Trekking Poles

[isamartinezc]

Hello! I am currently planning to walk El Camino in May.
Any advice on what to do about trekking poles since TSA doesn’t allow them in carry-on bags? Where could I purchase them in Spain and about how much $$ will they be?

Edit: I am doing El Camino Francés starting in SJPDP. I will be flying from Atlanta to Madrid, then going in train to Pamplona, and then taxi to SJPDP.

 

[RJM]

Which Camino? Where are you starting from?

 

[isamartinezc]

Which Camino? Where are you starting from?

Camino Francés starting in SJPDP.
I will be flying from Atlanta to Madrid, then going in train to Pamplona, and then taxi to SJPDP.

 

[RJM]

Camino Francés starting in SJPDP.
I will be flying from Atlanta to Madrid, then going in train to Pamplona, and then taxi to SJPDP.

There are shoppes in SJPdP that sell trekking poles, as well as shoppes in Zubiri, Pamplona and Puente la Reina. You should have no problem finding some. I remember being able to get a pair for about $20-25 euros for the least expensive, standard telescoping variety.

 

[dougfitz]

The discussion on whether TSA gate agents will or won't allow walking poles on planes is prone to release more heat than light. One of the moderators recently put together a very good summary that you might want to read.

If you decide to buy them in Spain or France, there will be places to do that in Pamplona or SJPP before you start, or in many places along the way. If you are already a pole user, I expect you will want to get them before you start walking, which does mean having some time in either Pamplona or SJPP to do some shopping!

 

[J Willhaus]

Pilgrim's shop - Shop for the pilgrims of St Jacques de Compostela

Shop for the pilgrims of St Jacques de Compostela

www.boutique-du-pelerin.com

This store is on the same street as the pilgrim office in SJPdP. They have everything a pilgrim can want. You can find poles there.

 

[Vince Rollason]

Camino Francés starting in SJPDP.
I will be flying from Atlanta to Madrid, then going in train to Pamplona, and then taxi to SJPDP.

Hi.
I bought my trekking poles in SJPDP for my first Camino back in 2013. I still have them and will use them next month on my 5th Camino. I grew sort of attached to them and as my backpack always goes in the hold, I put them inside it. There was a good outdoor store near the big supermarket on the outskirts of SJPDP and it was still there in 2018. In the end I went for a moderately expensive pair and they have been an absolute boon and well worth the money. You can get all types at all sorts of prices. At the time I found prices in SJPDP more competitive than here in England.
Buen Camino
Vince

 

[Dennis Pack]

Buy them locally after you arrive. Spain produces great outdoor equipment and I always like to support the local businesses. After all, look what they do for the pilgrims ... and what they have to put up with.

 

[Joe Walsh]

Hello! I am currently planning to walk El Camino in May.
Any advice on what to do about trekking poles since TSA doesn’t allow them in carry-on bags? Where could I purchase them in Spain and about how much $$ will they be?

Edit: I am doing El Camino Francés starting in SJPDP. I will be flying from Atlanta to Madrid, then going in train to Pamplona, and then taxi to SJPDP.

Go to any China store, (bazaar), and you will find the least expensive sticks and also most anything else you may want to carry. Look there first, they are in the centro of most cities. Then if you are not satisfied, check the higher priced specialty shops.

 

[RJM]

I have left three sets of poles behind in Spain. Two sets on purpose and one not on purpose and it was a set I brought with me when I walked the Portugues and part of the Frances on one trip. I was actually going to try and bring them home, but they fell out of the window of my hotel room, San Martin Pinario in Santiago lol. I was using them to keep the window open while I napped. It was a very windy day and I awoke to a dark room, shutters closed. It took me a moment to realize what happened. I looked below (third floor) and didn't see them in that garden of sorts and then went down there and searched in vain. Alas they were gone. Hope whomever found them enjoys them.
They were good trekking poles for about $22. Even this feline pilgrim liked them.

 

[lt56ny]

If you are sleeping in Madrid there are lots of stores., like Decathlon or Corte Ingles and a host of smaller stores. If you are stopping over for a while in Pamplona you have those choices too as well as going to Caminoteca that is right around the corner from Jesus and Maria Pilgrim Albergue. You can buy really good and inexpensive poles. If you are not a serious hiker I do not think there is a need to spend 50-100 Euros.

 

[Andy in Ohio]

In March 2022 I flew into Madrid as well from jfk. I had my trekking poles in carryon luggage, but once I got to Madrid security they made me check them ( thus my bag too). I had even hacksawed off the pointy ends beforehand!
Once in SDC, I went to the main post office and mailed them home. My sticks, and my sons wooden collapsible sticks cost 47 euros to mail to Ohio. That includes 3 euros for the box, which the clerk provided and taped up for us. I got them maybe 10 days later!

 

[robproct]

I wonder if it makes any difference if the poles are inside the carry on pack. Would it be less likely to have to put them in the hold then?

 

[J Willhaus]

No, if they see them in your pack with the Xray they will make you check them.

 

[isamartinezc]

I have left three sets of poles behind in Spain. Two sets on purpose and one not on purpose and it was a set I brought with me when I walked the Portugues and part of the Frances on one trip. I was actually going to try and bring them home, but they fell out of the window of my hotel room, San Martin Pinario in Santiago lol. I was using them to keep the window open while I napped. It was a very windy day and I awoke to a dark room, shutters closed. It took me a moment to realize what happened. I looked below (third floor) and didn't see them in that garden of sorts and then went down there and searched in vain. Alas they were gone. Hope whomever found them enjoys them.
They were good trekking poles for about $22. Even this feline pilgrim liked them.
View attachment 122346

Oh no!! Hahah thanks for sharing. Someone must have found them and put them to good use!