I am on this tour now and they are handing out walking sticks to everyone at pretty much every stop where there is walking and encouraging people to use them. I did and am very glad I did. The terrain is very rocky and sometimes wet and if you fall - you are far far far far away from medical attention. Better safe than sorry. But you also don't need to buy them and bring them with you as the guides have bags of them and will quickly adjust them to your height.
I agree that it depends on your mobility, as I just got back from the trip and never needed them. Tauck does provide them so there's no need to pack (as Jill said). It seemed to us that the sticks slowed people down and seemed more dangerous at times than just using your legs! But I would say it's a very personal choice and if you're not a regular walker/hiker, you may feel more comfortable with them.
Never needed them. Actually, near one glacier the walkways are grates and the walking sticks are useless. More of a tripping hazard than a help in some cases.
Comments
Depends on your mobility in your everyday life.
We were there last November and yes walking sticks are helpful. We forgot ours but Tauck provided them.
British wrote exactly what I was going to write
In my opinion, the only place it MAY be useful is the condor walk, if you choose to do that.
I am on this tour now and they are handing out walking sticks to everyone at pretty much every stop where there is walking and encouraging people to use them. I did and am very glad I did. The terrain is very rocky and sometimes wet and if you fall - you are far far far far away from medical attention. Better safe than sorry. But you also don't need to buy them and bring them with you as the guides have bags of them and will quickly adjust them to your height.
I agree that it depends on your mobility, as I just got back from the trip and never needed them. Tauck does provide them so there's no need to pack (as Jill said). It seemed to us that the sticks slowed people down and seemed more dangerous at times than just using your legs! But I would say it's a very personal choice and if you're not a regular walker/hiker, you may feel more comfortable with them.
Never needed them. Actually, near one glacier the walkways are grates and the walking sticks are useless. More of a tripping hazard than a help in some cases.