Trekking Poles - Should you take them?

 Some people really enjoy and get a benefit from using trekking poles. There are several places on the Camino where trekking poles or at least a walking stick are not only helpful, but encouraged for safety.  But the questions is, should you bring yours with you, or just buy them there?

I've done both.

Here are the positives and negatives in my experience.

Taking your own poles POSITIVES:
1. They're yours and you're used to using them.
2. Perhaps they're "special" like Pacer Poles.
3. You already have them, so don't have to spend more cash.

Taking your own poles NEGATIVES:

1. You can carry them on the plane GOING to Spain. However you will NOT be allowed to carry them on the plane leaving Spain. It doesn't matter if they fold up in your pack. They will be confiscated. If you want to bring them home, they must be in checked baggage. They will not be allowed on the plane. 

2. Expensive poles can be stolen on the Camino. If you are staying in municipal albergues, many will insist you leave your poles in a barrel or bin and NOT take them into your sleeping space. This is a problem for me. My pacer poles cost a lot of money and I have heard of poles being stolen several times. I'm not willing to take that risk.

3. You don't need them all the time and may get tired carrying them.

4. Pilgrims often forget them at bars and rest stops.
*****

Buying trekking poles there POSITIVES:

1. They're easy to find and inexpensive.
2. You're supporting the local economy
3. They're just as good as your expensive poles
4. Less stress about them being stolen

Buying trekking poles there NEGATIVES:
1. You spend 20-40 Euros
*****

Wooden Walking Sticks POSITIVES
1) Cheap. Under €10
2) Just as good as trekking poles for the short time you need them
3) Easy to replace if you lose them
4) Nobody is going to steal them
5) You can buy them in all sizes, so buy TWO if you need two sticks.

Wooden Walking Sticks NEGATIVES
1) None

I haven't taken my own poles in years. I simply purchase a wooden pole on the street in SJPP and use it. If I lose it, so what? I just buy another. Many of my clients simply purchase trekking poles there too. Less stress and easy peasy.