[at-l] Hiking Poles effect on Speed?

[ARTCLOUTMN at aol.com (ARTCLOUTMN@xxxxxxx)]

In a message dated 7/23/03 9:18:37 PM, hungryhiker@ix.netcom.com writes:

<< Do any of you feel (convincingly) that they have truly increased your 

hiking speed, or is it simply just a confidence/safety matter? >>

I have serious knee pain when I do not use poles.  The poles greatly add to 
my speed because of the relief they provide.  I think that some hikers will 
find that poles slow them down.  But they definitely help all hikers with balance.

                                                Art