For the average somewhat decent shape hiker, would you recommend treking poles for cinque terra hikes? 2nd question, for a hiker with some knee issues, would you recommend treking poles?
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
The only hikers we saw with poles had more serious hiking botts and were almost power walking the trails. It did look like they could be useful. However, by far, most hikers we saw did not use poles. For the trail between Riomaggiore and Manarola, it's so scenic, you're stopping frequently to take pictures. The last two trails between Corniglia and Monterosso have a lot of rocky stairs up and down.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9109 posts
Yes, and Yes. Trekking poles aren't only used by folks out of shape:) 99.99% percent of avid hikers use them. It's like giving yourself three or four-wheel drive- your knees and back will thank you.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
The trade-off is: if you bring the poles you have to haul them and that will require checking baggage, you can't carry them on. Of course, if you were going to check baggage anyway, and if you really need them, then it's worth the extra effort. Most hikers on the CT trails don't use them but some do.
Posted by
Meteghan, N.S., Canada
152 posts
Hi Becky. First off, the previous point about needing to check them is valid. Also, the hiking at CT is so unique. We did see treking poles but mostly they looked to be in the way a lot of the time. The hike involves a lot of climbing and descending, but nothing too drastic. It's a slow paced hike, as you stop frequently to enjoy the sites. I have a bad leg (knee and hip) but had no trouble with the hike. We just took our time. I'd thought about lugging them along but was pleased that we didn't. Of-course it is entirely a personal choice.