wendywohns
New Member
I like to walk with one walking stick but I've been told that walking for 500 miles with one stick would not be a good idea. Thoughts?
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I'm not sure why it would be a bad idea. Did the person who told you that explain why?I like to walk with one walking stick but I've been told that walking for 500 miles with one stick would not be a good idea. Thoughts?
There are many other suitable brands of walking pole that cost less. The one clear advantage of this brand appears to be that they cannot be used incorrectly by novices. Brands with straps require some understanding of the mechanics of the pole design to use correctly. It is a substantial premium to pay if you really don't need to.Two and they ought to be Pacerpoles ;-)
There are plenty of good quality poles on the Australian market under USD100. Equivalent Pacer poles appear to me to be at about a 40% premium. If you don't have a better use for your money, Pacer poles are a great option.Leki carbon poles are $200 a pair. Pacer Poles, carbon, are only $146. The price is quite competitive with other quality brands. Yes, cheaper poles are available and might serve just as well.
When did the two poles become common? I hiked for years without seeing any one use them. Not sure but I think I've only seen them being carried for less than ten years.
You are right to be concerned about balance, where continual walking pole use can affect one's ability to maintain balance in some circumstances. Your concern about increased energy expenditure doesn't appear to be supported by the research. Most research papers suggest that for trekking, there is no increased energy use (noting here that for Nordic walking, energy use is increased). One of the more interesting sets of guidelines is at this link.If you have really bad knees then two poles can help on the downhills; otherwise, I would use one or none. People have been using a single pole or staff for hundreds of years so I don't know why they are now a bad idea. I have trekking poles but have become less and less of a fan using only one most of the time. My hunch, and that's all it really is, is that they become a crutch and prevent you from developing better balance and overall strength. I've also read several places that they increase energy expenditure when going up hills and interfere with proper body position when carrying a backpack.
I thought about this, and decided to train for my Caminos without the poles, except on the few hikes I did on rough terrain. Trekking poles seem to work a lot like cross county ski poles, and I used to train for cross country skiing without poles, to improve my balance. I'd gotten the hang of using the trekking poles a while back (seemed pretty intuitive, having cross country skied) so I didn't need to practice with them. This worked very well for me.You are right to be concerned about balance, where continual walking pole use can affect one's ability to maintain balance in some circumstances.
I like to walk with one walking stick but I've been told that walking for 500 miles with one stick would not be a good idea. Thoughts?
I agree that it depends on your preference. I took two sticks. My use of them was 50/50. I would rather have two poles for deep inclines or declines.I like to walk with one walking stick but I've been told that walking for 500 miles with one stick would not be a good idea. Thoughts?
Thanks for this link. It has given me cause to rethink using the poles on hikes in my area without a heavy backpack. And reinforced my intention to use them when I do have a heavy backpack.You are right to be concerned about balance, where continual walking pole use can affect one's ability to maintain balance in some circumstances. Your concern about increased energy expenditure doesn't appear to be supported by the research. Most research papers suggest that for trekking, there is no increased energy use (noting here that for Nordic walking, energy use is increased). One of the more interesting sets of guidelines is at this link.
Leki carbon poles are $200 a pair. Pacer Poles, carbon, are only $146. The price is quite competitive with other quality brands. Yes, cheaper poles are available and might serve just as well.
I consulted my physiotherapist on that very issue, she was adamant, that I should use 2. But perhaps if you change hands regularly you could do with one. But on steep slopes 2 might be better...
One is good for discouraging unfriendly animals and bandits. Use 2 if your aim is to improve walking efficiency.I like to walk with one walking stick but I've been told that walking for 500 miles with one stick would not be a good idea. Thoughts?
Hi, I am planning on bringing a wooden walking pole from South Africa and at some point will be using Ryanair. This pole was made by my brother as aUnable to bring my walking pole with Ryanair, I bought one in a "Chinese" bazaar on the camino for €6-50. It was perfect. As I was returning by Ryanair, I left it with the 'natural' poles at the Pilgrim Office.
One pole or two? Either are useful - it's a personal choice. The method of walking differs. Two poles is a more rapid arm movement. I prefer just the one.
And one pole is perfect for sorting out unchained dogs
Buen camino!
This pole was made by my brother as a
gift for me. It has sentimental value. I would hate to lose it. Should I leave it at home? This will be my first Camino starting from SjPDP on 12 May 2017
I like to walk with one walking stick but I've been told that walking for 500 miles with one stick would not be a good idea. Thoughts?
Hi Robyn!Hi, I am planning on bringing a wooden walking pole from South Africa and at some point will be using Ryanair. This pole was made by my brother as a
gift for me. It has sentimental value. I would hate to lose it. Should I leave it at home? This will be my first Camino starting from SjPDP on 12 May 2017