treking poles, pacer poles or just a stick

[givney42]

I've been reading a lot on this forum about using treking poles, pacer poles on the camino. My question is why not just use a staff/stick to walk with.
I do have a pair of Leki treking poles I use when I hike. was thinking of leaving them at home and just finding a decent staff once in Spain. Long enough to walk with, and change hand positions, as well as help keep dogs away from me and my service dog that is coming along with me in Sept.

What do you all think?

kim

 

[Kitsambler]

When I first got my Pacer Poles, I tried using them while leash-walking with my Doberman; however I found I had insufficient hands. If you're handling a dog, which takes a leash or harness of some sort I'm assuming, then that certainly occupies one hand full time. No point in taking two sticks then -- one staff would occupy the other hand. The only advantage to taking one of your Leki poles along as that staff might be that it would be collapsible, whereas plain wooden staffs would not. Sometimes it is nice to collapse the stick(s).

 

[Anniesantiago]

The staffs you buy along the Way are beautiful and functional.
I took Pacer Poles last time because of my wrists, and enjoyed using them, but the first time I walked, I bought a pole and it worked just fine.

A funny note: They're made like steel! I had a meltdown on the Meseta and tried to break mine over a huge boulder... instead, I almost broke my hand! They're indestructible, I think!

 

[palmah]

When Cullen and I walked the CF in Mar/Apr this year, we purchased walking sticks in SJPP and they worked fine for us. I saw lots of folks walking with poles and lots of people with poles strapped to their packs while using a walking stick. This is a personal preference really.

 

[LTfit]

Just back from the Camino Frances and must admit that I am a convert.
I never thought about using a staff or trekking poles until my right knee starting acting up during downhills. I tried out 1 pole and found that it was a great help. When I arrived at the parrochial auberge in Granon (a must!) the Swiss hospitalera gave me hers!
I just loved using the two and when 1 broke (yes, in half) outside of Portomarin I just continued with the 1. I was so attached to it that I was happy that the airport staff in Vigo let me take it on board with my back-pack.
I will NEVER make fun of people using trekking poles again!
Cheers,
Lee

 

[Esauro57]

I have just come back from the camino France from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago (23/06/2010 -23/07/2010!
I used two foldable Nordic Hiking walking poles (Quenchua Diosaz 400):- They have a great Velcro wrist bands so your hands are free ...good to get drinking water or reading a map without stopping. They are very good for alleviating the pressure on your feet/toes and knees specially when going downhill and are good in giving you a lift when climbing. They don’t cost much (39 Euros a pair) from Decathlon Sport Shop I think you can get a better model the 700NH for 50 Euros a pair) http://www.decathlon.it/IT/paio-di-bastoni-diosaz-700-nh-68813423/ (they can also be be found in Spain... in the bigger cites)... I can not do without them!... a must have!