Hiking Speed Calculator
(Calculate hiking speed based on your hiking or backpacking goals) (Estimate Only)
A useful tool to determine the estimated time for a hike and the average hiking speed. The specifications for Personal Performance are for normally trained adults. Experienced and fit hikers can have higher values. Adjust the values according to your own rating. With groups, the values of the weakest member will apply.
Then fill out Hiking Data. Altitude difference ascent or descent can be omitted for hikes in the lowland areas. Horizontal distance is the length of the hike without any altitude difference. For resting, 8 minutes per hour are estimated. Using the terrain factor, difficult terrain can be simulated, a factor of 2 means to hike at half speed.
You can switch between meters/kilometers and feet/miles units.
Find a hiking buddy to go with you. Hiking alone is not safe. ALWAYS, leave your hike itinerary with someone at home. Make sure they know your route, start time, when you will be back, and when you will be contacting them. If you are not in contact with them as expected, they should have instructions on who to call to check
Use a detailed topographic map to understand the difficulty of your hike. When your out in the woods know the terrain.
Everyone knows that weathermen are seldom correct. You have to be prepared for the worst probable weather and its consequences.
Elevation and weather are closely related. In general, every 1000 feet in elevation means a drop of 5F degrees in air temperature. Also, the higher you go the faster and more severe weather changes with big drops in temperature occurring quickly and higher winds in general. Be ready to change your hike plans due to weather conditions.
You should always have your basic essentialson your body. The fanny pack. Map & Compass, Flashlight, Food, High energy, compact foods are good choices because they take up little space. You should carry at least 2000 calories of food.
Water - One quart of water weighs 2 pounds. That's why so many people don't bring enough water on hikes. But, you need at least 3 quarts per day. It's a good idea to drink plenty of water before your hike to get your body well hydrated.
Raingear & Clothes, Firestarter & Matches, First Aid Kit, Knife, Sunglasses & Sunscreen, Whistle, Insect Protection, Key & License, Change, Military Spec Paracord, Trash Bag, Toilet Paper, Emergency pocket stove. The stove and fuel weighs just a couple ounces and takes little space.
Make sure your batteries are fresh.
Clean your water bottle.
Test the belts and buckles on your hiking pack.
Sharpen your knife.
Go through your first aid kit.
(Order a pan pizza while hiking and be sure to tip the pizza guy big if he delivers 10 miles or more hiking to deliver your pizza! :) or just take a personal pan pizza ahead of time, a better idea.
Moose Tooth Pizza (#1 In Nation)
Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe
Authentic Neapolitian Pizza (The Real Thing)