Home
Back
Hiking Time Formula:
| From: | To: |
The Hiking Time Calculator estimates how long a hike will take based on distance, your base hiking speed, backpack weight, and how much weight slows you down. It accounts for the penalty that extra weight imposes on your hiking speed.
The calculator uses the hiking time formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates your effective speed after accounting for weight penalty, then divides distance by this adjusted speed to get time.
Details: Extra weight significantly impacts hiking speed and endurance. A typical backpack weight penalty is about 0.1 km/h per kg, but this varies by individual fitness and terrain.
Tips: Enter distance in km, your unloaded hiking speed in km/h, backpack weight in kg, and the weight penalty factor (default is 0.1 km/h per kg). All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What's a typical base hiking speed?
A: Average is 4-5 km/h on flat terrain. Fit hikers might maintain 5-6 km/h, while difficult terrain may reduce this to 2-3 km/h.
Q2: How much does weight slow you down?
A: A general rule is 0.1 km/h per kg, but this varies. Very fit hikers might have lower penalties (0.05-0.08), while beginners might have higher (0.12-0.15).
Q3: Does terrain affect the calculation?
A: Yes, though this calculator uses a simplified model. Steep terrain would require additional adjustments to both base speed and weight penalty.
Q4: Should I include my body weight?
A: No, only include backpack weight. The calculation focuses on additional load beyond your normal body weight.
Q5: How accurate is this estimate?
A: It provides a reasonable estimate but individual fitness, terrain, weather, and other factors will affect actual hiking time.