Hiking poles

[Fay Clarke]

My name is Fay and l am planning to do the Camino next April. I have been looking at poles and am confused at the moment. I do think though l like the z ones that fold in three? I am 4ft 11/150cm, weigh 55 kilo and have just had shoulder surgery. Any suggestions?

 

[Antonius Vaessen]

You might consider Pacer poles, they can be divided in three pieces too. They have a unique design of the handles which facilitates a more natural support. At least that's my experience, I have used Leki poles before. Look them up on the internet, a disadvantage is that they only can bought via internet. (They are made in the UK)

 

[Mike Trebert]

Hi Fay,

Hiking poles is one of the truly BIG topics on this forum. I suggest that it's well worth a search to find previous threads about this topic. There's endless discussion about whether one should use poles or not! So, right off, by deciding to use them (good idea) you've reduced your research workload by half. There are some very good training videos on YouTube.

My personal opinion: I don't like poles with internal stretchy shock absorbers. They make a weird clattery sound which annoys many other walkers (for example, me). Also, think about your choice of tips - hard tips are noisy on pavement, they annoy many locals in the early mornings (and me all the time). I use rubber tips all the time and use telescoping flip-lock poles with no shock absorbers - very quiet.

Buen Camino, - Mike

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The choices are among things like anti-shock, angled grips, weight, number of sections, and material. There is a lot of advice and opinion in the Forum, so you will need to test the options yourself to make a reasoned choice. To to a store like REI and examine and hold the various poles. I have used Pacer Poles for years, and prefer them, but as mentioned, you have to buy them on the internet, so there is not testing them first. I think they have a liberal return policy, though.

 

[pilgr]

I use "Black Diamond" poles flick lock, with three parts which hause inside each other. So far four caminos: Camino Frances, Camino Norte, Camino de la Plata and Camino de Levante. I wouldn't leave home without them!

 

[Scottlovelace87]

I used Leki flick lock poles last year and they were awesome! You definitely need them. They also compact down to a manageable 24 inches.

 

[Keith Camino]

Get poles! My knees loved them going downwards, my quads liked them going up, and I warded off aggressive dogs too. Learn to hold and use them properly for best benefit. Mine are two part but three parts would be easier to stow. Get durable comfortable gloves that don't mind getting sweaty or wet. Cheers, Keith

 

[notion900]

I only have cheap rubbishy poles bought ten years ago in a discount sports store somewhere near Burgos, and I still adore them.

 

[Fay Clarke]

I use "Black Diamond" poles flick lock, with three parts which hause inside each other. So far four caminos: Camino Frances, Camino Norte, Camino de la Plata and Camino de Levante. I wouldn't leave home without them! View attachment 33062

Thanks heaps, great info, Fay