How Many Calories Burned Per Mile Backpacking?

By Robert Palmer

Backpacking is an increasingly popular form of hiking that involves carrying a heavy pack for long distances over rugged terrain. It is a great way to explore nature and get some exercise, but how many calories does it burn per mile?

To answer this question, we must first consider the amount of weight carried in the backpack. The heavier the load, the more calories burned.

A heavier load also requires more effort to move, which means you’ll be working harder and burning more calories than if you were carrying a lighter load. Generally speaking, a person carrying a backpack weighing between 30-50 lbs can expect to burn between 400-600 calories per mile.

Another factor to consider is terrain. If you are walking on flat ground or downhill, you’ll be able to cover more miles with less effort than if you were walking on an uphill climb or through rugged terrain. Walking on uneven or rocky ground requires more energy and will result in burning more calories.

Your body type and fitness level are also important considerations when calculating how many calories you burn per mile backpacking. People with higher muscle mass will naturally burn more calories than those with lower muscle mass due to their larger muscles requiring more energy to move. Similarly, people who are in better physical shape will be able to hike longer distances with less effort and thus burn more calories.

Conclusion:

Overall, how many calories burned per mile backpacking depends on several factors including the weight of the pack, terrain, body type and fitness level. A person carrying a backpack weighing between 30-50 lbs can expect to burn between 400-600 calories per mile depending on the difficulty of the terrain and other individual factors.