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One more question regarding foot ware, how long does one test a pair of trail runner, boots etc before returning to REI?
That's one of the reasons why I like my Pacer Poles - you don't have to grip them really hard. In fact, your hand just rests in the ergonomic hand grip.Yes, my hands and arms can be sore. Depends on how much I am gripping the poles.
Same here. And many of those who do bring poles, leave them behind after a few days. If you're reasonably fit and avoid over-packing your backpack, poles are not necessary.I didn’t use poles and did not regret my decision.
The strap on the underside of your wrist also allows a walker to have to grip harder. The strap is an important part of the gripping.That's one of the reasons why I like my Pacer Poles - you don't have to grip them really hard. In fact, your hand just rests in the ergonomic hand grip.
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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
I didn’t use poles and did not regret my decision.
Same here. And many of those who do bring poles, leave them behind after a few days. If you're reasonably fit and avoid over-packing your backpack, poles are not necessary.
What I would give to be your ages again. Not using poles probably is fine for young joints. Although it never hurts to take preventative care. When you get to that third stage of life using poles can make a world of difference especially walking those really steep downhills that you find on all the different caminos. If you have healthy knees hips and ankles poles may not be necessary but they would help keep your joints healthy for the long run of life. (They also help big time when it is a driving rain and you are walking on some of the caminos famous rocky roads).One more question regarding foot ware, how long does one test a pair of trail runner, boots etc before returning to REI?
I am sure this is good advice from trecile. I have been wearing the same model Brooks Cascadias for all my caminos and do not remember how long it took for me to decide this is the pair for me. Unless you are walking in the dead of winter I do not personally believe you need boots. Trail runners work great and most can be taken right out of the box without a break in period. I have noticed that more people get blisters and more serious blisters overall from boots than from trail runners. Just my observation I have nothing but my eyes to back up my hypothesis. We all make our own decisions.Once you can consistently walk about 10 miles in a day do that for at least 3 days in a row.
As far as the poles go I found that when I used them vigorously I had shoulder issues but when I kept my arms in a natural swing with the poles I had less problems. Initial stiffness is normalHello everyone, I will be walking the Camino Frances beginning October 6 2023. I was wondering about walking poles. Bought a pair at REI, watched videos and I believe I am using them correctly. That said, my hands, upper arms and shoulders are stiff after a few days consecutive use. I have/had Polymyalgia Rheumatica and can't tell if it is a flare up of that or from using poles. Anyone else have this stiffness/pain when you first starting using them? I have searched (many different ways) online and can't find information about any breaking in period of the arm etc when using poles.
One more question regarding foot ware, how long does one test a pair of trail runner, boots etc before returning to REI?
My wife and I, who recently turned 70, are on our first Camino. During our training hikes, she resisted using poles and said she might use one but not both. Now that we have been on Camino del Norte for a week, she (and I) realize that using both poles is a necessity for the long distances we are going and the steep inclines and declines. We are both experiencing some upper arm and shoulder fatigue but expect that to alleviate soon as we continue getting conditioned.Hello everyone, I will be walking the Camino Frances beginning October 6 2023. I was wondering about walking poles. Bought a pair at REI, watched videos and I believe I am using them correctly. That said, my hands, upper arms and shoulders are stiff after a few days consecutive use. I have/had Polymyalgia Rheumatica and can't tell if it is a flare up of that or from using poles. Anyone else have this stiffness/pain when you first starting using them? I have searched (many different ways) online and can't find information about any breaking in period of the arm etc when using poles.
One more question regarding foot ware, how long does one test a pair of trail runner, boots etc before returning to REI?
Here is the REI return policy. Hope this helps you for your future purchases thereHi, from personal experience, no matter if you workout or exercise, any time you use a different muscle group, ligaments and tendons your body will ache for a while. Is the same as training for a walk, you can train all you want, but it will take 3-4 days, and even more to get hiker legs as they call them. Cause all terrains are different! As for REI I think, they have a 100 days return policy, and like another Peregrino mentioned if you walk on the shoes for 10 miles with no issues you’re good to go. Personally I have tried Trail Runners and boots, and in flat terrain the trail runners were awesome, but in rocky hilly surface I twisted my ankle several times. I use trail runners when I hike in Florida, but if I go to the Appalachian Trail or any tough terrain I use my KEEN boots. I love them cause they are wide allowing the foot to swell and not constrained. Plus I don’t lace the first loop of the boots or trail runners, that also allows for expansion. Hope this helps, lots of great responses. BUEN CAMINO
People actually return things after one year? Wow, that's like eating 3/4 of a meal and asking the waiter for a refund because you didn't like it.Hiking poles may not be necessary for some--at 82, they pretty much are for me on rough terrain or descents--however, it has been shown that they take significant stress off the lower body. To get the full effect of that, you need to use two of them. I have never had pain from using them, but maybe you are gripping them too hard? If you get tired of using them, carry them on your pack (or fold them). Mine weigh a pound, less than a lot of non-essential things I have seen others carrying. As far as miles on my trail runners, I have never kept track, I just tend to get a new pair every year--and I definitely walk more than 500 trail miles in a year. REI's policy is generally one year -- exceptions include items you bought used. https://www.rei.com/help/returns?
I found that correct use of the wrist straps was necessary and sufficient to keep me from gripping the poles too tightly.Yes, but I have a pair of black diamond z poles I have had for 10 years or so and I like them and don't want to buy any new ones. It took some time to learn to use the wrist straps to keep me from gripping them so tightly. Pacer poles are nice, but I have these and as I move toward retirement I don't need more gear in my closet...
Actually you should not be gripping the poles. Look up on YouTube on how to use hiking poles. It's actually the straps that should be doing the work/gripping. I love hiking poles. Not just for the safety factors, but also exercising my arms and lessening the work that my legs/ankles have to do.Yes, my hands and arms can be sore. Depends on how much I am gripping the poles.
I always use the rubber tips on my poles, I don't want to annoy other people or myself with the click clack of poles.Have you considered rubber tips for poles? They may offer a additional cushioning to buffer against upper body. I find the rubber tips really soften the sound of poles hitting rocks.
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