ClaireMcMahon
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- May 2024
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Where are you starting from?Hi there,
I’m starting my first Camino Frances early May, and I don’t know whether I need hiking poles or not?
I’m 26 years old, relatively fit and don’t have any injuries (yet!)
I used poles for the first time last year doing the Everest Base Camp trek, and they were a great investment, though of course Base Camp was very much a trek based on inclines and declines…
I just don’t know if they’ll be something extra to carry that I don’t need, or something I’ll be very grateful to have on the Camino.
Any intel would be wonderful. Thank you in advance!
Starting from Saint-Jean Pied de Port!Where are you starting from?
Thank you, this is great advice! Yep - all good with fitting them, so sounds like they’ll be worth my while! Appreciate your quick responseTake them.
A couple of kilos off every step you take for 26/27 days? Certainly worth it. If you were just walking the last few days it’s no big deal either way.
Have you figured out how to fit them and use the wrist-strap?
I was sceptical when I was young and climbed in the alps every year, then all of a sudden all the guides used poles and said it would add a few years to their working life. Now at 59 I wish I’d discovered poles a decade sooner. It’s not whether you can manage now, or not, it’s what you’re going to yourself 30 years from now.
Good to know, thank you for your reply!Used properly poles are always going to be beneficial, whether is is on slopes or on the flat. Mine never leave my hands once I am walking - that is the only place that they belong to get any benefit. That said, they are not essential, and you can walk without them.
I'm a relatively recent convert to poles, pity I didn't discover that earlier.Hi there,
I’m starting my first Camino Frances early May, and I don’t know whether I need hiking poles or not?
I’m 26 years old, relatively fit and don’t have any injuries (yet!)
I used poles for the first time last year doing the Everest Base Camp trek, and they were a great investment, though of course Base Camp was very much a trek based on inclines and declines…
I just don’t know if they’ll be something extra to carry that I don’t need, or something I’ll be very grateful to have on the Camino.
Any intel would be wonderful. Thank you in advance!
We found them invaluable. Even on the flat, they propel you a bit quicker. Tip…… make sure you hold your hands through the straps the right way. Otherwise a flight stumble could easily snap your wrist.Hi there,
I’m starting my first Camino Frances early May, and I don’t know whether I need hiking poles or not?
I’m 26 years old, relatively fit and don’t have any injuries (yet!)
I used poles for the first time last year doing the Everest Base Camp trek, and they were a great investment, though of course Base Camp was very much a trek based on inclines and declines…
I just don’t know if they’ll be something extra to carry that I don’t need, or something I’ll be very grateful to have on the Camino.
Any intel would be wonderful. Thank you in advance!
Greetings,Hi there,
I’m starting my first Camino Frances early May, and I don’t know whether I need hiking poles or not?
I’m 26 years old, relatively fit and don’t have any injuries (yet!)
I used poles for the first time last year doing the Everest Base Camp trek, and they were a great investment, though of course Base Camp was very much a trek based on inclines and declines…
I just don’t know if they’ll be something extra to carry that I don’t need, or something I’ll be very grateful to have on the Camino.
Any intel would be wonderful. Thank you in advance!
It’s preference, but I’d say get them and use them. Good for uphills and more important down hills. Also keeps your arms moving and helps to keep your hands from going numb under a heavy pack. I’d also recommend getting the hard surface caps - which I kept on almost 90% of the time. Get a good, lightweight pair. I used mine on both my Camino’s and thought they were well worth their weight and bringing! Buen Camino!Hi there,
I’m starting my first Camino Frances early May, and I don’t know whether I need hiking poles or not?
I’m 26 years old, relatively fit and don’t have any injuries (yet!)
I used poles for the first time last year doing the Everest Base Camp trek, and they were a great investment, though of course Base Camp was very much a trek based on inclines and declines…
I just don’t know if they’ll be something extra to carry that I don’t need, or something I’ll be very grateful to have on the Camino.
Any intel would be wonderful. Thank you in advance!
I vote poles. I used them on the CF, Ingles and Fisterre Muxia route. Buen caminoHi there,
I’m starting my first Camino Frances early May, and I don’t know whether I need hiking poles or not?
I’m 26 years old, relatively fit and don’t have any injuries (yet!)
I used poles for the first time last year doing the Everest Base Camp trek, and they were a great investment, though of course Base Camp was very much a trek based on inclines and declines…
I just don’t know if they’ll be something extra to carry that I don’t need, or something I’ll be very grateful to have on the Camino.
Any intel would be wonderful. Thank you in advance!
Our opinion is pokes are a necessity not a luxury. Do you have power steering , power brakes in your car? Have you ever driven one without them? Poles will help, save you. Ask us how we know.Hi there,
I’m starting my first Camino Frances early May, and I don’t know whether I need hiking poles or not?
I’m 26 years old, relatively fit and don’t have any injuries (yet!)
I used poles for the first time last year doing the Everest Base Camp trek, and they were a great investment, though of course Base Camp was very much a trek based on inclines and declines…
I just don’t know if they’ll be something extra to carry that I don’t need, or something I’ll be very grateful to have on the Camino.
Any intel would be wonderful. Thank you in advance!
I didn't have any injuries when I started my 2016 Camino. By the time I finally gave in and got them, after some real knee problems, I was very happy to have them. I've brought them on all subsequent Caminos and continued to be happy to have them. The help propel me, occasionally assist with balance, prevent my hands from swelling and I've never had knee problems again, not even on the Salvador and Primitivo Caminos, which have their fair share of steep descents. They are never something extra to carry, because I don't carry them, they carry me.Hi there,
I’m starting my first Camino Frances early May, and I don’t know whether I need hiking poles or not?
I’m 26 years old, relatively fit and don’t have any injuries (yet!)
I used poles for the first time last year doing the Everest Base Camp trek, and they were a great investment, though of course Base Camp was very much a trek based on inclines and declines…
I just don’t know if they’ll be something extra to carry that I don’t need, or something I’ll be very grateful to have on the Camino.
Any intel would be wonderful. Thank you in advance!
I never thought Id use poles until I found Pacer Poles. A real game changer.Hi there,
I’m starting my first Camino Frances early May, and I don’t know whether I need hiking poles or not?
I’m 26 years old, relatively fit and don’t have any injuries (yet!)
I used poles for the first time last year doing the Everest Base Camp trek, and they were a great investment, though of course Base Camp was very much a trek based on inclines and declines…
I just don’t know if they’ll be something extra to carry that I don’t need, or something I’ll be very grateful to have on the Camino.
Any intel would be wonderful. Thank you in advance!
I do recommend poles. You are able to create better balance and distribute your weight to your upper body thus helping your walk.Hi there,
I’m starting my first Camino Frances early May, and I don’t know whether I need hiking poles or not?
I’m 26 years old, relatively fit and don’t have any injuries (yet!)
I used poles for the first time last year doing the Everest Base Camp trek, and they were a great investment, though of course Base Camp was very much a trek based on inclines and declines…
I just don’t know if they’ll be something extra to carry that I don’t need, or something I’ll be very grateful to have on the Camino.
Any intel would be wonderful. Thank you in advance!
Yes. Well, sort of. My first 10 years of Camino walking I never used them. I loved having nothing in my hands. Just a personal preference, I guess. Never missed them. When I got (a bit) older, I started to bring one pole for walking downhill. Last year I surrendered and walked for the first time with 2 poles. I know they are helping and more necessary now, but I haven't got used to them yet. I don't like holding them all the time and I don't like the ticking sound (even with the rubber tips on). But yes, they help. So now I use them about 50% of the time and carry them in pack the other 50%.Any opposing views? I use one pole when hiking down steep mountain trails in Colorado. Otherwise, I find them cumbersome and added weight. I do not plan on bringing them on my Camino Frances (starting in Pamplona) next month. Anyone happy with their decision to not use poles? Also, I will be travelling for several weeks in Europe after the Camino, so I would likely need to discard the poles
I'm actually really surprised that fewer people that don't use poles haven't stepped forward. Whilst I nowadays love them, like @Luca I never used to use them.Any opposing views? I use one pole when hiking down steep mountain trails in Colorado. Otherwise, I find them cumbersome and added weight. I do not plan on bringing them on my Camino Frances (starting in Pamplona) next month. Anyone happy with their decision to not use poles? Also, I will be travelling for several weeks in Europe after the Camino, so I would likely need to discard the poles
Maybe that has something to do with the average age of the regulars here?I'm actually really surprised that fewer people that don't use poles haven't stepped forward.
I'm actually surprized that there weren't more people that don't use poles engaged in this discussionI'm actually really surprised that fewer people that don't use poles haven't stepped forward.
I expect a number of people who take poles don't use them, as I saw a lot being carried, or on packs. In which case, they're extra weight.Any opposing views? I use one pole when hiking down steep mountain trails in Colorado. Otherwise, I find them cumbersome and added weight. I do not plan on bringing them on my Camino Frances (starting in Pamplona) next month. Anyone happy with their decision to not use poles? Also, I will be travelling for several weeks in Europe after the Camino, so I would likely need to discard the poles
And especially annoying to the residents of the small villages on the Camino!Yes. Rubber tips, please. Few sounds are more annoying on the Camino than the "clack clack clack" of pole tips striking sidewalks or paved surfaces.
We found them invaluable. Even on the flat, they propel you a bit quicker.
Then by all means let's not have them and have poles!Hi there,
I’m starting my first Camino Frances early May, and I don’t know whether I need hiking poles or not?
I’m 26 years old, relatively fit and don’t have any injuries (yet!)
Now at 59 I wish I’d discovered poles a decade sooner. It’s not whether you can manage now, or not, it’s what you’re doing to yourself 30 years from now.
You most definitely do not need them. However, you may want to use them.Hi there,
I’m starting my first Camino Frances early May, and I don’t know whether I need hiking poles or not?
I’m 26 years old, relatively fit and don’t have any injuries (yet!)
I used poles for the first time last year doing the Everest Base Camp trek, and they were a great investment, though of course Base Camp was very much a trek based on inclines and declines…
I just don’t know if they’ll be something extra to carry that I don’t need, or something I’ll be very grateful to have on the Camino.
Any intel would be wonderful. Thank you in advance!
On all of my caminos I have always just carried a single pole (normally strapped to my back pack) for those tricky water crossings and to fend off the odd overly intrusive dog.
Claire
I didn't start faffing about with two poles until I was more than twice your age. My younger self had no interest in them other than when hiking mountain terrain with a full pack.
First couple of caminos I took one collapsible pole, which was handy for negotiating tricky ground and getting respect from try-it-on dogs. After that I tended to just find a big stick somewhere and call it a staff. And there's something about the staff that just feels right on the camino.
If you're a normally fit 26 year old I really wouldn't bother with two walking poles unless you feel drawn towards them. And if you suddenly do, you can pick some up along the Way.
At 70 I still find no need for poles. I just walk a lot.That is exactly what I used to do and for the same reasons. Whether you need them or not is moot and may depend on what condition you want your knees to be in down the track when you are old and buggered, but still want to camino.
I wish I had started using them sooner.
Let us know what you decide (says Mr. CuriousHi there,
I’m starting my first Camino Frances early May, and I don’t know whether I need hiking poles or not?
I’m 26 years old, relatively fit and don’t have any injuries (yet!)
I used poles for the first time last year doing the Everest Base Camp trek, and they were a great investment, though of course Base Camp was very much a trek based on inclines and declines…
I just don’t know if they’ll be something extra to carry that I don’t need, or something I’ll be very grateful to have on the Camino.
Any intel would be wonderful. Thank you in advance!
Always take poles, and in another 50 years you will be nearly as old as I am but with. Younger knees and hips.
My current thinking is that I might pick up a single pole at SJPDP and see how I fare with that for a little while, and then decide along the way if I want to pick up a second or drop the first!Let us know what you decide (says Mr. Curious).
I used to think the same. Until I started seeing videos from young extremely active people that had picked up the habit in I think Nepal. (The young porters did it because they wanted to prolong their working life span.)I'm 67, I've hiked, backpacked, climbed and led groups in Western Canada since I was in my teens. I have never used poles and I honestly don't see the need for them for individuals who are fit and don't have STABILITY issues. Until recently, during my 50+ years in the outdoors, the only times I saw individuals using poles was when they were skiing!! What's changed? Are people using poles as a result of marketing or a herd mentality (i.e. everyone is using them)? It appears to me that poles are more cumbersome and restrictive and your hands aren't free to use for other purposes.
The use of a single pole is (he says, stating the bleedin’ obvious as usual) - is as a walking stick.My current thinking is that I might pick up a single pole at SJPDP and see how I fare with that for a little while, and then decide along the way if I want to pick up a second or drop the first!
I used poles from Urban Poling - super strong and light weight with removable rubber feet so good for rocks or pavement. Not only do they transfer much of the work from lower extremities to core and arms (so very helpful in the mountains!) they help save your ass when you slip on wet rocks. On boring paved roads, I used my arms to lengthen my stride and build more speed, getting back to the quiet path more quickly. Or just stride along and practice twirling. Yeh, poles are useful and fun.Hi there,
I’m starting my first Camino Frances early May, and I don’t know whether I need hiking poles or not?
I’m 26 years old, relatively fit and don’t have any injuries (yet!)
I used poles for the first time last year doing the Everest Base Camp trek, and they were a great investment, though of course Base Camp was very much a trek based on inclines and declines…
I just don’t know if they’ll be something extra to carry that I don’t need, or something I’ll be very grateful to have on the Camino.
Any intel would be wonderful. Thank you in advance!
Fully agree. I had never used poles before El Camino. Wisely, I decided to take a pair, and watch some videos about how to use them properly.Take them.
A couple of kilos off every step you take for 26/27 days? Certainly worth it. If you were just walking the last few days it’s no big deal either way.
Have you figured out how to fit them and use the wrist-strap?
I was sceptical when I was young and climbed in the alps every year, then all of a sudden all the guides used poles and said it would add a few years to their working life. Now at 59 I wish I’d discovered poles a decade sooner. It’s not whether you can manage now, or not, it’s what you’re doing to yourself 30 years from now.
I agree completely. I saw many, many people just sort of waving their poles around, and tapping the ground tick-tick-tick, which doesn’t seem to do much other than add weight.Hi Claire, Firstly, no matter what, have a wonderful adventure.
In looking over the answers, the ones who are only so-so about using poles are the one-pole users which is probably because they don't get many benefits with only one pole. One pole is a crutch. It gives a false idea of stability on rough surfaces. It is rather like an old, doddery, frail person only using a walking stick to help them get around and not a wheelie walker. The walking stick will help a bit, the wheelie walker will give stability, safety, AND a seat to sit and rest on and a place to store your stuff.
Likewise, the two poles will give you SO MANY added advantages than one pole. It will not just give superior stability and a way of fighting off dogs! It will also give you the ability to plant both poles together and leap over a big puddle. Better balance with a full pack where a single pole or none gives no advantage.
It will let you use your arms as well as your legs for propulsion up hills while also giving your arms and shoulders a workout, and this will also help with back and shoulder pain from carrying a pack. The other huge advantage is that it helps stop swollen fingers and will even repair ulnar nerve issues like Tennis elbow.
They will give you a good rhythm and pace, especially on the flat.
They will make a huge difference when going down a steep, slippery hill.
Finally, they will give you something to lean on when you bend over with a pack on to pick something up or just to stretch out your back.
I would never be without them.
If you want to bring an umbrella, which I am also a huge advocate of for its many uses not just the obvious one, I use the hands-free Euroschirm. There are lighter, cheaper ones, which I have tried, but the many disadvantages of umbrella use are overcome with the Euroschirm and it is worth its weight in gold. It has especially saved me from heat stroke for weeks at a time.
Used a light-weight high-quality walking pole for the first time last year on the Via Francigena. Just for a day as I was delivering it to a pilgrim who had left it behind. What a revelation! All future caminos for me will be with a single pole.Hi there,
I’m starting my first Camino Frances early May, and I don’t know whether I need hiking poles or not?
I’m 26 years old, relatively fit and don’t have any injuries (yet!)
I used poles for the first time last year doing the Everest Base Camp trek, and they were a great investment, though of course Base Camp was very much a trek based on inclines and declines…
I just don’t know if they’ll be something extra to carry that I don’t need, or something I’ll be very grateful to have on the Camino.
Any intel would be wonderful. Thank you in advance!
Completely agree.Footnote: with the exception of those who carry them purely for occasional stability use purposes, I think many people take them on camino without ever learning to use them properly. They're next to useless if not used properly and can potentially even be a hazard. Sitting in your backpack they're just added weight.
In those situations they are indeed just a 'fad' - or perhaps, more accurately, a poorly informed choice.
Simply the best imhoI never thought Id use poles until I found Pacer Poles. A real game changer.
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