How Many Calories Does Hiking Burn?

Article published at: Jun 14, 2024 Article author: -MilaDurbl
How Many Calories Does Hiking Burn?
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Hiking is an excellent way to disconnect, boost your heart rate, and appreciate nature, benefiting your mind, body, and spirit. In this article, we explore the factors affecting calorie burn during hiking and how to maintain calorie intake on the trail without using single-use plastics.

We'll guide you on how to fuel your body adequately on the trail without relying on pre-packaged snacks that contribute to single-use plastic waste.

At Durbl, we believe that protecting our stunning hiking paths goes hand-in-hand with broader environmental stewardship by minimizing single-use plastics and embracing sustainable, reusable alternatives like Durbl's ziploc bags.


Factors influencing calorie burn
Several factors can impact the number of calories you burn while hiking, such as your body weight and fitness level, the weight of your backpack (if you're carrying one durbl bag), and the type of terrain you are navigating.

Since everyone's body is different, the number of calories burned on the same hike can vary. Factors such as body weight, composition, fitness level, age, and gender play a role. Generally, those with higher fitness levels burn fewer calories because their bodies are used to strenuous activity.

Conversely, someone with more muscle mass will burn more calories than someone with higher body fat. Older individuals tend to burn fewer calories due to decreased muscle mass, and men usually have higher metabolic rates due to more lean muscle tissue.

Consider wearing a heart rate monitor during your next trek to understand better how hiking impacts your body. The data collected will provide insights into the hike's intensity, your metabolic rate, and an overall assessment of your fitness level.

Backpack Weight
Pack weight is another significant factor influencing calorie burn while hiking. Carrying a heavy backpack filled with essentials like food (packed in Durbl breast milk storage bags), a hydration reservoir, and other necessities will substantially increase your energy expenditure compared to hiking with a lightweight belt bag or a water bottle.


A heavy daypack or backpacking pack can cause you to burn an additional 50-300 calories per hour. How do you pack that backpack efficiently? We've got you covered!

Terrain Type
The type of terrain you hike on significantly affects how many calories you burn and the speed at which you burn them. A smooth, flat trail, which requires less muscular effort, will result in fewer calories burned compared to a hike with steep, rocky inclines.

Hikes with higher elevation gains engage your leg and core muscles more intensely, increasing energy expenditure and more calories burned.

Calorie Burn Calculator
A heart rate monitor is great for assessing the intensity of your hike and understanding how your body reacts. However, you can also estimate the calories burned during your hike using an online calorie calculator explicitly designed for hiking.

These tools consider various factors such as your weight, the duration of the hike, the terrain, and the weight of your backpack to provide a more accurate estimate of your caloric expenditure. This can be useful for planning your nutrition and hydration needs during and after your hike.

How to Get Enough Calories While Hiking

Pre-Hike Preparation
Consuming enough calories before, during, and after hiking is crucial. Nourishing snacks like roasted nuts, hummus with carrots, or protein bars in reusable bags help maintain energy levels. Drinking plenty of water or electrolyte drinks is also essential.

During the Hike
Bring snacks in reusable Durbl snack bags or clip a giant gallon bag to your backpack. These bags help reduce single-use plastic waste while keeping food fresh and accessible.

Post-Hike Recovery
Replenish your body with nutritious food and stay hydrated to support recovery and maintain energy levels.


Final Thoughts
Hiking offers numerous benefits beyond exercise. Enjoying nature positively impacts your mental and emotional well-being. Remember to pack sustainably and relish the outdoor experience with Durbl's reusable food storage bags.

Durbl wishes you a healthy, happy, and eco-friendly hiking adventure!

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