How Many Calories Does Hiking Burn?

Hiking is a great form of exercise that can help you burn a significant number of calories. Depending on the intensity of the hike, the duration, and your body weight, the number of calories burned can vary significantly. In this article, we will explore how many calories hiking burns, how to calculate the number of calories you burn on a hike, and how to make the most of your hike to burn the most calories possible.

First, let’s talk about how many calories hiking burns. According to the American Council on Exercise, a person who weighs 150 pounds can burn around 400 calories per hour of hiking. However, this number can vary depending on the intensity of the hike, the duration, and your body weight. For example, if you weigh more than 150 pounds, you will burn more calories, and if you hike at a faster pace or on a steeper incline, you will also burn more calories.

To calculate the number of calories you burn on a hike, you can use an online calculator or a fitness tracker. These calculators take into account your weight, the duration of the hike, and the intensity of the hike to give you an estimate of the number of calories you burned. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, hike for two hours at a moderate pace, and have an elevation gain of 1000 feet, you can expect to burn around 800 calories.

The number of calories burned while hiking depends on a number of factors, including your weight, the intensity of the hike, and the duration of the hike. On average, a person will burn between 300 and 600 calories per hour while hiking. However, this number can vary greatly depending on the individual and the specific hike.

One way to estimate the number of calories burned while hiking is to use a calorie calculator. These calculators take into account your weight, the duration of the hike, and the intensity of the hike to estimate the number of calories burned. Some popular calorie calculators for hiking include MyFitnessPal and MapMyHike.

Another way to estimate the number of calories burned while hiking is to use the “MET” (metabolic equivalent) method. This method uses the intensity of the activity to estimate the number of calories burned. According to the Compendium of Physical Activities, hiking on a trail with an elevation gain of up to 1,000 feet is considered a moderate-intensity activity and has a MET value of 4.0. This means that a person who weighs 150 pounds will burn approximately 240 calories per hour while hiking on a trail with an elevation gain of up to 1,000 feet.

It’s important to note that the number of calories burned while hiking can also be affected by factors such as the terrain, weather conditions, and the type of backpack or equipment you are carrying. For example, hiking on a steep, rocky trail with a heavy backpack will burn more calories than hiking on a flat, paved trail with a light backpack. Additionally, hiking in hot weather or at high altitudes can increase the number of calories burned.

In addition to burning calories, hiking also offers a number of other health benefits. It can improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones and muscles, and reduce stress. Hiking can also help to improve mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

In conclusion, the number of calories burned while hiking can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the intensity of the hike, the duration of the hike, and the individual’s weight. On average, a person will burn between 300 and 600 calories per hour while hiking. However, using a calorie calculator or the MET method can provide a more accurate estimate of the number of calories burned. Hiking not only helps burn calories but also offers many other health benefits.