How many calories does hiking burn per hour?

Hiking burns 400-700 calories per hour depending on terrain and pack weight. A 155 lb person hiking moderate hills burns about 420 calories/hour. Add a pack and steep terrain, and you can burn 600+ calories/hour.

Does hiking burn more calories than walking?

Yes, hiking burns 50-100% more calories than walking at the same pace. Uneven terrain, elevation gain, and carrying a pack all increase calorie burn. A 3 mph hike can burn as much as a 4.5 mph walk on flat ground.

How does elevation gain affect calorie burn?

Elevation gain significantly increases calorie burn. Every 100 feet of elevation gain adds about 50 extra calories per mile. Steep uphill hiking (MET 7.5) burns 40% more calories than flat terrain hiking (MET 5.3).

Does carrying a backpack burn more calories?

Yes, pack weight increases calorie burn. A 10-20 lb pack adds about 15-20% more calories burned. A heavy 40+ lb pack can increase burn by 50%. The extra weight strengthens legs and core but adds strain to joints.

How many calories does a 5-mile hike burn?

A 5-mile hike burns 500-900 calories depending on terrain and pace. On moderate terrain, a 155 lb person burns about 600-700 calories. Add significant elevation gain or a pack, and you could burn 800-900+ calories.

All Exercises

cardio

Calories Burned Hiking

Hiking burns more calories than walking due to uneven terrain, elevation changes, and often carrying a pack. A moderate hike burns 400-700 calories per hour. The mental health benefits of being in nature make hiking an excellent choice for both physical and emotional wellness.

~211 calories

per 30 min at 155 lbs

Calorie Calculator

Your Weight (lbs)

Duration (minutes)

Intensity

You will burn approximately

211 calories

Hiking for 30 minutes at 155 lbs

Calories Burned by Body Weight

Calories burned per 30 minutes of hiking at moderate intensity (MET 6)

Body Weight	Calories Burned
120 lbs (54 kg)	163 cal
140 lbs (64 kg)	191 cal
155 lbs (70 kg)Reference	211 cal
170 lbs (77 kg)	231 cal
185 lbs (84 kg)	252 cal
200 lbs (91 kg)	272 cal
220 lbs (100 kg)	299 cal