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I have always used a single pole on all of my Caminos with no problems, and prefer the freedom of my one free arm/hand. I'm considering using two on my upcoming Invierno Camino, but I am dragging my feet in making that decision.I use one pole, but that another discussion
That's a great article and I agree with everything mentioned. Thanks for sharing it.Should I use one or two hiking poles?
Which is preferable when out on the hills: one or two hiking poles? The Great Outdoors' Content Producer Francesca Donovan answers.www.thegreatoutdoorsmag.com
This appears to be very true.It seems that the use of poles is very specific to each individual.
In fact, just click on the tag "walking poles/sticks" that I have placed under the title of this thread.@JEGM if you have further interest use the search feature to find much more information.
So it seems. That said, there is some good advice on how to use poles effectively. This one is sharply focussed on Leki poles, but it has good explanations of using poles on level ground, going uphill, going downhill and in other circumstances.It seems that the use of poles is very specific to each individual.
Using two hiking poles, in cadence with your walking pace, is like having "four-paw drive." It contributes a lot to being able to propel yourself forward and up a hill.I have always used a single pole on all of my Caminos with no problems, and prefer the freedom of my one free arm/hand. I'm considering using two on my upcoming Invierno Camino, but I am dragging my feet in making that decision.
Once you get used to using two poles, I doubt you will go back to one.
We just completed the Norte from Irun to Santiago. The elevation gain in the first week is massive. I could not have survived without poles especially on the descents. That being said I did note younger walkers without poles. Only you can assess your needs. Buen Camino.Hi!
I am doing the Del Norte in September from Irun along the coast - do I need walking poles? I am pretty fit and did not need them on the route from Porto two years ago. Any advice?
I agree. When I walked it in 2018 (I think it was) there were lots of wonderful young people and none of them used poles and got along just fine. But this old guy, used them every day. As you say, especially on the endless downhills after the endless uphills.We just completed the Norte from Irun to Santiago. The elevation gain in the first week is massive. I could not have survived without poles especially on the descents. That being said I did note younger walkers without poles. Only you can assess your needs. Buen Camino.
I understand that, Tom, but any time I walk on stream beds, picking my way on wet big rocks for balance, there is no cadence. I absolutely love having my one free hand without a pole dangling from it as I constantly open my waist bag to retrieve my phone for pictures and other necessities. I also never use the strap...my bad.Using two hiking poles, in cadence with your walking pace, is like having "four-paw drive." It contributes a lot to being able to propel yourself forward and up a hill.
It also gives you twice the stability when walking DOWN a hill.
Once you get used to using two poles, I doubt you will go back to one.
Hope this helps.
Tom
Then do as you feel safest. You could tote a second pole, collapsed, for when you do find the need.I understand that, Tom, but any time I walk on stream beds, picking my way on wet big rocks for balance, there is no cadence. I absolutely love having my one free hand without a pole dangling from it as I constantly open my waist bag to retrieve my phone for pictures and other necessities. I also never use the strap...my bad.
That said, I totally agree that two poles are usually better than one.
You have some good responses above, all equally valid. This really is such an individual thing.Hi!
I am doing the Del Norte in September from Irun along the coast - do I need walking poles? I am pretty fit and did not need them on the route from Porto two years ago. Any advice?
Take two, if you change your mind you can always collapse one and strap it to your pack or donate it to somebody who wishes they had brought a pole along.I have always used a single pole on all of my Caminos with no problems, and prefer the freedom of my one free arm/hand. I'm considering using two on my upcoming Invierno Camino, but I am dragging my feet in making that decision.
I was always a "one poler" until I got my PacerPoles. That's when I discovered that I leaned over to the left as I walked so, if nothing else, they corrected my posture although I was told that my first efforts at walking with them made me look like "a baby giraffe trying to stand upright"I understand that, Tom, but any time I walk on stream beds, picking my way on wet big rocks for balance, there is no cadence. I absolutely love having my one free hand without a pole dangling from it as I constantly open my waist bag to retrieve my phone for pictures and other necessities. I also never use the strap...my bad.
That said, I totally agree that two poles are usually better than one.
Baby giraffe trying to stand upright? To think that we all looked like that when we started out with walking poles or worse.I was always a "one poler" until I got my PacerPoles. That's when I discovered that I leaned over to the left as I walked so, if nothing else, they corrected my posture although I was told that my first efforts at walking with them made me look like "a baby giraffe trying to stand upright"
Envious of you upcoming trip - enjoy!
Trekking poles, trail runners, conditioning exercises and lightening my pack keep me backpacking at age 57 (and beyond!)You have some good responses above, all equally valid. This really is such an individual thing.
I never used to use poles, now I would never be without them on any multiday walk.
I don't carry my poles, they carry me.
The key is to learn to use them properly before you go. I, and others on the forum have found this video useful - perhaps you may too.
A suggestion for you. Buy a cheap pair of poles at your local store, learn to use them and see how you feel. If you're still undecided you could start without and buy a pair on camino if you change your mind.
Whether you need walking poles for the Del Norte route from Irun depends on your personal preference and the terrain you'll encounter. While you might not have needed them for the Porto route, the Del Norte is known for its rugged and sometimes steep coastal paths. Walking poles can provide extra stability and reduce strain on your knees, especially on uneven ground or steep descents. If you’re comfortable with varied terrain and don’t feel the need for additional support, you might be fine without them. However, many hikers find them useful for balance and reducing fatigue on challenging sections, so consider bringing them just in case or as a precaution. When students are pressed for time, they often look for ways to ensure they meet their deadlines. I would like to help those students by sharing the https://academized.com/beyondhs website with you. It is one such platform that offers writing services tailored to academic needs, providing support for essays and various other assignments, and allowing students to focus on other priorities.
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