Backpacking, or hiking with a loaded backpack, is an excellent way to get in shape and stay healthy. But how many calories do you burn backpacking per mile?
The answer depends on several factors, including your weight, the terrain, and how much weight you are carrying.
If you are an average adult weighing around 150-200 pounds and carrying between 20-50 pounds of gear in your pack, you can expect to burn around 100-150 calories per mile. This number increases significantly when going uphill as the added effort requires more energy output.
When hiking downhill, calorie expenditure decreases since gravity does much of the work for you. However, if your pack is very heavy or if you’re carrying a lot of extra gear, then it’s likely you’ll expend more energy and burn more calories per mile.
For those looking to really increase their calorie output while backpacking, there are some strategies that can help. First, try to increase your speed to a brisk walking pace.
This will help you cover more ground and burn more calories each hour. Additionally, if there are any hills or inclines along the route that can be hiked at a faster pace without compromising safety or putting undue strain on your body.
Conclusion:
How many calories you burn backpacking per mile is largely dependent on factors such as your weight, the terrain, and how much weight you are carrying. For an average person carrying 20-50 pounds of gear in their pack, they can expect to burn between 100-150 calories per mile. Those looking to increase their calorie output can try increasing their speed to a brisk walking pace or hiking uphill faster when possible.