Maccarooni
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Very soon
For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
Absolutely! Poles tske s lot of strain off the knees.Hi, am starting my walk from Biarritz on the 21st or 28th Nov 2108. Was wondering the benefits of trekking poles, any advice greatly appreciated
Michael
don't forget to give a report! Happy trekking, and eventually, Buen Camino.So, I've been out and got a set of poles, I shall practice with them tonight. Thank you for all your help.
Michael
I quite agree, David. The key thing for me, and just for me, was relying on what I call muscle memory. That is something I developed during years of playing with clay in a recreational pottery class.I know that there are people who say that if you don't use them exactly the same way that they are using them, you get no benefit. That hasn't been my experience. I agree with VNwalking. What works for you is what's right. Sure, watch the videos and try what they suggest. It may take a bit of practice before it feels natural. But if it isn't working for you, try using them at a pace that does feel right and isn't detracting (and distracting) from your experience.
You are missing out on the most important benefits!so far I'm very happy with one
We both used poles the whole way from SJPdP on, we learned how to use them properly before hand (YouTube was a great help) Up hills, down hill, flat sections, muddy sections you name it they helped. We met so many people of all ages and fitness levels that ended up getting them along the way and wished they had them earlier which may had saved them from injury. Yes you can do it without but why? If the answer is to save weight we are talking ounces here and you have heard the saying "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"Hi, am starting my walk from Biarritz on the 21st or 28th Nov 2108. Was wondering the benefits of trekking poles, any advice greatly appreciated
Michael
I know! I should be starting training with the second one by now but I think I'll first practice with the left arm only and improve my arm strength before. Thank you for the incentive!You are missing out on the most important benefits!
Hi,There is a Decathlon super-store (a huge sports department store) just outside Biarritz. I think you can get a bus or taxi there. I have shopped there myself.
My advice, as from many others here, is to use poles. It makes your walking so much easier. I know that the poles at Decathlon start at about €4.99 each for simple, adjustable aluminium poles. I see dozens of sets of them discarded at the Pilgrim Office every summer. There are so many of this particular style that I conclude that folks must be happy with them. They are the most seen style and color (turquoise).
Two points:
1. You cannot generally bring them into the cabin of a commercial airliner. So, either plan to transport them as checked luggage, or in your checked luggage. I take mine apart (sections can usually come apart) to make them even shorter, and put them in my checked backpack. Alternatively, spend as little as you can for suitable-to-purpose poles, as I mentioned, then donate them at the Pilgrim Office when you reach Santiago. Evidently, a lot of others do.
2. Go to You Tube and search for "how to use hiking poles." These videos will show you how to adjust and use the poles properly to get the best advantage from them.
Using poles reduces back and shoulder pain, transfers up to 25 % of the load from your back to your legs, provides added traction going up hills, braking coming down hills, and generally improves balance. I am top-heavy and clumsy. So I know all about these benefits.
They can also be used to fend off the very rare aggressive animal.
Depending on your lodging arrangements, an extended hiking pole also makes an effective clothes drying rack. I carry two large plastic hooks (2" wide to fit over curtain rods) and two very long rubber bands to allow me to suspend an extended hiking pole from almost anything I encounter along the way. I find that the long, white, trash can liner retainer bands from the supermarket work very well. It really does work very well.
Hope this helps.
Buen camino, chico!Well, I have to say I'm now well and truly convinced of the benefits of poles. I took an 8 mile trek yesterday over hills and rough ground with plenty of ups and downs. They helped my balance and posture and made easier work of the hills for me. Thank you all for your help and comments, greatly appreciated. Well final countdown is on now, I leave for Biarritz in 2days
Your observation jibes with mine...only about one in five walkers use trekking poles in a manner that takes a load off the joints and provides added propulsion.If you learn to use them properly they will help. A lot.
For 80% of users they are just more weight to carry
There's a pile of wooden staffs (staves?) outside in the garden which get cut up for firewood and I saw half a dozen alloy ones there too.There is a pilgrim office in SJPdP where you can get a credencial. It is not likely to have second hand trekking poles.
There is a pilgrim office in Santiago where you can obtain your compostela. I don't think they have a bin of discarded trekking poles anymore; it is now a very clean and organized place. However, you can find a bin of discarded poles at the PR Blanco down the hill from the Pilgrim Office.
Rúa das Galeras, 30, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
An old boss of mine used to say 80% of statistics were made up on the spotIf you learn to use them properly they will help. A lot.
For 80% of users they are just more weight to carry
We were regularly passed by 20somethings literally bouncing down the trails - but IF you are not in that generation - poles will greatly help to make your day much more enjoyable.
In your sixties, you may realize what you did to yourself in your forties (by not using poles, to stay on topic).It was only the next days that I realized what I had done to myself.
Buen Camino!So a final hike of 9 miles with full ruck sack (14.4 kg). They were undoubtedly a help with balance and up and down hills.
Well the day has finally come. I leave Cornwall today and embark on my adventure, once again thank you for all your helpful comment and suggestions.
Michael
Thank you my friend.Good to see your post now - I was following in my mind’s eye calendar. Do try to find time to give an idea of how it goes for you. Safe trip, and buen camino.
Thank you my friend.
Fair play, you walked from Biarritz. you started heading to Santiago a while ago! I know just what you mean. Thanks for taking the trouble to post, and it's ok, you can just post for everyone, because everyone is interested, of that I can be quite sure. I will need to put something into my calendar to keep me following you. Buen Camino, once more.@Stivandrer @kirkie
Well, i did it. Got to Biarritz 6pm Tuesday and walked over the 3 days to arrive here in SJPDP. Met Chantal and Alain in the pilgrims office and they set me up with accommodation list and credential. I am staying in the municipal Albergue at no 55 tonight and I shall be heading to Santiago from tomorrow.
You look so pleased! Well done!Omg.... What a trek from SJPDP TO RONCEVALLES.!!!!!!!!!!!!
View attachment 49158
But you did it, well done!Omg.... What a trek from SJPDP TO RONCEVALLES.!!!!!!!!!!!!
View attachment 49158
A picture speaks a thousand words. Well done, Jeff.But you did it, well done!
It'll start getting easier after Pamplona. Chin up!
PS - try using the pole straps like this:
View attachment 49160
It was the hardest day of my life!!!!!!!!Of course you did!
Trekking poles and all !
How did you like the part from from Valcarlos to Roncesvalles,
Nice little incline !!
All the best....
Hang on in there. I won't mention a few more! Well done!It was the hardest day of my life!!!!!!!!
Hi, don’t leave without them! They are really helpful and take a load off the knees. I recommend Pacer Poles because of their ergonomic handle - much better than pole with straps. Look em up online.Hi, am starting my walk from Biarritz on the 21st or 28th Nov 2108. Was wondering the benefits of trekking poles, any advice greatly appreciated
Michael
Your observation jibes with mine...only about one in five walkers use trekking poles in a manner that takes a load off the joints and provides added propulsion.
I thought I had replied but no. Take your time tomorrow and be sure to get the ankle checked out. So glad your poles are proving useful. Blessings on your camino.Well they have been a god send, don't think I'd have got this far without them. In currently in the Albergue municipal at viana, this being my second night here due to an ankle problem, hopefully the rest will do it good and I will hopefully set off again tomorrow morning.
Michael
Absolutely necessary. I used Leki poles that fold in 3 pieces on the Camino, Compostelle and GR70 trails. Prior to that I used other brands but the Leki have the most comfortable grips and straps of them all. The 3 section poles will fit in your pack so you can keep them with you at nights; some gites/albergues don't allow you into the dorms with poles unless they are stashed in your bag. Go to Utube for some training sessions that will show you precisely how to use and adjust the poles.Hi, am starting my walk from Biarritz on the 21st or 28th Nov 2108. Was wondering the benefits of trekking poles, any advice greatly appreciated
Michael
Poles are a must for me. They do relieve stress, make the Way safer, and are great if you count to pace yourself uphill etc. You don’t need expensive poles, but get some poles.Hi Maccarooni
( I'm 65yo)
My first CF Camino 2016, no poles got to 620 klms, & shin splints.....
2nd CF camino,2017 no poles got to 520 klms, twisted knee,
3rd CF Camino 2018, bought POLES €20 in Madrid, did 920 klms from SJPdP to Finisterre...,
So I'm convinced they took 20% of weight bearing pressure off my joints. They steadied me on the downhills, were a help going up...my arms gained muscles...and I've named them Arthur & Martha........
Love
For me, age 63, my trekking poles were the most important piece of equipment I brought on my Camino. They pushed me up the hills and supported me down. Even walking the flatlands I had my poles in hand. If you do bring trekking poles, I suggest bringing at least three or four sets of the rubber ends.Hi, am starting my walk from Biarritz on the 21st or 28th Nov 2108. Was wondering the benefits of trekking poles, any advice greatly appreciated
Michael
Yes I bought another pair in Lisbon, decathlon shop for €20. I went the central all the way from Porto from May 7thp. I loved every minute and not one injury or blister! I did see 3 girls with injured faces from face forward falls. ( Wet downhill cobblestones)Did you used them in your CP? Which route did you take?
I walked the GR65 Compostelle, the GR70 Stevenson, the Del Norte with the Primitivo and some of the Frances in 2016, 2017, and 2018. I also walked from Arusha to Lake Manyara in Tanzania in 1986 and The West Coast Trail in 1987. I now use Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles because the straps and handles are the best that I've ever used in the past. They fold up so you can stow them in your pack for the night and never worry about your poles walking away at night. Walking in hills with a pack can throw your balance easily so walking with poles will take care of the balance thing plus using poles gives you a distinct energy saving. There are lots of medical studies to support this if you look for it.Hi, am starting my walk from Biarritz on the 21st or 28th Nov 2108. Was wondering the benefits of trekking poles, any advice greatly appreciated
Michael
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?