, I just ordered directly from the woman who manufactures them in the UK. They were packaged very well, arrived quickly and she was available for any questions I had about using them. The shipping at the time was reasonable but not sure what it would be now. Might be less expensive than going through a middleman. They came with two tip ends and a net bag to hold them plus all the instructions. Good luck!Thank you, That's good information about adjusting poles for my height. I've never used poles before. And after thinking about it, I realize that I'm actually not going to be able to get to a Decathlon in Canada. And these angled polls appear to be out of stock in every store in Quebec anyway, which is the province with stores nearest to me.
What I'll do is probably order the pacer polls since they have a good trial offer. And compare them to some regular inexpensive polls I'll also order online. And see which I prefer. And report back.
As far as I know you can only order them directly through Pacer Pole. There are no middlemen selling them.Hi again, when I bought my Pacer Poles, I just ordered directly from the woman who manufactures them in the UK. They were packaged very well, arrived quickly and she was available for any questions I had about using them. The shipping at the time was reasonable but not sure what it would be now. Might be less expensive than going through a middleman. They came with two tip ends and a net bag to hold them plus all the instructions. Good luck!
Your great idea got me wondering about taking only the top section as carry on.Or to save money Pacer Poles sells just the top section of their poles that you can attach to poles of your choice.
It's not the airlines that check what's in your carry on bag, it's the airport security. But I think that just the top part would probably be fine since it doesn't have any sharp ends. I would still have a plan B to check them in if they aren't allowed.Do airlines allow the top section to be carry-on?
Ha. Good joke. Even someone intellectually challenged, to put it nicely, would loop poles together with the wrist stirrups or bind them with woman’s hair tie, which lay on the path for the taking.Do you think that you would need two Air tags? I mean would you take one pole and leave the other behind??
I love my Pacer Poles. Like you, I lose stuff all the time. In fact, somehow in the last year (not on a Camino) I lost just my left Pacer Pole. How can someone do that?? I can! Anyway, I contacted the company and they are sending me a left pole! They are great people. Check out their site to learn more about them. I thought it was interesting to see that they now sell just the top part to attach to other poles, too.I'm looking at buying some hiking poles. I'm thinking about Pacer polls. And when I look at pictures of them, it seems that it's the angle of the handle that makes those polls different. I'm almost sure I saw some poles in a Spanish Decathlon with similar handles, but I'm not finding that on the decathlon.es website.
Does anybody know of other companies using similar designs in a more economical pole? With the angled grip?
The reason I ask this is that I seem to always misplace things like hiking poles or umbrellas. I kind of hate to buy something a bit pricey (about $150 to the US) that my history predicts that I will lose later!
(and as an aside, there seems to be a walking pole sub-forum, but there was no option to place this question in that particular sub-forum. Only Equipment and Clothes. Is there something I'm missing on how to do this? I did try to tag this thread either hiking or walking poles...)
I love my Pacerpoles. However, I've just completed the Camino Portuguese da Costa and used 'ordinary poles', which were fine, but not as good or comfortable as my Pacerpoles. If I were walking a longer Camino, I would check my Pacerpoles when flying to ensure that they weren't confiscated.Oh yes! That's exactly what I saw. Thanks! I wonder why it didn't come up when I searched for
"bastones de senderismo," which is "hiking poles?
I checked on the Decathlon site where you can order things in the US where I am, and they didn't list that particular item. They have it in Canada, but they don't deliver to the US.
for reference, it's
FORCLAZ Trekking cane 1 ergonomic unit Forclaz MT100
Or in Spanish: FORCLAZ Bastón de trekking 1 unidad ergonómico Forclaz MT100. €14 (edit 2 for €28)
And the Pacer Pole. You can see, it is similar, but the Pacer looks more comfortable. And I would imagine is of a higher quality for about 10 (edit: actually 5) times the price. 107 GBP.
View attachment 158871
You may be able to order them at Decathlon.ca for pickup at the nearest store.Thank you, That's good information about adjusting poles for my height. I've never used poles before. And after thinking about it, I realize that I'm actually not going to be able to get to a Decathlon in Canada. And these angled polls appear to be out of stock in every store in Quebec anyway, which is the province with stores nearest to me.
What I'll do is probably order the pacer polls since they have a good trial offer. And compare them to some regular inexpensive polls I'll also order online. And see which I prefer. And report back.
No, I had never used any kind of poles before my first Camino. I chose Pacer Poles because they seemed "idiot proof."
I don't think that there would be much difference between Pacer Poles and regular poles for your feet and knees.
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