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Sticks, planes and perambulation

Chacharm

Active Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Via Frances (2012) Vie Del Norte (2015) Via Frances (2016) Le Puy (2017)
I bought an excellent pair of walking sticks in Pamplona on my first Camino and they really saved the day. I named them Poncho and Lefty. They were not telescopic so they did not slip or slide and they held up very well. They cost about 100 euro so I created a box at the airport, wrapped them up and paid to get them home.
They will shorten a bit (they have a locking mechanism) but not enough to get them into my suitcase or pack. I have them still and wish I could take them with me.
Last year on Camino I gave up on it and just bought a pair in France. I hated them from the start. They were cheap and they collapsed a number of times. But they were the best I could find.
So - my question is...
Does anyone know of a decent brand/type of sticks that will fit into a suitcase or pack and will not collapse on me?
 
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Why not take Poncho and Lefty with you in a mailing box/tube?
 
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"Decent" Black Diamonds are great, but they are not adjustable so you have to get the right size at the get-go.
Then, they break down like tent poles into 3rds.
Get a sack to protect them and you can carry them on in your backpack on the plane, BUT it is highly advisable to (1) cover the tips in rubber, and (2) get your doctor's Rx for these "mobility devices."
Also, if you've paid for pre-check, you probably won't even be asked about them.

Downside - they're made out of Carbon-Z which means super light weight, BUT if you ding them in transport, you will have sacrificed strength, so protect them.
Other downside - they're $150/pair.

Poncho & Lefty - love it!
 
My brother-in-law has a pair of Black Diamonds with a flicklock system that can actually be taken apart so you have three separate pieces. So: good brand, reliable and will fit in your suitcase.

My own Lekis don't break down as small, but I've always managed to fit them in my bag.
 
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If you don't suffer from sticker shock, these Leki poles are very light, compact and reported to be very strong.

Click here for Amazon link.


Too pricey for me at $200 but may be good for others. I use an older model of aluminum Leki telescoping poles and they have never 'slipped' when heavily leaned on and are short enough that when in their smallest size they still fit easily into my pack. I suppose the only challenge would be that you'd definitely have to check you pack on the airplane though...
 
Ryanair took mine away 2014 even though they were small enough to go into my pack and fitted with rubber caps - hmmm I like the idea of naming them will have to get the brain going on that one - buen Camino to those who are already walking
 
Thank you all! Very helpful!
 
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