Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy nature. It allows us to explore our surroundings and connect with nature. Hikers often choose trails that take them through beautiful natural landscapes or along scenic rivers on a hiking pace. Being able to calculate your hiking speed is vital to creating an accurate hiking plan
Before setting out on a route, it’s important to plan out a hiking route with miles and terrain, using your GPS hiking device in mind. Therefore, in this guide, we show you two different formulas that can be used to do exactly that!
Table of contents
| Formula Name | Description | Example Calculation | Estimated Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Hiking Time | Assumes an average hiking speed of 2 miles per hour. | 5 miles ÷ 2 mph = 2.5 hour | 2.5 hours | |
| Naismith’s Rule | Factor in 1 hour for every 3 miles, plus an additional hour for every 2000 feet of ascent. | (5 miles ÷ 3 miles per hour) + (2000 feet ÷ 2000 feet per hour) = 1.67 hours + 1 hour | 2.67 hours | |
| Book Time | Allow 30 minutes for each mile of distance and 30 minutes for every 1000 feet of elevation gain. | Take 5 miles * 30 min per mile) + (2000 feet * 30 min per 1000 feet) = 150 min + 60 min | 3.5 hours | |
| Tobler’s Hiking Function | Average hiking speed decreases exponentially as the steepness of trail increases. Assuming an average slope of 10%. | V = 6 * exp( -3.5 * abs(tan(10%) + 0.05)) = 1.03 km/h (0.64 mph). Time = 5 miles ÷ 0.64 mph | 7.81 hours |
What is a Hiking Speed?
An average hiking speed or hiking pace formula, is a calculation used by hikers to estimate the time it will take to complete a trail. It takes into account factors such as distance, speed, and elevation gain. Common hiking calculators or formulas include the Basic Hiking Time, Naismith’s Rule, Book Time, and Tobler’s Hiking Function, each offering varying levels of precision based on factors like terrain steepness and hiker’s speed.
Understanding hiking time calculator
My fellow adventurers, whether you’re a rookie rambler or a seasoned strider, comprehending the average hiking pace formula can be your north star on any trail. You see, this is not just a bunch of numbers and symbols – it’s a roadmap to mastering your hikes.
Whether you’re utilizing the simple rule of the Basic Hiking Time, or getting intimate with Naismith’s rule for hiking, understanding your hiking pace is like having a secret weapon in your top-rated backpacks. And if you’re really wanting to dig deep into the weeds, Book Time and Tobler’s Hiking Function wait to challenge your inner math geek.
So before you lace up your boots and hit the trail, take a moment to estimate your hiking time using pace formula. Trust me, your future, less-exhausted self will thank you for this foresight. Now, go conquer that trail!
How To Calculate Hiking Speed Time
If you want to calculate your hiking pace, you should use the following formula:
Average hiking speed (generally): 1.0 MPH to 3 MPH (depending on the hill)
Pace MPH= Miles/Total Moving Time
For example, if you walk 2 miles in 20 minutes, then your average hike speed would be Pace= 2 miles/ 20 minutes= 10 minutes /mile.
However, other factors could affect your hiking pace. Some of these include weather conditions, terrain, and personal fitness level. Depending on how steep the hill is, add an extra 30 minutes for every 1,000 feet of elevation.
To calculate what your average hiking speed is, you should take into account all of these factors. Once you figure out which factor has the biggest impact on your ability to hike at a specific pace, you adjust it accordingly.
For example, if you are new to hiking, you might want to start by walking slowly. However, as you gain experience, you’ll learn how to hike at a higher speed. If you’re hiking uphill, then use a hike difficulty calculator to estimate your average speed.
In addition to being physically active, hiking is also mentally stimulating. This means that it helps you relax and unwind.
As a result, it makes you happier and healthier. When you combine all of these benefits, you will realize why so many people love hiking.
Munter Method Hiking Speed Calculator
The Munter Method is a simple way to calculate how long a hike will take, which can help you plan your day better. This method focuses on your average hiking speed, making it easier to estimate the time it will take to complete a hike.
Here’s how you can use the Munter Method to figure out your hiking time:
- Measure the Distance and Elevation Change: First, find out the total distance of your hike in kilometers. Also, note the total uphill elevation change in meters.
- Calculate the Munter Units: For every kilometer you plan to hike, count it as one Munter unit. For every 100 meters you go uphill, count that as one Munter unit too.
- Multiply by the Munter Rate: Typically, one Munter unit takes about one hour to hike. Multiply the total Munter units by one hour to get your estimated hiking time.
For example, if your hike is 5 kilometers long with 300 meters of uphill climbing, you would have 8 Munter units (5 from the distance + 3 from the elevation), which means the hike could take about 8 hours.
This method helps you understand your hiking speed and time, making it a useful hiking time calculator for any outdoor adventure.
By using the Munter Method, you can make sure you know approximately how long your hike will take, helping you to plan and enjoy your trip safely and effectively
Naismith’s Rule
William W. Naismith, a Scottish mountaineer, devised the Naismith Rule in 1892 as a means for calculating how long it would take to complete a hiking route while also considering additional time as a result of uphill sections of the hike.
Many people who are setting off on a hiking expedition use this rule to get a general idea of how long it may take to complete their trip.
Naismith’s Rule is another handy method to estimate how long a hike will take based on your walking speed and the terrain’s difficulty. It helps you figure out your average hiking speed and can act as a hiking time calculator.
The original rule was based on giving one hour to complete three miles on a route’s map and adding another hour per 2000 feet of uphill climbs and walks.
Using Naismith’s Hiking Time Calculator
Naismith’s rule states that when you divide the distance covered by the total elapsed time, you will get the average number of steps taken during the activity.
In this case, the average number of steps is equal to the quotient obtained by dividing the distance covered by the elapsed time.
Here’s how to use Naismith’s Rule:
- Measure the Distance: Start by determining the total distance of your hike in miles.
- Add Time for Elevation Gain: Naismith’s Rule states that you should allow one hour for every 3 miles you plan to walk on flat ground. Additionally, add 30 minutes for every 1,000 feet of ascent. This accounts for the extra effort needed to hike uphill.
- Adjust for Difficulty: If the terrain is tough or the path is very steep, you might need to adjust your time upwards. This means you might hike slower than expected on particularly challenging sections.
For example, let’s say that you walked for 5 hours and 15 minutes. In this case, you have walked a total of 6.5 miles. Therefore, the average number of footsteps is equal to the quotients obtained by dividing 6.5 miles by 5 hours and 15 minutes, which equals 1.1 miles per hour.
But if your hike is 6 miles long with 2,000 feet of uphill climbing, then calculate it as follows:
- 2 hours for the 6 miles on flat ground (since 3 miles take about 1 hour).
- 1 hour for the 2,000 feet of ascent (30 minutes for each 1,000 feet).
- This gives a total estimated hiking time of 3 hours.
Naismith’s Rule is great for planning your hikes, as it gives a good estimate of your hiking speed and the time it will take to complete your journey. This makes sure you’re prepared and can enjoy your adventure safely and comfortably.
The following table shows some examples of calculating hiking time using Naismith’s Rule.
Distance – Time Elapsed – Time Steps Per Hour.
- 0-100 yards 10 minutes 25 seconds 0.25 miles per hour
- 100-200 yards 15 minutes 30 seconds 0.75 miles per hour
- 200-300 yards 20 minutes 40 seconds 1.0 miles per hour
- 300-400 yards 25 minutes 50 seconds 1.3 miles per hour
- 400+ yards 30 minutes 60 seconds 1.6 miles per hour
The National Park Service Hiking Difficulty Rating Scale
When you plan your next hike in Shenandoah National Park, use this scale to calculate your speed hiking, based on difficulty rating and distance. A lower number means that it will take less time for someone who is inexperienced and/or doesn’t have much equipment.
On the other hand, a higher number suggests more challenging trails with high elevations or steep slopes.
The best way is using math! The National Park Service created a hike difficulty calculator, that takes into account both distance traveled as well as elevation gain on each route so no matter what type of person (novice vs experienced) there are plenty of options available
Here’s how you can use the NPS Hiking Difficulty Rating Scale:
- Check the Trail Rating: Trails are typically rated as easy, moderate, or strenuous by the National Park Service. These ratings consider factors like trail length, elevation gain, and terrain type.
- Understand the Categories:
- Easy: Trails that are generally flat, well-maintained, and do not require significant physical effort. They are suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
- Moderate: These trails might involve some elevation gain and loss, could have uneven surfaces, and are longer than easy trails. A moderate hike usually requires a fair level of fitness.
- Strenuous: These are challenging trails that often have steep ascents and descents, rough terrain, and are longer in distance. They are best suited for experienced hikers with good fitness levels.
- Estimate Your Hiking Time Based on the Rating:
- Easy trails usually allow you to maintain a normal walking speed with little interruption.
- Moderate trails may reduce your average hiking speed due to physical demands and terrain. You should consider reducing your usual walking speed by about 25% to accommodate these factors.
- Strenuous trails can significantly impact your hiking speed. It’s often advised to halve your normal walking speed when planning time estimates for these hikes.
For example, if you typically walk at a speed of 3 miles per hour on flat ground, you might adjust this to about 2.25 miles per hour on moderate trails and perhaps 1.5 miles per hour on strenuous trails.
Tips to Improve Your Hiking Speed
As mentioned above, hiking is a great way to enjoy nature and get some exercise. It’s important that you know how to hike at an efficient pace. Here are some tips:
- Walk slowly – The first thing you should do is to start slowly. You should begin with short distances and build up gradually.
- Improve Your Posture- By keeping your spine in neutral. Use hiking poles to stabilize your knees and hips.
- Walk uphill – If you find yourself struggling to maintain a fast pace while hiking uphill, build leg strength by doing squats, lunges, calf raises before hitting that trail.
- Wear hiking shoes – Make sure that you buy shoes that fit properly. They should allow your feet to move freely without causing pain. Certainly, don’t wear brand new shoes without breaking them in first. Spend at least a month breaking in your shoes.
- Wear comfortable clothes – Wearing tight pants or shirts can cause discomfort and lead to muscle cramps. Instead, wear loose-fitting clothes that won’t restrict your movement.
- Take breaks – When you reach a point where you need to rest, stop and sit down. Take advantage of the break to drink water and stretch your legs.
- Have fun! – When you are enjoying your hike, you will be more motivated to continue. Try taking pictures of the scenery and enjoy every moment.
Recommended reading:21 Best Camping Games for Adults For a Memorable Trip, How Windy Is Too Windy To Hike?
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Final Thoughts
Hiking is one of the most popular sports around the world. It provides people with a chance to escape from their busy lives and reconnect with nature. If you want a healthy hobby, then should consider starting a hiking club at your local park.
Being able to make an approximate guess as to how long a route will take you enables you to make a more accurate local hiking plan or hiking rim-to-rim of the Grand Canyon. Before setting out, ensure you share your hiking plan with a family member or friend.
If you were to go missing they will then be able to use your hiking plan to guess where on the route you may be and this will benefit rescue teams in finding you.
So before you lace up your boots and hit the trail, take a moment to use any of these hiking calculators to estimate your average hiking pace. Trust me, your future, less-exhausted self will thank you for this foresight. Now, go conquer that trail!
FAQs
A good starting pace for beginners is usually around 2 miles per hour, which allows for comfortable walking and appreciation of the surroundings without undue fatigue.
To increase your pace, focus on building endurance through regular, shorter hikes and gradually increasing your speed and the distance you cover.
Absolutely! Finding a pace that suits your fitness level and hiking goals can greatly enhance your overall enjoyment by reducing stress and fatigue.
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Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
typo in the formula?
P Distance/Time.
For example, if you walk 2 miles in 20 minutes, then your hiking pace would be P 2 / 0.2 1 mile per hour (mph).
2/.333 6 mph
Thanks for catching that! We made our corrections.