Hiking Calorie Burn Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the hiking calorie burn calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Total Calories Burned
calories = round(terrain_met * total_weight_kg * duration_hr)Calories per Hour
cal_per_hour = round(terrain_met * total_weight_kg)Calories per Mile (est)
cal_per_mile = round(terrain_met * total_weight_kg / (6 / terrain_met * 3))Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
weight_lbs | Body Weight(lbs) | 160 |
duration_hr | Hiking Duration(hr) | 3 |
terrain_met | Terrain Difficulty | 6 |
pack_lbs | Backpack Weight(lbs) | 10 |
total_weight_kg | Derived value= (weight_lbs + pack_lbs) * 0.4536 | calculated |
How It Works
How Hiking Calorie Burn Is Estimated
Formula
Calories = MET x Total Weight (kg) x Duration (hours)
Total weight includes body weight plus pack weight, since carrying a heavier load increases energy expenditure.
MET Values for Hiking
Pack Weight Effect
Carrying a pack increases calorie burn proportionally to the added weight. A 20 lb pack on a 160 lb person adds about 12% more calories burned.
Worked Example
A 160 lb person hikes moderate hills for 3 hours with a 10 lb pack.
- 01Total weight = (160 + 10) x 0.4536 = 77.1 kg.
- 02Calories = 6 x 77.1 x 3 = 1388 kcal.
- 03Per hour = 6 x 77.1 = 463 kcal/hr.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this estimate?
MET-based estimates are within 15-20% for most people. Individual variation depends on fitness level, stride efficiency, and actual terrain steepness. Use a heart rate monitor or GPS watch for more accuracy.
Does altitude affect calorie burn?
Yes. At high altitudes (above 8,000 ft), the body works harder due to lower oxygen. Calorie burn can increase 10-25% above sea level estimates. Cold temperatures also increase energy expenditure.
How many calories should I eat while hiking?
Plan to replace 50-75% of calories burned while on the trail. The body draws on fat reserves for the remainder. For a long day hike burning 2,000+ kcal, bring 1,000-1,500 kcal of food.
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Hiking Calorie Burn Calculator