[at-l] benefits of lost weight, pack or otherwise

[Phil.Heffington@oc.edu (Phil Heffington)]

Rick, I've thought of yet another answer.  Consider this answer 3, and coun=
ting:

Answer 3:  Some tell us that reducing boot weight has an exponential benefi=
t.  What is the saying, "Every pound on your feet is worth 5 pounds on your=
  back, or in your pack."  Having hiked 1,500 miles of the AT in boots that=
 were far too heavy, I am now prepared (by necessity of those boots finally=
 falling apart) to find out if lighter weight boots will actually make a si=
gnificant difference with my feet, endurance, etc.

Answer 4:  Carrying hiking poles will actually reduce the amount of weight =
that each foot must bear on each step.  The pole that is planted on the ste=
p will be carrying your arm's weight, and "x" amount of your body weight on=
 that step.  The weight of swinging the other pole is neglible by compariso=
n.