Key takeaways
- Power hiking is fast, efficient, purposeful walking up steep terrain.
- On steep grades it's often nearly as fast as running but far more energy-efficient.
- Even elite trail runners power hike the steepest climbs — it's a strategy, not a weakness.
- Technique: a strong driving stride, hands on thighs or trekking poles for extra power.
What power hiking is
Power hiking is fast, efficient, purposeful walking up steep terrain, used by trail runners and mountain athletes on climbs too steep to run efficiently. It’s not a casual stroll — it’s a focused, strong uphill stride for covering steep ground quickly while conserving energy.
Why runners do it
On steep enough grades, running uphill becomes so inefficient that power hiking is nearly as fast while burning far less energy — and conserving that energy pays off over a long race. Even elite runners power hike the steepest sections, so it’s a smart strategy, not a weakness. Knowing when to switch from running to hiking is a key trail-racing skill.
Hitting a brutally steep climb mid-race, a trail runner stops running, drops into a strong power-hiking stride with hands pressing on their thighs, and powers up — covering the climb almost as fast as the runners grinding to run it, but arriving at the top far fresher.
The technique
Use a strong, driving stride, lean slightly into the hill from the ankles, and press your hands on your thighs (or use trekking poles) to push with your upper body and offload your legs. Keep a steady, sustainable rhythm. Power hiking is essential for the steep vert of mountainous trail running and ultras.
The bottom line
Power hiking is fast, efficient uphill walking — and on steep grades it's often nearly as quick as running while saving precious energy, which is why even elite trail runners power hike the steepest climbs. Use a strong driving stride, hands on thighs or poles for power, and a steady rhythm. Knowing when to switch from running to power hiking is a hallmark of smart trail and ultra racing.
Frequently asked questions
What is power hiking?
Power hiking is fast, efficient, purposeful walking up steep terrain — a deliberate, strong uphill stride used by trail runners and mountain athletes when a climb is too steep to run efficiently. It's not casual walking; it's a focused technique for covering steep ground quickly while conserving energy.
Why do trail runners power hike instead of running uphill?
Because on steep enough grades, running uphill becomes so inefficient that power hiking is nearly as fast while burning far less energy. Conserving that energy pays off over a long race. Even elite runners power hike the steepest sections — it's a smart strategy, not a sign of weakness, and knowing when to switch from running to hiking is a key trail-racing skill.
How do you power hike effectively?
Use a strong, driving stride with purposeful steps, lean slightly into the hill from the ankles, and often press your hands on your thighs (or use trekking poles) to push with your upper body and take load off your legs. Keep a steady, sustainable rhythm and good posture. Practicing power hiking on training climbs builds the specific strength and efficiency it requires.
Sources
- Trail running technique — American Trail Running Association
- Endurance training — American Council on Exercise