Hiking Calorie Calculator
Estimate the number of calories you burn on the trail.
Your results will be displayed here.
Calculating Calories Burned While Hiking
Estimating calories burned during any activity is based on a value known as MET, or Metabolic Equivalent of Task. One MET is the energy cost of sitting quietly. Different activities have different MET values.
For hiking, the calculation is more complex because it must account for the trail's steepness (grade) and the extra weight of a backpack. The formula considers these factors to estimate calories burned for both the uphill and downhill portions of your hike.
Source: Based on research from the Journal of Applied Physiology on the "Energy cost of walking and running at extreme uphill and downhill slopes".
How to Use This Hiking Calculator
- Enter Trail Distance: Input the one-way distance of your hike.
- Enter Elevation Gain: This is the total vertical distance you will climb.
- Enter Your Weight: Provide your current body weight.
- Enter Backpack Weight: Add the weight of your pack. If you're not carrying one, you can enter 0.
The calculator will then estimate the calories burned for the ascent, descent, and the total round trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hiking good for losing weight?
Yes, hiking is an excellent activity for weight loss. A challenging trail with significant elevation gain can burn a substantial number of calories. On average, you might burn around 450 kcal per hour, which is more than walking (approx. 300 kcal) but less than vigorous running (approx. 600 kcal).
How much food should I pack for a day of hiking?
This depends on the hike's difficulty and your personal needs, but a long day hike could easily burn over 2000-3000 calories. It's crucial to pack enough energy-dense food to replenish what you burn to avoid fatigue and maintain performance.