Is there a way to walk that saves energy when hiking or trekking outdoors?
Absolutely.
During long-distance walking, don’t assume that just striding forward with big steps is the way to go. In fact, this is a misconception. Large strides rely on the explosive power of your leg muscles, which is limited after all. What we need more is endurance—nothing can be achieved overnight. So taking smaller steps won’t make much of a difference. Make full use of the resilience of your leg muscles—they’re quite capable of handling a long haul.
Next, you’ll want to regulate your breathing, striving to synchronize it with your movement in a rhythmic manner. Keep your muscles moving slowly but continuously, along with steady, even breaths. Simply put, try to breathe once with almost every step. Marathon runners can manage to breathe once every two to three steps during a race. But be careful not to overdo it, or you might strain your lungs and intercostal muscles. Regulating your breathing is a great way to maintain your body’s energy reserves.
Also, plan your rest periods wisely along the way and replenish your energy at the right times. After walking for a considerable amount of time or distance, take a short break. During the break, consume some carbohydrates that can quickly turn into energy and drink water to replenish your body promptly, helping you recover strength faster. You can also loosen your shoelaces, but remember: never take off your shoes until you reach camp. After long-distance walking, your feet will slightly swell, and taking off your shoes midway will only make the next part of the journey extremely painful.