Three section telescoping vs. folding poles.

[CaryB]

What is most prominent on the trail? I have a pair of three section telescoping poles. They don't fold into thirds but slide longer or shorter. They are great but still quite tall when compressed. Folding poles collapse for smaller carrying but don't seem as sturdy. Should I just take my long poles and be done with it or purchase a folding pair when I arrive. I leave in the morning.

Thanks for the feedback. And if I were to purchase there...where from in SJ.

 

[Robo]

I use telescoping poles.
Fizan Compact 3. Very light.
Though they may not be as strong as folding poles, not sure.
Can folding poles be adjusted for length? (quite important)

 

[Anamiri]

I've had the same Fizan telescoping poles since I bought them in Leon in 2017, they've had a lot of use with no problems. They're extremely lightweight and very adjustable. I have used the folding ones.

 

[Sirage]

What is most prominent on the trail?

@CaryB, I suggest a better question would be "What, in your experience, is a better type of pole".

You won't get consensus in this Forum but it will help you make a choice perhaps because of a reasons you haven't thought of. It is a frequently debated topic on this Forum with lots of firmly held opinions.

On the trail, in my opinion, most poles are probably used by people who haven't given them much thought and probably don't use them very well either. For many people poles are incidental cheap things to be picked up anywhere and discarded in Santiago, without regard for what is a good pole and what benefits poles can provide.

 

[Pafayac]

I have used telescoping poles for 3 years. But 15 days ago I arrived in Santiago and spent 3 days in the same albergue. When leaving, my poles were not in the container anymore...
Therefore, I bought folding poles (Alpin Loacker carbon), in order to be able to keep them in my backpack when staying more than 1 night in an albergue.
According to me, the choice rely upon several factors:
Folding poles are generally more expensive, but could be carried in a backpack. Therefore, if you plan to always walk with poles, choose telescoping ones: they are more sturdy and cheaper.
If you plan to walk sometimes hands free (namely on a flat way), choose folding poles. In order to carry them in your backpack, they should be light (carbon).
My advice is also to prefer cork handles.

@Robo : "Can folding poles be adjusted for length? (quite important)"
Yes they can because there is one telescoping section.
In SJPP, you can buy them somewhere in sports shop:

Articles de sport

maps.app.goo.gl

 

[C clearly]

@Robo : "Can folding poles be adjusted for length? (quite important)"
Yes they can because there is one telescoping section.

Some can, but some cannot. Mine are not adjustable for length (and are therefore probably lighter weight) but I don't mind. I simply adjust my hand position when necessary.

 

[Sirage]

Further to my earlier post, for those interested in my opinion, there might be 2 of you, I much prefer the PacerPoles for their function, and they are 3 piece telescopic. Not pack-friendly but I don't compromise on my choice re function.

Not cheap but if I spend $6,000 net (+ some updated gear) per Camino of 60+ days every year or 2, the additional cost of my preferred poles which last for years is a rounding-error, as it also is for other occasional new gear. The only alternative to PacerPoles is custom built poles.

 

[JustOneGuy]

I have very old Leki Makalu telescopic poles and frankly I am happy with them. I can store them on the side of my backpack in minutes. I change the rubber every few years. The most important feature for me is that I can adjust their lenght.

Let me add that when I (rarely) meet other hikers with poles in the nearby mountains, I see that most of them do not use them correctly. This is much more important: first, they do not adjust them to the right length for their height, or they use them in the wrong way.

I suggest to watch a few of the many videos on youtube that teach how to use them, to ensure you regulate and use them correctly. Finally, they are often gripped the wrong way, which in the event of a simple fall can cause thumb injuries.

 

[Roland49]

I had not used poles on my Caminos, but did use them while in the Alps.
I have relatively cheap folding aluminium poles, that are lightweight, short and quick to unfold or collapse. Height adjustment is simple, but not as variable as on the telescoping ones.

The most important thing is, IMHO, the handle, that must be well fitting for your hands.

HTH
Roland

 

[Anhalter]

Another user of Fizan Compact 3 poles here. I used them for 3 caminos and multiple hikes at home. I'd say they are nearing something of 3000km of use. Still work, but don't look pretty anymore.

I feel that there are some weaknesses with telescope poles (or just that model). I had multiple occasions where due to bigger temperature difference during the day the "locking mechanism" got loose a bit. Nothing dramatic, but its weird if on of your poles "shrinks" by a few cm during the day. Once I identified the problem, no issue anymore, just check and re-tighten or adjust a few times a day.
Also on one occasion they would not come loose anymore at all. I fear i put them in storage when wet and some kind of rust occured (and i know that they are aluminium and should not rust). Anyways, WD40 did the trick and i still use them today.
So i guess if you keep those things in mind they are very fine poles.

As to the folding ones, i see them in use for more serious trekking and running. They are usually more compact when folded, the seem more sturdy and i guess the two problems i had can't happen with them. Which comes at the disadvantage of a heavier weight.

So i guess it depends on what you want of the poles, either choice has its merits.

 

[JustOneGuy]

I had not used poles on my Caminos, but did use them while in the Alps.

Me too. I do not find them useful when walking on a gently sloping or paved road. For me, they add effort to the arms without any real benefit. On the other hand, they are extremely useful on exposed and steep trails, up and downhill (but their length must slightly be adjusted).

It may be different for people with unstable balance or heavy backpacks.

 

[Sirage]

For me, they add effort to the arms without any real benefit.

I find that quite a curious comment.

 

[trecile]

For me, they add effort to the arms without any real benefit.

It's a huge benefit to me to keep my arms toned while I'm on the Camino for over a month.

 

[Roland49]

It's a huge benefit to me to keep my arms toned while I'm on the Camino for over a month.

I do exercise by alternating lifting wineglasses on the evenings...