Walking / treckking poles?

I'm 53 and I have used them on mountain trails and found them very helpful, especially going downhill. I haven't used them in a city or on well-healed trails.

....or on well-healed trails.

First time I have seen the term used that way.

This is an educational site.

Now a contractor can call themselves "doctor", when they heal/repair a path or trail

" we will be carrying, sling backpacks". Does this mean you are flying with carry-on luggage? Trekking poles are a problem. They generally must go in checked baggage.

Are you actually planning to hike on the Amalfi Coast or do you just want something for general stability?

We travel with trekking poles when we are hiking, otherwise we are fine on most paths and streets. But in the Dolomites and Swiss Alps we bring poles. We favor the type that fold up so you can fit them in a 21” suitcase or in a daypack. You must put them in checked luggage.

Unless you are doing non-urban treks, such as Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast, I would leave them at home.

Ok, I was mostly concerned about all the steps up and down in the town of Amalfi and Sorrento. But I think I realize we won't need them. I would put them in my backpack or sling pack the ones that fold up to 21 in, they are allowed on the plane if you don't have the sharp ice point on them. Thanks all for your input.

My husband has a hip that will bother him if he walks miles without his trekking poles. He has no sore hip if he uses his trekking poles. We walk for miles with him using the poles. If your wife has a similar issue, then I would recommend you bring them. It can't hurt to have them along.

Ok, well now maybe we will!!

Peter, I was pleased to read that walking sticks with rubber tips are okay to carry on, in spite of the TSA printed information. I knew things were changing when I saw an old man with one on the air side in the Seattle airport. For some of us they are medical devices, not recreational equipment.

I'm planning to carry-on these or some similar to them for my trip to Portugal and Spain in June. They fold up to a length of about 17" and will easily fit in my roller bag or daypack. I'll also take some extra rubber tips like these.

I used some old Black Diamond poles in Scandinavia last June and they definitely helped with my balance which helped me to walk faster. They were stolen from our truck in Salt Lake City, so I have to replace them.

Before the trip I consulted with the TSA in Tucson to be sure they would be okay. I also took a note from my orthopedist just in case. The poles were okay as carry-on for Delta and also passed security when I flew KLM from Amsterdam to Stockholm and when I flew from Bergen back to Amsterdam.

I'll be required to check my "big" international carry-on for the European airlines in June, so they'll go in it with no questions.

I haven't used poles anywhere you list, but based on my experience, I wish I would've had them in some of those places. Cobblestones are common, slopes and stairs often don't have railings and going down is always more difficult than going up.

I have taken my (folding) trekking poles in my carryon bag on my last two trips to Europe and have not had a problem going thru security. I haven't used them in the places you describe but have found them helpful on hikes/walks in the Dolomites. I do use them sometimes when walking the dog at home if my knees are acting up which definitely helps relieve some of the pressure. Enjoy your trip - it sounds wonderful!

I have a bad back and took collapsable poles on my last trip. They did help. One main way I found them of help was not just with walking but with standing in lines or on a tour. They were great to lean on, taking some weight off problem areas. I do agree that walking with them on some city streets can be tricky, they easily get caught between cobblestones.

Hi Peter,

I would definitely recommend taking them. I traveled to Rome, Florence and Cinque Terre in July 2018 with my parents, who are in their sixties. They are in good shape but my dad has some foot problems that limit his mobility somewhat and make him prone to tripping. He used one rubber-tipped collapsible walking stick all over the streets of Rome and Florence. It made a huge difference and really improved his stability. It was an absolute lifesaver in Cinque Terre and even going up and down steps in various places (e.g., in the Colosseum) and along uneven paths. He used two at times on some trails. Definitely bring them if you can. Also, the streets of Rome are hectic and can be difficult to cross due to traffic, but whenever my dad stuck out his walking stick all of the cars would stop! So that was an unexpected benefit. Have a great trip!

Thank you for the info.