smaller luggage or walking sticks---that is the question!!!

DeborahAnn · Veteran Member

smaller luggage or walking sticks---that is the question!!!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Deborah,

What a dilemma! Have you tried putting the sticks in at an angle? Sometimes going diagonally from corner to corner will give you just another inch or two. Maybe you could limp through security? biggrin

Anyone else have suggestions?

Michele

tony2phones · Guru

There was a post some months ago on a different Irish forum where someone had had the poles taken out of their tent pack because of the metal ferrules, be careful. They should be ok in hold baggage but a no no in hand baggage.

DeborahAnn · Veteran Member

Michele, I've already tried the "angle" angle in the smaller duffle!!! the poles were putting far too much stress on the bag empty-- I'd only be asking for problems when the baggage handlers started tossing my filled bag around---I can envision my bag torn in two places and clothes strewn about the tarmac or baggge carousel!

I suppose Ron and I could each wrap a foot in gauze bandages and limp through security to get both poles as carryon but I don't think my husband will go for the idea!!

Tony, having them confiscated is exactly what I'm concerned about. I've checked the official TSA website and while they don't mention walking stick under recreational items they don't even allow lacrosse sticks so I'm guessing these poles have to go in checked bags

Another thought---if Ron and I are planning on just casual walks, not full day hikes, will we even miss the walking sticks if I leave them at home----thankfully we don't have mobility issues. But we will be visiting Connemara, Glendalough, Killarney National Park so I thought the poles might be useful, especially if the terrain is wet.
Any comments to help me decide whether to pack the poles or not would be appreciated. Deborah

egnolive · Veteran Member

Hi Deborah,

I've hiked all three places without hiking sticks.

We have hiking sticks, but only use them for steep terrain. I wouldn't call those hikes steep by any means.

Now if you were planning on going up Croagh Patrick, you might want them, but again we did that hike without them also.

I would leave them at home.

murphy · Guru

Deborah,

We climbed Croagh Patrick without walking sticks. They were renting them there at the beginning of the trail head for a couple euros each, but elected not to get one. Deep regrets later! We managed ok, but a walking stick would have made the climb much easier and less stressful.

Also it was steep and slippery at the Deserted Village on Achille Island, and my wife slipped on a rock, fell, and broke her arm and shoulder. A walking stick could probably have prevented that. I would suggest that you not pack one in your luggage , but rather try to buy or rent one in Ireland as the need arises.

Dan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Deborah,

I would leave the sticks home. I've never used one and I actually climbed a mountain in Ireland once. I've also walked all over Ireland without one. But my husband does give me a hand once in a while. Especially useful for a short person climbing over a stone wall!

Michele

DeborahAnn · Veteran Member

Thanks for all the advice. If needed, it's nice to know they are available to rent. My husband and I each have a pair of walking sticks that come along when we aren't concerned about light packing.

I had this romantic vision of rambling through the green fields of Ireland, walking stick in hand----Guess I'll change the vision to one of pub and music, with a Guiness in hand instead aww

Dan, I remember reading your trip report about your wife's fall, I hope she is well on the way to a full recovery.

Thanks again, Deborah