Trekking poles for the Camino: pros, cons and how to choose

I get asked this question really often: should you bring trekking poles on the Camino? Of course it is individual whether you want to take a pair along, but here I share my experiences with both the pros and cons, so you can make your own choice.

Pros of trekking poles

The biggest selling point is that they relieve your legs. That is a clear advantage when you walk far, as you do on the Camino. Most shops and articles state that you can relieve your legs, and especially your knees, by between 15 and 25 percent.

The idea behind trekking poles comes from skiing, where you use the poles both for balance and to push yourself forward. The principle is the same for hiking, and even though you do not have skis on your feet, you can still benefit from it. When you are exhausted after many kilometers and suddenly borrow a pair of poles, you can really feel the benefits. You start walking in a different way and sense the new distribution of the load.

Five benefits of trekking poles:

• They can relieve the legs, knees and back.
• They give better balance in difficult terrain.
• They can help you keep a faster pace.
• They encourage a straight back and good walking form.
• They boost your motivation for training walks.

You can get many clever trekking poles that both fold down and weigh very little. So it is not much trouble to bring them in the backpack for the Camino. How much benefit you feel you get from them is very individual. Some pilgrims leave the poles at the hostel, while others think they are the best item on their Camino packing list.

Cons of trekking poles

As I said, I do not bring trekking poles on the Camino myself. That is mainly because I like having my hands free. One downside many people experience, when they are not used to the poles, is blisters. It is not only the wrong hiking boots that can cause blisters. Trekking poles can actually do it too.

As with all other gear, it is individual how much you like it. I happily borrow poles for training or on the route, but it is not something I lug around myself. That said, I have experienced that the benefits are real, so it is not purely a sales trick that trends now and then.

How to set your trekking poles

Setting your poles is no great science, and modern trekking poles have markings so both poles can easily be set to the same height. Follow this simple procedure:

1. Stand upright with your arms down at your sides.
2. Hold the poles with the handles at your side.
3. Bend your elbows to an angle of about 90 degrees.
4. Adjust the length so the handles are level with your wrists.
5. Grip the handles, and close the straps around your wrists for a secure hold.
6. Test the height by placing the poles on the ground and resting your hands on the handles. Your elbows should still form about 90 degrees.
7. Adjust if necessary, until you stand comfortably.
8. Repeat for the other pole, so both are the same.

As a rule of thumb, your upper and lower arm should form 90 degrees when you hold the poles with your arms in against your body. Make the poles a little shorter when you walk uphill in mountain terrain, and a little longer when you walk downhill.

How to choose the right poles

Are you looking for a single trekking pole, or are you the type who needs two? Both work. I find that the feet of the poles easily get worn, and eventually you hit aluminium against the ground. That is why extra tips are worth having around. I hope you can use this guide to trekking poles, whether you end up buying a pair or just picking up a branch along the way.