Backpacking is an intensive activity that can provide a great workout for your entire body. Backpacking can be physically strenuous, which results in the burning of calories. Depending on the terrain and nature of the trail, how much you weigh, and how fast you are walking, the number of calories burned backpacking can vary from person to person.
In general, backpacking can burn anywhere from 400 to more than 600 calories per hour. If a person weighs around 150 pounds, they can expect to burn roughly 488 calories per hour while backpacking. This number will increase or decrease depending on how fast you are going and how much elevation you are gaining or losing.
The heavier the backpack is that you’re carrying, the more calories you will burn. It takes more effort to traverse a hilly terrain with a heavier pack than it does with a lighter one. Backpackers often find themselves having to climb up and down steep slopes and this also adds to the amount of energy expended.
Factors That Affect Calorie Burn When Backpacking
- Load: The heavier the load of your pack is, the more energy your body needs to expend in order to carry it over long distances.
- Distance: The longer distance you cover when backpacking means an increase in calorie burn.
- Terrain: Hiking on uneven terrain requires more effort than if you were walking on flat ground.
Backpackers who are looking for an extra physical challenge should consider adding weight training into their routine for even more calorie burn. Weight training not only helps build strength but it also helps boost metabolism which means that your body will be burning more calories even when at rest.
Backpacking is an excellent way to get out into nature and stay fit at the same time. Just remember that how many calories burned backpacking depends on several different factors and will vary from person to person. With proper preparation and knowledge about what kind of terrain you’ll be travelling through, you should have no problem finding the right amount of exercise that works best for your body!
Conclusion:
How many calories do you burn when backpacking? It depends on several factors including weight, distance traveled, terrain type and backpack load.
Generally speaking though it’s possible to burn anywhere from 400-600 kcal per hour while backpacking depending on these factors. So take into account your own individual needs before embarking on a backpacking trip!