Hiking Poles. Tips and insights for older walkers and novices walking the Camino

Sandy French, a seasoned, senior walker of the Camino and other trails, shares his tips and insights to walking long distances successfully.

This video focuses on Hiking Poles - Do you need them, Benefits, Types

These videos will appeal to older or more senior walkers and first timers, sharing his learnings on how to get the most out of your hike. Of course if you just want practical tips you will find also a treasure trove of insights.

If you're thinking of hiking the Camino or other long distance trails and you have practical questions, then these videos will give you information and answers to help you have a fun and successful walk.

[StevenTorrey]

I've been using a singular wooden walking stick and have never tripped; I've tripped several times with aluminum walking sticks, bending the stick. At 78, I now prefer a walking stick to a cane. A walking stick maintains the center of gravity while a cane forces the person to walk into the cane, thus altering the center of gravity.

[carolyntwyman]

Yes, I do like your video. Very helpful thank you.

[modelsfromscratch]

Thank you - really helpful to learn from your experience. As a future ‘senior’, budget conscious (have to be if its actually going to happen!) walker of the Camino there is a lot if stuff you could invest in and its good to know what the priorities are. I’ve got a bit of a tricky ankle / Achilles that’s a bit tricky and ‘senior knees 😂- so trekking poles seem an essential. Thanks

[raulcabral]

I plan on walking the Santiago and I am 69 and have had back surgery and I find even walking long distance they are a big help in the support of the upper torso and keep me standing straight up!

[michaelbird]

Many of the alberges out of Roncesvalles have "swap" tables in them, "Take what you want, leave what you don't". My impression is that walking poles were the most discarded item! I personally don't like having two poles. I find them mostly inconvenient. BUT I do carry a traditional staff, which I cut to length over a period of days. Opinions differ. People who like them are fanatics over them, but I never found any advantage of having two. However, for a senior - and I was 70 when I walked the Camino - some form of walking stick is a must, for support at critical moments. My own advice is to save yourself a lot of bother by doing a few day walks before you go and find out what suits you best.

[nina]

If you do a follow-up, tell people how to adjust the poles to the right height for them and how to correctly use the wrist straps. Many people do these things wrong which can lead to injuries

[elizabethmorais]

Great advice. Thanks so much for your clear information.

[Kitiwake]

They're a good help on the Camino, I found.

[wowzieee]

2022 is out plan I m just starting to practice with these poles. We 're in our 60s.

[brendaoquin]

Terrific. Thank you. What about taking them on flights?

[Karelinish]

I love my poles for the Sierra and the Alps but am not sure if I need them on my city walking on the Via Francigena in Italy. Any thoughts about city vs trail hiking?

[pipedevnull]

I didn’t bring poles because I didn’t want to check in a bag and I didn’t think they would be accepted in the plane cabin. Another pilgrim showed me that he had pulled the pointed metal ends off his poles and they were accepted in his plane’s cabin.

[debbielafleiche]

Does that mean you checked your bag? I've heard if you don't you risk airlines taking the poles.

[josephkelley]

Should have talked about left and right poles