jgiesbrecht
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances, Fisterra, Muxia Sept-Oct 2020
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Mine are the carbon fibrePacerpole users, do you use alloy or carbon fibre?
I’ll just add my two cents’ worth— Pacer Poles are great. I used them on my Camino trek, and they provide great support, are easy to use, and adjustable. They are a bit on the expensive side, but their hand grips allow you to use the poles with an easy, natural grasp that supports you without tiring your hands.Like you, I had never used trekking poles before. After reading about them on the forum I ordered Pacer Poles, because someone said that it is impossible to use them the wrong way. Instead of being modified ski poles, they were designed for walking by a physiotherapist, and have an ergonomic grip. I love them, and use them 99% of the time on the Camino. Besides keeping my hands from swelling, they have kept me from a fall or two, they help relieve some of the strain on my knees when going down hill, give me a little push when going up hill, and help keep my arms toned while I'm on the Camino. They have to be ordered from England, and may seem a bit expensive, but I feel that they are worth it.
Hiking, Walking & Trekking Poles | Pacerpole Walking System
Pacerpole produce ergonomically designed walking and trekking poles. Pacerpoles improve your walking ability and general health. Free worldwide shipping.pacerpole.com
Just to clarify - while they don't fold down to a very small size, they do collapse, and can be dismantled to fit inside a backpack or suitcase.Pacer Poles, which are unique, not foldable,
What is the difference between the two?including Nordic walking poles as well as normal trekking poles.
Mine are carbon fibre (the dual-lock model). I'm a recent convert to pacer-poles and I've fallen in love with them. I had a chance to really check them out earlier this year when I walked the Camino Portugués and the Camino Inglés. I also used them for a few days on one of the Jakobsweg trails in Germany. They performed flawlessly throughout. I've used conventional walking poles in the past and find using pacer-poles to be much more natural and ergonomic. I can really feel the difference. Yes, pacer-poles are a little more expensive but for me they are definitely worth the cost.Pacerpole users, do you use alloy or carbon fibre?
To use or not to use is up to the individual. I have used them on every Camino and will continue to do so. If you have been trained to use them properly they can save you a lot of energy and be very helpful. If you have not been trained in how to properly use them you will needlessly expend a lot of energy that you would other wise not expend. The key to proper use is that on level and uphill trails, the tips of the poles do not come any further forward than the heal of each foot. For downhill trails they stay in from of your foot mainly for stability.I know everyone loves discussing trekking poles!! But seriously, I plan on walking from SJPDP hopefully all the way to Finisterre and Muxia this upcoming March/April. I am new to walking/hiking....but I do know I plan on using poles. Part of my reasoning is that when I walk more than about 5k my hands swell, so I want something to keep my hands moving. I bought a pretty cheap one online just for now while walking at home but I know it is actually a bit too long for me even in it's shortest position. I am 5'4 and live in Ontario. I am willing to order online if someone has a really good recommendation. I want to purchase them beforehand so I can get use to walking with them, and I have already purchased checked baggage for my flight, so that is not an issue.
Whether or not I want to use them is not up for debate, so please simply chime in with equipment recommendations!! Thanks guys!
Nordic walking poles typically have a 'demi-glove' that is attached to the top of the pole with some form of quick disconnect arrangement. You should be able to see this arrangement on a Leki Nordic walking pole here. There are some differences in the design of the hand grip, but I think most of the other construction details are similar to trekking poles and ski poles. The one I have linked has a fixed single piece shaft, but there are two and three section adjustable and collapsible nordic poles.What is the difference between the two?
This is an excellent approach, but it is worth explaining why. Once the pole tip comes forward in front of the leading foot, there will be some braking action. This is because the pole is pointing slightly forward until your body moves forwards and the pole is pointing to the rear. Only then will the pole be helping you move forward. That braking action is what you want to avoid - it uses up energy if nothing else, but why would you want to do something that will slow you down?The key to proper use is that on level and uphill trails, the tips of the poles do not come any further forward than the heal of each foot. For downhill trails they stay in from of your foot mainly for stability.
Alloy - if you damage one of the lower two pieces you can swap them out with tubes from cheapo units. It's the grip that make the difference. It also makes them harder to packPacerpole users, do you use alloy or carbon fibre?
I know everyone loves discussing trekking poles!! But seriously, I plan on walking from SJPDP hopefully all the way to Finisterre and Muxia this upcoming March/April. I am new to walking/hiking....but I do know I plan on using poles. Part of my reasoning is that when I walk more than about 5k my hands swell, so I want something to keep my hands moving. I bought a pretty cheap one online just for now while walking at home but I know it is actually a bit too long for me even in it's shortest position. I am 5'4 and live in Ontario. I am willing to order online if someone has a really good recommendation. I want to purchase them beforehand so I can get use to walking with them, and I have already purchased checked baggage for my flight, so that is not an issue.
Whether or not I want to use them is not up for debate, so please simply chime in with equipment recommendations!! Thanks guys!
I know everyone loves discussing trekking poles!! But seriously, I plan on walking from SJPDP hopefully all the way to Finisterre and Muxia this upcoming March/April. I am new to walking/hiking....but I do know I plan on using poles. Part of my reasoning is that when I walk more than about 5k my hands swell, so I want something to keep my hands moving. I bought a pretty cheap one online just for now while walking at home but I know it is actually a bit too long for me even in it's shortest position. I am 5'4 and live in Ontario. I am willing to order online if someone has a really good recommendation. I want to purchase them beforehand so I can get use to walking with them, and I have already purchased checked baggage for my flight, so that is not an issue.
Whether or not I want to use them is not up for debate, so please simply chime in with equipment recommendations!! Thanks guys!
I agree. I bought Pacer Poles after reading recommendations on this forum. I'd never used Poles before either. I found them invaluable and they became almost a part of me. When I used to walk without Poles, my fingers often swelled. However, with Pacer Poles I never had swollen fingers. Highly recommend.Like you, I had never used trekking poles before. After reading about them on the forum I ordered Pacer Poles, because someone said that it is impossible to use them the wrong way. Instead of being modified ski poles, they were designed for walking by a physiotherapist, and have an ergonomic grip. I love them, and use them 99% of the time on the Camino. Besides keeping my hands from swelling, they have kept me from a fall or two, they help relieve some of the strain on my knees when going down hill, give me a little push when going up hill, and help keep my arms toned while I'm on the Camino. They have to be ordered from England, and may seem a bit expensive, but I feel that they are worth it.
Hiking, Walking & Trekking Poles | Pacerpole Walking System
Pacerpole produce ergonomically designed walking and trekking poles. Pacerpoles improve your walking ability and general health. Free worldwide shipping.pacerpole.com
One reason is stability. In winter walking (or any unstable terrain I suppose) having your poles out from you body a ways provides a wider, more stable base. When I was walking on icy surfaces I wasn’t concerned at all about speed or energy used, my only concern was not ending up on my butt!That braking action is what you want to avoid - it uses up energy if nothing else, but why would you want to do something that will slow you down?
Mine are carbon. Walked from SJPP to Santiago in May this year. I agree about them being harder to pack though. Going to walk the Camino Portuguese next year, from Porto. Any advice on packing and posting Poles on ahead please? Don't want to take checked luggage. Thanks.Alloy - if you damage one of the lower two pieces you can swap them out with tubes from cheapo units. It's the grip that make the difference. It also makes them harder to pack
You make a good point. My winter walking here in Australia doesn't provide this sort of challenge. I am planning to walk in England later in the year, and might find out first hand how important this is.One reason is stability. In winter walking (or any unstable terrain I suppose) having your poles out from you body a ways provides a wider, more stable base. When I was walking on icy surfaces I wasn’t concerned at all about speed or energy used, my only concern was not ending up on my butt!
Nidarosa, we fly from the UK too. Thanks for the info. I'll give that a try. Do you put any padding round the poles, to give more protection? Also, do you just send them via regular mail from the post office?@GailGwyn Where do you fly in from? I normally dismantle mine, put rubber bands either end to keep the bundle together and pack them in the narrow, sturdy plastic bag they were delivered in, or in a binliner I wrap around several times. Then print out address for my first night's accommodation and also my own for the return, and send them by post from the UK. Costs about £12 and takes about 5 working days. I keep the bag when I pick them up, and after my walk I wrap them back up and ask for new tape at the post office and attach my preprinted address label. Easy.
I don't think they are available from anywhere except the UK. I think it should be fairly straightforward to place an order. An American friend has just ordered some, on my recommendation. They are made on the Lake District, in England. Good luck!I checked online and can’t seem to buy / order pacer poles name brand in Canada??!!
Thanks again. My husband has a pair too, so we'll bundle them together and post them via registered or tracked, as you suggest.@GailGwyn No I don't put extra padding on because I'd have to put that somewhere while I walked, but a few sheets of bubble wrap might make a handy sitmat en route before shipping them back? Never had them get damaged so just keep doing what I do. I spend a few extra quid to make it registered or tracked mail though. Make sure you bundle them tightly so the package is less than 60 cms long and my Dual Locks will cost about £12 each way. Still cheaper than putting them in the hold.
Pacerpole users, do you use alloy or carbon fibre?
I know everyone loves discussing trekking poles!! But seriously, I plan on walking from SJPDP hopefully all the way to Finisterre and Muxia this upcoming March/April. I am new to walking/hiking....but I do know I plan on using poles. Part of my reasoning is that when I walk more than about 5k my hands swell, so I want something to keep my hands moving. I bought a pretty cheap one online just for now while walking at home but I know it is actually a bit too long for me even in it's shortest position.....
I have already purchased checked baggage for my flight, so that is not an issue.
Whether or not I want to use them is not up for debate, so please simply chime in with equipment recommendations!! Thanks guys!
I usually check a bag (free with my flight from the US) with my pre and post Camino clothes, as I usually do a bit of traveling before and/or after. On my most recent short Camino, which was the Portuguese route from Porto I didn't bring any extra clothes, but packed my Pacer Poles in an old duffel bag, which I gave away in Porto. On the way back, I put them in my backpack and checked it in. But, I did meet a couple that were boarding my flight that got through security in Porto with their poles in their packs. The husband had his in the side pocket, so they were very visible to security staff.Mine are carbon. Walked from SJPP to Santiago in May this year. I agree about them being harder to pack though. Going to walk the Camino Portuguese next year, from Porto. Any advice on packing and posting Poles on ahead please? Don't want to take checked luggage. Thanks.
Not necessary to do a search, as their web address was posted in posts #3 and 42.Do a google search for the URL. I can truly recommend them.
Thanks, did not read thoroughly all 40+ post. CheersNot necessary to do a search, as their web address was posted in posts #3 and 42.
I too am a Pacer Pole VERY satisfied user. I found that about every two or three days on the Camino Frances both times, someone wanted to buy my Pacer Poles from me. Love them, and they are going with me to the Via de la Plata next spring!Another Pacer Poles satisfied user.
Very satisfied.
Wouldn't use any other kind.
I know everyone loves discussing trekking poles!! But seriously, I plan on walking from SJPDP hopefully all the way to Finisterre and Muxia this upcoming March/April. I am new to walking/hiking....but I do know I plan on using poles. Part of my reasoning is that when I walk more than about 5k my hands swell, so I want something to keep my hands moving. I bought a pretty cheap one online just for now while walking at home but I know it is actually a bit too long for me even in it's shortest position. I am 5'4 and live in Ontario. I am willing to order online if someone has a really good recommendation. I want to purchase them beforehand so I can get use to walking with them, and I have already purchased checked baggage for my flight, so that is not an issue.
Whether or not I want to use them is not up for debate, so please simply chime in with equipment recommendations!! Thanks guys!
I checked online and can’t seem to buy / order pacer poles name brand in Canada??!!
I'll do that. Thanks again.@GailGwyn Not sure if that would double the price, prob not, so pack them up and take them to the post office to see how much it would be so you can compare with shipping the bundle in the hold. For me it isn't worth it on a two leg flight so I always post them.
For the record, PacerPoles do not fold but they collapse easily. They fit nicely in the side pocket of my backpack and in a tripod case that I ordered from Amazon—with the tripod case, I attach it to my backpack to go through security at airports (then it counts as a single piece of carry-in luggage) with the idea of if they don't clear, I can just check the poles in the bag as luggage. So far, I have carried my PacerPoles from the US to the Camino (DFW, JFK, SEA, ORY, CDG, MAD, etc.) 7 round-trip times through security and they have always passed.I suggest that you should use 2 poles - your post suggested that you might be using only one. I personally use folding Black Diamond ones and am very happy with them. I think you really just need to decide which of the following you want:
For Choice 1, you'll want to do some research and will need to find out how to order.
- Pacer Poles, which are unique, not foldable, must be ordered from the UK (I think) but I understand the company gives excellent customer service, and these poles have enthusiastic users.
- Regular collapsible but not foldable poles. These can be quite inexpensive.
- Lightweight foldable carbon fibre poles (e.g. Black Diamond) such as I use. These are the smallest and lightest, but also more expensive.
For Choice 2, you can go to any outdoors store. Compare weights and pick your preferred price point.
For Choice 3, you might need a specialty outdoors store (e.g. MEC) and pay the higher price.
I expect that any one of these choices will meet your needs nicely.
I know everyone loves discussing trekking poles!! But seriously, I plan on walking from SJPDP hopefully all the way to Finisterre and Muxia this upcoming March/April. I am new to walking/hiking....but I do know I plan on using poles. Part of my reasoning is that when I walk more than about 5k my hands swell, so I want something to keep my hands moving. I bought a pretty cheap one online just for now while walking at home but I know it is actually a bit too long for me even in it's shortest position. I am 5'4 and live in Ontario. I am willing to order online if someone has a really good recommendation. I want to purchase them beforehand so I can get use to walking with them, and I have already purchased checked baggage for my flight, so that is not an issue.
Whether or not I want to use them is not up for debate, so please simply chime in with equipment recommendations!! Thanks guys!
I have always used poles wherever I walk.I know everyone loves discussing trekking poles!! But seriously, I plan on walking from SJPDP hopefully all the way to Finisterre and Muxia this upcoming March/April. I am new to walking/hiking....but I do know I plan on using poles. Part of my reasoning is that when I walk more than about 5k my hands swell, so I want something to keep my hands moving. I bought a pretty cheap one online just for now while walking at home but I know it is actually a bit too long for me even in it's shortest position. I am 5'4 and live in Ontario. I am willing to order online if someone has a really good recommendation. I want to purchase them beforehand so I can get use to walking with them, and I have already purchased checked baggage for my flight, so that is not an issue.
Whether or not I want to use them is not up for debate, so please simply chime in with equipment recommendations!! Thanks guys!
Not really. For me the ergonomic hand grips on Pacer Poles make them more than "just a pole".I dunno. A pole is a pole is a pole
Me too. More useful as I get older too!Not really. For me the ergonomic hand grips on Pacer Poles make them more than "just a pole".
I definitely second the vote for Pacer Poles!! I love them and they were great on my camino.Like you, I had never used trekking poles before. After reading about them on the forum I ordered Pacer Poles, because someone said that it is impossible to use them the wrong way. Instead of being modified ski poles, they were designed for walking by a physiotherapist, and have an ergonomic grip. I love them, and use them 99% of the time on the Camino. Besides keeping my hands from swelling, they have kept me from a fall or two, they help relieve some of the strain on my knees when going down hill, give me a little push when going up hill, and help keep my arms toned while I'm on the Camino. They have to be ordered from England, and may seem a bit expensive, but I feel that they are worth it.
Hiking, Walking & Trekking Poles | Pacerpole Walking System
Pacerpole produce ergonomically designed walking and trekking poles. Pacerpoles improve your walking ability and general health. Free worldwide shipping.pacerpole.com
Carbon fibrePacerpole users, do you use alloy or carbon fibre?
Alloy with screw fittings. As @trecile says above the important part of PPs is the ergonomic hand grip but if you damage one of the lower sections of a carbon fibre pole you have the choice of jettisoning the affected pole or carrying a "dead" pole the rest of the way so you can replace the damaged section when you get home. Do the same with an alloy pole you can hunt around and find a cheap and cheerful pole from the Chinese Bazaar that fits and swap out the damaged section. Try doing that with carbon fibre.Carbon fibre
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