Does Backpacking Burn a Lot of Calories?

By Anna Duncan

Backpacking is a great way to explore the outdoors, get some exercise and burn calories. The amount of calories burned while backpacking depends on several factors, including the terrain, pack weight, duration of the hike and intensity of the hike.

The terrain is one factor which affects how many calories are burned while backpacking. If the terrain is hilly or mountainous, then more energy will be used in order to ascend and descend those slopes. On flat surfaces, less energy will be expended due to gravity not being as much of a factor.

Pack weight also has an effect on how many calories are burned while backpacking.

The heavier the pack, the more energy it takes for a person to move with it. If a person is carrying more than 50 pounds in their pack then they will burn significantly more calories than someone carrying 20-30 pounds.

The duration of the hike is another factor which affects calorie burn. Generally speaking, the longer a person is out on their hike, the more calories they will burn due to having to expend energy for an extended period of time.

Lastly, intensity plays a role in how many calories are burned while backpacking. A leisurely stroll around the trails will not burn nearly as many calories as an intense session of hiking up steep hills and mountains or running along flat surfaces.

Conclusion:
Overall, backpacking can be a great way to get some exercise and burn some extra calories; however, it all depends on various factors such as terrain, pack weight, duration and intensity so it’s hard to determine exactly how many calories one can expect to burn during their trip.