How Many Calories Burned While Backpacking?

By Alice Nichols

Backpacking is a great way to get some exercise, explore the outdoors, and experience nature. But just how many calories are you burning while backpacking? The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as your weight, the distance and elevation gain of your hike, and the type of terrain you’re traveling through.

If you’re an experienced hiker who weighs 160 pounds and hikes a total of 10 miles with an elevation gain of 2000 feet over a period of 8 hours, then you can expect to burn approximately 1650 calories. However, if your hike is longer or more strenuous (with more elevation gain), then that number will increase significantly. For example, if your hike is 15 miles with an elevation gain of 3500 feet over 10 hours, then you can expect to burn around 2700 calories.

It’s not just the distance and elevation gain that affects how many calories you burn while backpacking; the type of terrain you’re hiking on also makes a difference. If you’re traversing steep inclines or rocky trails, then your body has to work harder than if you were on flat terrain. This means that even if your hike is relatively short in terms of distance and elevation gain, it can still be very strenuous and thus result in more calories burned than expected.

For those who aren’t experienced hikers but still want to get out into nature for some exercise, backpacking is still an option – just make sure that the route is appropriate for your fitness level. You don’t want to end up in over your head! A good rule of thumb is to set realistic goals for yourself based on where you are currently at in terms of fitness level and ability, so that you can enjoy the experience without putting yourself at risk for injury or exhaustion.

Conclusion: How many calories burned while backpacking depends on several factors such as weight, elevation gain/distance/type of terrain being traversed/duration spent hiking. An experienced hiker who weighs 160 pounds can expect to burn around 1650-2700 calories depending on their route conditions; however those who are less experienced must be mindful when choosing an appropriate route that fits their fitness level and abilities so they don’t put themselves at risk for injury or exhaustion.