Hiking Calorie Calculator
Estimate the calories you burn on a hike from your weight, pack weight, distance and elevation gain.
Estimated energy burned
952 kcal
All results are estimates. Weather, terrain, pack weight and fitness affect real-world numbers.
Example hikes
| Distance | Total ascent | Estimated energy burned |
|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 200 m | 439 kcal |
| 10 km | 500 m | 952 kcal |
| 15 km | 800 m | 1,464 kcal |
| 20 km | 1200 m | 2,050 kcal |
How it works
- 1
Enter your body weight and roughly how heavy your backpack is.
- 2
Add the hike distance and total elevation gain.
- 3
Get an energy estimate to plan how much food to pack.
Frequently asked questions
How are the calories calculated?
Walking on flat ground costs about 0.75 kcal per kilogram per kilometre, and every metre of ascent adds roughly 0.0094 kcal per kilogram - the calculator combines both with your total weight.
Does pack weight really matter?
Yes - your body does not distinguish body weight from pack weight, so a 10 kg pack burns the same extra energy as 10 kg of body weight.
How much food should I bring?
A common rule is 200-300 kcal per hour of hiking. For a full day, pack a bit more than the estimate - hunger on the trail is worse than extra weight.
Take your plan to a real trail
Browse thousands of hiking trails with maps, elevation profiles and weather - and find hiking buddies to join you.