Trail Calorie Calculator
Estimate calories burned on a hike with the MET method. Enter your weight, time on the trail and an effort level, and the tool returns kilocalories burned.
How to estimate trail calories
- Enter your body weight in kilograms or pounds.
- Enter how many hours you hiked.
- Choose a MET effort level or keep the default 6.
- Read the estimated kilocalories burned.
Examples
70 kg hiker for 4 hours at MET 6
weight 70 kg, hours 4, MET 6
1680 kcal burned
Frequently asked questions
How is calories burned hiking calculated?
It uses the MET formula: kilocalories equal MET times weight in kilograms times hours. Pounds are converted to kilograms first.
What MET value should I use?
About 6 fits general hiking. Use higher values, such as 7 to 8, for steep climbs or a heavy pack, and lower for easy, flat walking.
Is this estimate exact?
No. It is a planning guideline. Real burn depends on grade, pack weight, terrain, pace, altitude, fitness and body composition.
Does it include my resting metabolism?
MET based estimates approximate total energy used during the activity, since 1 MET is roughly resting energy. Treat the number as a rough total.
Why convert pounds to kilograms?
The MET formula uses kilograms. The tool converts pounds using 1 pound equals 0.45359237 kilograms so either unit gives the same result.
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