Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

General => General Chat => Topic started by: RedLeader on April 28, 2016

Title: The Rest Step Hiking Technique
Post by: RedLeader on April 28, 2016

I came across the Rest Step hiking technique for uphill walking which I'd never heard of. It's where you lock your knee on the rear leg to remove your weight from your leg muscles. Apparently it's a fairly well known way to make ascent easier.

Has anyone any experience of it or any tips?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rest_step

Title: Re: The Rest Step Hiking Technique
Post by: torp on April 28, 2016

I think if I locked my knee I'd need help getting it unlocked lol  ;D

Title: Re: The Rest Step Hiking Technique
Post by: RedLeader on April 28, 2016

Quote from: torp on April 28, 2016

I think if I locked my knee I'd need help getting it unlocked lol  ;D

That's the first thing I thought - sounds like a good way to break a leg, but I'm assuming it mustn't work like that or so many people wouldn't be recommending it.

Title: Re: The Rest Step Hiking Technique
Post by: Peter Walker on April 28, 2016

Gawd, I have enough trouble mustering the brain power to walk normally without having to think on to do this as well. It's why I never got on with walking poles...it was just another thing I had to remember, and remembering isn't really my strong point.

That last point is demonstrated by the number of times I have set my rucksack down in the middle of nowhere and gone rummaging inside for my lunch, only to discover I'd left it in the car.

Title: Re: The Rest Step Hiking Technique
Post by: Darran on April 29, 2016

That's intrersting. I see there are a few videos on youtube about it.

I've been known to take a rest nearly every step anyway so this might come in handy  :-[