[pct-l] proper use of hiking poles

[Ken Murray]

Excellent scientific paper on the use of hiking poles, with info on correct usage.
>From the UIAA medical commission:

http://www.theuiaa.org/upload_area/files/1/UIAA_MedCom_Rec_No_11_Hiking_sticks_2008_V1-2.pdf

some highlights:

In order to have any benefits from telescopic sticks, they must be used with the
correct technique

The sticks must be height-adjustable and have handles that are constructed in a way
that the user’s hands, when pressing down, firm support is provided

It has been shown that there is no significant difference in using one or two sticks when
walking without a load [1] , but when walking with a load, balance is significantly
enhanced by using two hiking sticks rather than one [2].

At high altitude or in cold environment the sticks should not be adjusted too long (the
hands should be lower than the elbow when using the stick), because otherwise the
circulation will be impaired and the user will get cold fingers in a very short time.