How Many Calories an Hour Does Backpacking Burn?

By Alice Nichols

Backpacking is a great way to stay fit and healthy. It combines physical activity with the opportunity to explore nature, and can be done by people of all ages. So, how many calories an hour does backpacking burn?

The number of calories burned backpacking depends on a variety of factors including the intensity of your hike, your size and weight, and the terrain you are hiking on.

According to Harvard Medical School, a 155-pound person can burn about 490 calories per hour while backpacking at a moderate pace on level terrain. If you increase the intensity of your hike by increasing your speed or carrying a heavier pack, you could burn up to 715 calories per hour. If the terrain is more challenging with steep inclines or declines, you could burn even more calories.

In addition to burning calories while hiking, there are other ways that backpacking can contribute to overall health and fitness. The physical exertion required for backpacking helps build strength in your legs, arms and core muscles.

Being outdoors in nature has been shown to have positive effects on mental health as well. Studies have found that time spent outside can improve mood and reduce stress levels.

Backpacking is also a great way to get some cardio exercise in if you’re short on time for a workout. Unlike running or biking which requires hours at one time, backpacking allows you to break up exercise into smaller chunks that fit into your schedule more easily.

Conclusion:

Backpacking is an excellent way to get physical activity while exploring nature. How many calories an hour does backpacking burn?

It depends on factors such as speed of hike, load carried in pack and terrain type but it has been estimated that a 155-pound person burns around 490-715 calories per hour while backpacking at a moderate pace on level terrain. In addition to burning calories, it also helps build strength in legs and core muscles as well as providing mental health benefits like reducing stress levels.