How to Hike Downhill More Efficiently | Efficient Downhill Hiking Principles

While you have to fight against gravity’s force to hold you back when hiking uphill, hiking downhill you have to resist gravity’s force to pull you down the hill. In this video, I give some tips on how to hike downhill more efficiently.
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PCT Gear List:
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[@GustitisLaw]

On extended downhill sections, extending your trekking poles an inch or two also helps. Thanks for the great video.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. Yes. Good advice.

[@coalfieldbeelovergerald3687]

Great points on down hill hiking. Thru-out my many many years of hiking 🥾 downhill has been the killer n most dangerous. I’ve had unstable rocks twist out from under foot.. I’ve had round stone act like marbles n give me a real quick surprise n ride. We use to real pack heavy (60 to near 80 lbs for week) equipment was bulky n heavy. My first pack my dad made me was called a “Trapper Nelson” (wood n canvas type) sleeping bag was an old down military mummy type n pup tent ⛺️ was single wall thick canvas. All heavy so your down hill points we had to learn if didn’t want to killed our body. Great 👍 points to keeping the joints from pain n agony .. As l continue to listen to long PCT hiker they are always feeling hiking pains especially down hill stuff. Cheers Rev .. another great 👍 teaching video.. Thankz again for share n may others learn from us old goats. Happy Trails n looking forward to future advice n helps. Papa J

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Papa J. Old goats rule!!! 👨🏻‍🦳👊🏻

[@BrianRRenfro]

I was just waiting to comment about needing to keep your knees bent and not pop your knees into a locked. I think also another way to put it is this. Don't take a step down with your legs. Move your foot forward and then bend the other knee until that forward foot touches ground. You are always doing a squat with the following leg. For those still unsure picture stepping off a tall rock where you have to sit on the rock and slide off. One foot forward, bend the other leg to sit, the lower foot hits ground and you move the crouched leg forward and down. I know, I know, a lot of talk but proper form and taking the shock off your joints is imperative for present comfort and future health! I see too many people going downhill slapping their leading step down on the ground like they are smashing an ant hill! That's how you end up needing new knees! If we all listened when we were younger to the advice about such things most people wouldn't need new knees by 60!

[@TheHikingRev]

That’s the truth! Great advice.

[@janeblake5083]

Thank you very much for posting this excellent advice! As a Senior Hiker who is returning to some short hikes this is invaluable

[@charliehicks2554]

Makes a lot of sense Rev. Thanks

[@TheHikingRev]

Yes it does. You’re welcome Charlie.

[@hikingwithjackieboy]

Rev you always give some really good advice. A lot these practices I use. Some off these I will try. I did watch all three videos. Happy hiking👣👣👣🌲🌲

[@TheHikingRev]

Good Thank you.

[@jimfede]

Thank you very much Rev for these advices, those will be a lifesaver for me since I have had tremendous pain in my joints going down hill. Regards from Uruguay.

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome. I’m glad I could help. 😁

[@George-gg1ny]

Watched up hill and this downhill, great advice and logical for safer and healthier joints and muscles... A must watch for beginners. Thanks for sharing your knowledge... God bless 🙏

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you George. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😁

[@r44inspector44]

I'm going to try the sitting analogy. Thank you!

[@TheHikingRev]

It works. 😁

[@stanleyj.mitchell4851]

Very informative. I do find going down infinity more difficult than going up. However it is good to know I appear to be doing all the right things. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome Stanley. I’m glad it helped.

[@wolfeadventures]

This is a great series Rev. Really helpful. 👌🏻👌🏻

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks my friend!

[@BurroGirl]

Hi my fave hiker!! Thanks for your vids!!!

[@TheHikingRev]

Hey Cynthia. I hope you enjoyed this one.

[@peterbedford2610]

Good stuff. Thanks

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome Peter.

[@traventuretalks]

Very useful tips, thanks for sharing

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re quite welcome.

[@billseay6399]

Hey Thanks Again great video

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome Bill.

[@ahmedhumayun8512]

Excellent advice on going downhill!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Ahmed.

[@ruthgoebel723]

I have a hill near me that is short but very steep. I call it “Old Lady Hill” because that is how I feel after I have climbed up! It is a dirt road with plenty of gravel that makes descending tricky, as I have slipped many times, but not fallen. Your tips are great. I always use my hiking sticks to keep my knees and back happy.

[@TheHikingRev]

Hey Ruth. Be careful going downhill.

[@dennisdemarco9007]

Thank goodness! I've been stuck on this summit waiting for this vid!! (Hehehe!) Thanks for all your info. Rev!

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome Dennis.

[@BurroGirl]

🤣🤣🤣

[@yogalandawellnessyolandati7654]

Love these videos, when you’re tired it’s nice to practice these techniques it’s something occupy your brain while hiking! My toes always bump my shoes downhill, I’ve tried different lacing techniques but it’s the one trick I haven’t mastered. Thank you Rev!

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome.

[@silentwitness247]

Tying the ankles a little tighter with the laces should stop your feet from slipping forward. It helps me. Worth a try if you haven’t already.

[@ervinslens]

Gorgeous upload friend, really nice editing here. Narrated part is just beautiful.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you very much.

[@markfletcher8084]

Another enjoyable video. I could have used this video ~55 years ago when I was in Boy Scouts. We were camping in Mohican Park in NE Ohio a hilly park if I recall. We were going down a long steep grade and I tried to be in control and take my time but I couldn’t. I kept going downhill faster and faster, outta control and almost running. Eventually I decided to do a baseball slide before I planted myself in a tree. It wasn’t pretty but I survived, with a scratched-up new BSA belt buckle a little abrasion and lost a lot of pride. I was a young inexperienced Scout. I definitely could have used your advice then, along with trekking poles. 😁 Thanks for another good video.

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome Mark. Aww, the wisdom of old age!

[@nas8929]

Very useful information, thanks for sharing. My neck muscles gets sore when hiking downhill for extended period from looking down constantly, how do I correct that? Thank you in advance big brother.

[@suecox8355]

Thanks 🦋❤

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome Sue.

[@Slaytanik.]

Great points! I took a killer tumble down Mt. Rose at Lake Tahoe one year when I was trying to get down in half of the time I went to the peak. I did the 'swim' and then rolled. I was all sorts of roughed up from that fall. While I was doing the 'swim" with my arms I heard the people behind me say that this wasnt going to end up good. It didn't. Good times. I was in my mid 40's when it happened.

[@TheHikingRev]

Ohhh…that hurts just hearing about it.

[@zinguliwa]

Excellent advice. Didn’t realize how “wrong” my downhill technique was. Glad to have your tips.

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome. 😁

[@user-pw1br4fu8x]

Just found you by accident. Really enjoyed the videos that I've seen so far. Great info. It's been 50 years since I did a loot of hiking/backpacking and at age 75 and 2 knee replacements later, I have renewed interest in hiking/backpacking and have bought new lighter gear. I have a big hill nearby that I can train on and am looking forward to some great destinations next year in the Washington Cascades. Will take your advice to heart! E

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you. I’m glad you found me…even if by accident.😁 good luck on your hikes.

[@peterhooker4637]

Saw your heart attack videos and glad you are okay. I probably missed it it, but you should thank the CHP and EMT’s that saved you. Good to see you got back on the horse and hiking.

[@TheHikingRev]

Yes. Eternal gratitude to the CHP and EMT’s that came to my rescue.

[@solongago57]

There's at least one steep slope hereabouts covered in loose rock where I have to go up on my hands and knees and come down on my butt. To make that even more difficult, I'm at the age at which getting down on the ground and standing up again afterwards is very difficult. I only use one pole partially because I like to have a free hand to grab tree limbs. I was raised in Northwest Ohio, where everything is nice and flat, and any rocks are hundreds of feet underground. Now I'm in the northeast, which is nothing but hilly rocks and rocky hills. A lot of the problem is poor trail design. There's no good reason for a trail to go straight up and straight down when they can put in some switchbacks to make it more manageable (with less erosion). I suppose some people like the challenge, but it seems to mostly make a trail that nobody uses because it's too much of a pain and too risky.

[@TheHikingRev]

You are so right! 😁

[@floccinaucinihilipilifications]

Thanks

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome. 😁

[@philippegeissbuhler7364]

However, I haven't fallen downhill since I've been leaning on the walking poles, pointing them backwards rather than forwards. This may seem counter-intuitive or odd, but the fact is that it prevents me from ripping my shoes forward on steep descents. It also avoids catching my feet in the poles when they're in front of me. The walking position is more natural than with the poles in front of you, and much less tiring. An analogy can be made with horses, chamois, goats and other quadrupeds, whose front part of the body is similar to our standing position, and which lean on their hind legs to maintain their balance (a bit like a centaur). Give it a try!

[@TheHikingRev]

I will definitely give it a try.😁

[@glennpiticco1470]

Good stuff Rev…gonna try out your suggestions…I actually did hurt my knees on a decent…took at least a week to recover…thanks again friend!!?

[@TheHikingRev]

Yeah. It is more detrimental on your body going downhill then it is going uphill.

[@DunRovinRanch-1969]

Im transitioning from marathon training and running to long distance hiking. My advice to downhill hiking to to keep you toes visible in your lower periphery. If you can’t see them then your step is too long and you’re pounding your quads.

[@TheHikingRev]

Great advice.😁

[@adventureawaits5003]

Good stuff brotha

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks.

[@adventureawaits5003]

@@TheHikingRev your welcome

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

Really informative, thank you Rev. Do you have Cork handle trekking Poles? I hear they are better for grip. Any recommendations for Trekking Pole brand? Great vlog.

[@TheHikingRev]

Yes. I use cork handle grips. I’m using the carbon trekking poles from Costco. Love them. Lighter and cheaper than Black Diamond or Leki.

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

@@TheHikingRev Thank you Rev.👍 Appreciate the input.

[@howlinwolf08]

I frequently have foot problems going downhill. Hotspots, Black Toes etc. I think your tips will help.

[@TheHikingRev]

I hope so.

[@TKSung]

Hmm, I guess different technic works for different people with different knee problems (eg, IT band vs inside meniscus) at different angles (steep vs moderate downhill). I used to have a knee problem for over a decade, so I listen to my knees super carefully. Anything that puts load on my knees and then bending it too much would immediately sound an alarm. For downhill, I separate my feet by a couple inches more and then turn the toes a bit more inward than usual. That effectively increases the braking power using my outer quad, especially when combined with the poles, which allows me to use more gravity and less joint/muscle. My outer quad "shock absorber" also works better than putting the load on the hind leg and then bending it, and I can walk downhill faster since I'm using the gravity more. Some techniques may be generally advisable. But my advice would be to experiment with different posture/motion/technic while listening to your muscles/joints carefully to find a solution that works best for you.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. Yes you’re right. Everyone is an individual with individual situations. Find out what works best for you. These are just general time-tested principles that will work for the majority of hikers.

[@garyday5299]

Interesting. I agree with all said about poles. However, I notice on most quick vids you show, one is hiking on just straight, sandy dirt trails. All the downhill advice needs to be amended when going down very steep declines, with roots and embedded rocks; it's a tad more difficult, and requires a lot of down-stepping and balance I didn't see in this video. Are you hiking mostly Sierra, graded for horses? Hike some ravines in Indiana and Illinois and see if your recommendations change a bit....

[@TheHikingRev]

Most of the “B-roll” clips are from my PCT journey. I’m not sure about the trails in Indiana and Illinois but the grade of the PCT is a more moderate grade than, say the AT. But the same principles apply.

[@christinelister3225]

I too have wondered about how to save my legs for the “step down” type of trails. I was hiking in Greece on such a trail and the return trip was a killer. Plus I’m 5’1 so my step range is shorter.

[@EdwardsNH]

So... NH downhills are a whole different story. Those would be green circles in the video... honestly the NH green circles would look like black diamonds compared to those circles. And most of the mountains my daughters take me to are black diamonds. I'm still trying to find a video that will help with my technique on those

[@TheHikingRev]

I hope you find it, Troy. 😁

[@stuartsteele9984]

The side step technique is the traditional method for descending steep hills/mountains. I developed the side skip technique to descend moderate sloped hills/mountains. Developed in 1970, permitting me to descend Lake Granby's Roaring Fork trail one hour ahead of my companions. Spent the hour buying rod, reel and worms. Caught, gutted and cooked a trout at bottom of the falls in front of the rushes and enjoyed lunch with my companions.

[@TheHikingRev]

Wow…I did not know that.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Hey Rev great video and advice. Maybe you can help me? I have a really hard time walking on flat ground! What should I do? 😳

[@TheHikingRev]

Lean forward at a 45 degree angle and pretend that you’re walking uphill. 🤣

[@wolfeadventures]

😂😂. How about sleeping efficiently?

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

@@wolfeadventures or walking without pain! 😲

[@TheHikingRev]

@@wolfeadventures I haven’t master that yet.

[@wolfeadventures]

@@MarmaladeOutdoors seriously. That is a good next topic.

[@peterbedford2610]

I just had my second pair of Altra shoes fall apart before 500 miles Can recommend something more durable?

[@TheHikingRev]

🤷🏼‍♂️

[@silentwitness247]

In my experience, the fact that you have further to fall if you slip or trip downhill, is the most important point. You should adopt the other points, as appropriate, very often in combination with each other, according to the situation you find yourself in, in order to avoid falling down the hill. Efficiency will follow.

[@TheHikingRev]

So true!

[@marcsorensen2985]

I train for downhills by walking up a steep driveway backwards, i swear by this method.

[@TheHikingRev]

Sounds like a great idea Marc.

[@oscarmolinaoutdooradventur1648]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@TheHikingRev]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@garylines5755]

Get those hiking poles out in front of you that will keep your weight forward. Most people don't use their poles correctly and they are the most misused piece of gear on the trail.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Gary. Thus the purpose of my video. 😁

[@sarahrowe8007]

What is your absolute favorite hike?

[@TheHikingRev]

I love the Ansel Adams Wilderness. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX2saqtmoselgsU 😁

[@sarahrowe8007]

That looks awesome!

[@sarahrowe8007]

I recently moved to Tehachapi,any pointers for the Tehachapi Walker Pass segment?

[@TheHikingRev]

@@sarahrowe8007 Just don’t do it in the summertime. 🥵

[@sarahrowe8007]

@@TheHikingRev yikes!I got about 12 miles in North side of the 58 and that is a tough incline even for day hiking.Beautiful views though!

[@papajeff5486]

Heh, heh…it’s all up hill or downhill. Rev, you need a new trail name, “Shortstep”.

[@TheHikingRev]

😂😂😂

[@tgj251]

i broke my ankle. since then going downhill has been more a psychological game even though my ankle is back to normal.

[@TheHikingRev]

Be kind to your joints.

[@208_treasure6]

Great video. Hiking down a steep trail is a challenge for me. My knees are bad, I'm afraid of them giving out or my feet slipping 😭 Going down a steep hill terrifies me to be honest. A few times I have slid down on my butt because I was so afraid of slipping. 😖

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. When I was hiking in the sierra, this past summer going towards Kennedy Meadows North, I slipped four times on a very steep trail and almost fell off the side, one time. I bought some new trail runners after that.