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How Many Calories Does Hiking Burn?

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It doesn’t matter if you’re hiking through the Appalachian Trail or just hiking in your hometown of New Jersey. Chances are that if you hike at all, you’ve probably wondered just how many calories does hiking burn? After all, hiking is more strenuous than just taking a normal walk in the park, but it’s also not exactly running a marathon either. Hiking falls just a little bit in the gray area of physical activity and it’s totally normal to question how much your body is actually burning. 

In order to determine how many calories you’re burning while you hike, there are a few different factors that go into this. The biggest factors are your body weight, how long the hike is, the elevation of the hike, what your physical fitness level is, your age, and the circumstances of the hike (ie, are you backpacking or hiking). 

The Hiking Calculator

This is an easy to use calculator for estimating the number of calories you burn while hiking or walking: Try it HERE.

Example: A 180lb man with a 20lb backpack is going to burn around 7,000 calories on a 10 hour hike. That is equal to about 2 pounds of body weight loss.

Keep reading for a deep dive into how many calories you’re burning when you hike and even how to burn more calories while you hike. We’ll learn more about each of the factors that weigh into how many calories hiking burns and then show you how to calculate exactly how many calories you are burning when you hike. 

Body Weight

According to Livestrong, body weight is the most important factor to consider when it comes to how many calories you burn while hiking. For example, in an hour of hiking, a person weighing around 160 pounds can burn up to 370 calories.

But, how do we know this and what does a person’s weight have to do with their calorie burn while hiking? The answer is almost everything. 

The very first step to determining your calorie burn while hiking is to know your current body weight. Someone who weighs less will burn fewer calories than a heavier person – even when they’re walking the same trail at the same pace for the same amount of time. So, if a 160 pound person burns around 370 calories in one hour of hiking, a 200 pound person can burn closer to 500 calories in an hour of hiking. 

Physical Fitness

Very closely linked to your body weight is your own personal level of physical fitness. If you are working out constantly and your body is well accustomed to high levels of cardiovascular intensity, your body will burn fewer calories while you are exerting energy on a hike. This is not a bad thing. If your body is used to being physically active, you have less of a need to lose weight and more of a need to maintain.

Our bodies are smart in that way, so your body will naturally burn fewer calories while you are exercising on a hike. 

The inverse is also true, so if you are unaccustomed to frequent workouts, a single hike might burn more calories simply due to the fact that your body is working harder than it’s used to.

This is why, when people begin exercising to lose weight, they see faster results at the beginning and then as they get more accustomed to frequent workouts, their body loses the remaining weight a bit more slowly. 

This is another reason why it’s a great idea to consider mixing up your form of exercise between indoor and outdoor, high cardio and less cardio. 

The Hike Itself

Outside of your body weight, there are external factors that can affect your calorie burn while hiking. A lot of calories that you burn have to do with the hike itself. Factors like how long you’re hiking, where you’re hiking, and the terrain of the hike.

Hike Length

PLoS One released a study in 2017 that made the claim that hiking outdoors for a few hours can boost your mood a lot more than just exercising indoors. When the study compared people who hiked for their workout to people who had exercised indoors, those who had been outside burning calories felt more calm, at peace, and had more energy. 

Not only can hiking outdoors be more beneficial for your mental or emotional health, but it can also feel more entertaining and make it easier for you to walk for a few hours, compared to a half-hour on the treadmill. If you think about it, burning close to 400 calories in one hour of hiking results in a little over 1,000 calories burned in just a few hours! It would take nearly a week’s worth of 30 minute treadmill runs to see the same results. 

A long hike, aside from the calorie burn, is also considered a “moderate physical activity,” which means that it’s also great for lowering blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease. All this to say that incorporating a three hour hike into your weekly routine can have a vast array of benefits for your overall health. 

Where You’re Hiking

Not only does the length of your hike matter in determining how many calories you’ll burn while hiking, but also where you’re hiking can affect the calorie burn. This is because a brisk walk on a relatively steady trail with minimal elevation gain will inevitably burn fewer calories than a hike where you are continually hiking uphill. 

It is absolutely possible to see weight loss results from simply walking an hour a day on simple, easy terrain. However, you’ll see more results more quickly if you’re hiking an intense trail for an hour. 

This is because it has been proven that your body burns 28% more energy when you’re walking on uneven ground as opposed to flat terrain.

Walking on uneven terrain and climbing uphill requires more from your muscles (particularly your leg muscles) and also your pulmonary system. This results in your heart working harder to pump oxygen and blood to your body and therefore, you are burning calories at a much higher rate. 

How to Burn the Most Calories on a Hike

Now that we know why and how you burn calories on a hike, there are also ways to ensure that you are burning the maximum amount of calories possible. This is optimal for weight loss. 

There are two primary factors to consider when you’re looking to burn the most amount of calories possible on a hike: your backpack weight and your hiking routine. 

Your Backpack Weight

Have you ever been at the gym and seen someone on a treadmill with weights? It’s proven that the more weight you’re carrying when you are physically active has a direct impact on the amount of calories that you’ll burn. So, if you’re looking to burn the most calories possible on a hike, consider packing your backpack. 

Typical things that you can consider including in your backpack are snacks (look for snacks that are high-protein, low-carb), a water bottle, a rain jacket, bug repellant, bar spray, and even a tent if you’re considering hiking overnight. 

Your Hiking Routine

Another way to ensure that you are maximizing your calorie burn when you hike is to take into consideration how often you’re hiking and how often you’re participating in another form of physical activity. 

If you’re hiking for an hour each day, that’s great! However, it also makes it easier for your body to plateau and stop burning as many calories. That’s why it’s important to hike easier hikes as well as more difficult hikes. It’s also a good idea to exercise indoors and use weight machines occasionally as well. You can also try running occasionally on the trail to boost calorie burn. 

Keeping your body “on its toes” is a great way to continually burn the most amount of calories possible with each workout. This will result in weight loss and a more toned and defined body. 

The Pandolf Equation

Mathematically speaking, there is always an equation that can determine how many calories you’re burning on a hike. This equation is called the Pandolf equation and it is one of the best ways to determine how many calories you’re burning on a hike. Keep in mind however, that the equation does not take into account the weight of your backpack, so it will likely underestimate your calorie burn if you’re bringing along a heavy pack. 

The Pandolf equation takes into account a hikers weight, the weight of your pack, your hiking speed, the incline of the trail, and the terrain of the trail. The equation itself is a little complicated:

M = 1.5 W + 2.0 (W + L)(L/W)2 + n(W + L)(1.5V2 + 0.35VG)

If you’re really curious, there are also calorie burn calculators where you can input the information and the calculator does the work for you in determining approximately how many calories you’ll burn in a 2 hour hike on rough terrain. 

Ultimately, the number of calories that a hiker will burn on a hike is very dependent on their body weight, physical fitness level, and the hike itself. It’s also important to remember that a backpacker will typically burn more calories than a hiker with no pack. If you’re looking to burn the most amount of calories possible, it’s important to keep in mind the weight of your pack as well as what your hiking routine looks like. 

It’s always a good idea to mix up your routine in order to keep your body surprised and continually burning more calories. 

So, if you’re looking to lose weight in a way that is fun, scenic, and also great for your heart health as well as your mental and emotional health, hiking is a great activity to consider!

Hiking can also be a social activity and is great for couples, friends, and families. Who wouldn’t want to experience the benefits of physical activity in the great outdoors? 

Let us know where you’re hiking next and how many calories you think you’ll burn! We can’t wait to celebrate with you. 

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The Best Snacks to Bring on a Hike

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Snacks to Bring on a Hike

Hiking is an enjoyable and rewarding activity, but it can also be physically demanding. To ensure you have the energy to make it to the top of your next peak or trail, you need to bring along snacks that will provide you with sustained energy throughout your hike.

But what are the best snacks for a hike? There are many different factors at play when choosing snacks for a hike: nutritional value, ease of packing and storage, convenience when eating on-the-go, etc.

In this article we’ll discuss what types of snacks are best for a hike, how to choose healthy and nutritious ones that provide energy, ideas for easy-to-pack snacks that don’t require refrigeration or heating, how to store food safely while on a hike as well as tips on when and how often should you eat and drink during your trek. So let’s get started!

How to Choose Healthy Snacks for a Hike

When selecting snacks for a hike, it’s to choose ones that are rich in both carbohydrates and proteins. Carbohydrates will give you energy while proteins help your muscles recover after exercise. Aim to pack snacks that have natural sources of carbohydrates like grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts as well as protein-rich options such as meats, dairy products, beans and legumes. Try to stay away from processed foods with added sugars or artificial ingredients.

Easy-to-Pack Snacks That Don’t Require Refrigeration or Heating

Snacking on the trail doesn’t require any elaborate preparation – there are plenty of delicious snacks that don’t require refrigeration or heating. Here are some great snack ideas for your hike:

  • Whole wheat sandwiches filled with nut butter and sliced fruits or vegetables, such as apples, carrots or cucumbers.
  • Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts and sunflower seeds.
  • Fruits like bananas, oranges and grapes are easy to pack and carry along the trail.
  • Energy bars that contain natural ingredients like oats, honey and dried fruits are a great source of energy when you’re on-the-go.
  • Trail mix – a combination of nuts, dried fruit and other snacks makes an excellent hiking fuel.

How to Store Food Safely While on a Hike

When you’re out in the wilderness, it’s important to take steps to properly store your food. This will keep animals away and help to prevent contamination. Here are some tips for storing food safely while on a hike:

  • Pack snacks into sealable plastic bags or containers that can be securely closed.
  • Hang the bags or containers from a tree branch at least 10 feet above ground.
  • Keep food away from your sleeping area by at least 200 feet.
  • When returning home, dispose of any remnants of food in trash receptacles only – never leave them along hiking trails!

When to Eat and Drink During a Hike

In order to stay hydrated and energized on your hike, it’s important to plan ahead. Eating small snacks throughout the day will help keep your energy levels up, so it’s a good idea to pack more than you think you need.

It’s also important to drink plenty of water when out in the wilderness – dehydration can lead to fatigue and impair physical performance. Drink water every 15 minutes while hiking and take regular breaks during the day in order to refuel with food and fluids.

See also: How to Pack for a Day Hike

Benefits of Bringing Good Snacks on a Hike

Having nutritious snacks along your hike has many benefits:

  • It helps maintain your energy levels by providing sustained fuel throughout the day.
  • Nourishing snacks can help to prevent fatigue, muscle cramps and headaches caused by dehydration.
  • Eating regularly helps your body recover quickly after exercise.
  • It’s a great way to stay motivated and focused while on the trail.

Great Snack Options for Hikers

To recap, some of the best snacks to bring on a hike are ones that are nutritionally balanced and easy to pack and store. Some great snack options include: whole wheat sandwiches, nuts and seeds, fruits, energy bars and trail mix. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day in order to stay hydrated!

Conclusion

When it comes to packing snacks for a hike, it’s important to choose ones that provide both carbohydrates and proteins. Aim for snacks that are easy to pack and store, such as sandwiches, nuts and seeds, fruits, energy bars or trail mix. Don’t forget to stay hydrated with plenty of water throughout the day!

FAQs

Q: What types of snacks should I bring on a hike?

A: The best snacks to bring on a hike are ones that have both carbohydrates and proteins. Try packing whole wheat sandwiches, nuts and seeds, fruits, energy bars or trail mix.

Q: How often should I drink while hiking?

A: It’s important to stay hydrated while out in the wilderness – aim to drink water every 15 minutes while hiking. Take regular breaks during the day in order to refuel with food and fluids.

Q: What are some benefits of bringing good snacks on a hike?

A: Eating nutritious snacks while hiking can help maintain your energy levels, prevent fatigue and muscle cramps, and aid in recovery after exercise. It’s also a great way to stay motivated and focused!

Q: How should I store food while on a hike?

A: Pack snacks into sealable plastic bags or containers that can be securely closed. Hang the bags or containers from a tree branch at least 10 feet above ground, and keep food away from your sleeping area by at least 200 feet. When returning home, dispose of any remnants of food in trash receptacles only – never leave them along hiking trails!

Q: What are some easy-to-pack snacks that don’t require refrigeration or heating?

A: Some great snack options for a hike include sandwiches, nuts and seeds, fruits, energy bars or trail mix – all of which can be easily packed without the need for refrigeration or heating.

Q: Are there any special considerations when choosing snacks for a hike?

A: Yes – aim to choose snacks that are nutritionally balanced and easy to pack and store. Try to avoid sugary or processed snacks, as these can cause energy crashes. Also, if you’re planning on eating during the hike, make sure that you have plenty of water available in order to stay hydrated!

Q: When should I eat and drink during a hike?

A: Drink water every 15 minutes while hiking and take regular breaks during the day in order to refuel with food and fluids. Eating regularly helps your body recover quickly after exercise, so try to have snacks available throughout the day.

Q: What are some great snack options for hikers?

A: Some great snack options include: whole wheat sandwiches, nuts and seeds, fruits, energy bars and trail mix. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day in order to stay hydrated!

Q: What are the benefits of bringing good snacks on a hike?

A: Eating nutritious snacks while hiking can help maintain your energy levels, prevent fatigue and muscle cramps, and aid in recovery after exercise. It’s also a great way to stay motivated and focused while on the trail!

Q: What snacks should I avoid packing for a hike?

A: Try to avoid sugary or processed snacks, as these can cause energy crashes. Also, anything that requires refrigeration or heating is best left at home – aim to choose snacks that are easy-to-pack and store, such as sandwiches, nuts and seeds, fruits, energy bars or trail mix.

Q: How do I choose healthy snacks for a hike?

A: Aim to choose snacks that are nutritionally balanced and easy to pack and store. Try to avoid sugary or processed snacks, as these can cause energy crashes. Choose snacks that provide both carbohydrates and proteins, such as sandwiches, nuts and seeds, fruits, energy bars or trail mix – all of which are easy-to-pack and don’t require refrigeration or heating.

Q: What else should I consider when packing snacks for a hike?

A: Make sure that you have plenty of water available in order to stay hydrated. Also, store your food securely while on the trail by hanging it 10 feet above ground and keeping it away from your sleeping area. Finally, dispose of any remnants of food in trash receptacles only – never leave them along hiking trails!

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What to Consider While Choosing the Right Women’s Motocross Gear?

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Buying the right women’s motocross gear is not a cakewalk!

One of the most important aspects of getting the appropriate gear is knowing what to look for and what to shun when buying dirt bike gear.

It can be helpful to choose the correct equipment for you if you are new to motocross or other dirt-biking activities.

So how can you pick the greatest motocross equipment? You can choose the appropriate women’s motocross gear for your trip using the guidelines and recommendations in this post.

  1. Choose the Right Fit

Neither your clothing nor your accessories should ever be excessively tight or too loose. The equipment should be just snug enough to stay on your body and do its job of protecting you in the event of an accident. Look for adjustable items like pants with an adjustable waist so you can get a better fit.

You should sit down and pretend to be riding the bike as you try the gear on. This is important since it guarantees that the equipment is not uncomfortable or restricts your motions. When you sit down in a riding position, the gear may not appear to be too big on you even though it may first appear that way. You don’t want your clothing, such as your sleeves or your jeans, to ride up, exposing your flesh and raising your chance of getting hurt.

  1. Water Resistance

Your ride will be more convenient if your gear has water-resistance qualities. You can buy separate rain gear or purchase waterproof clothing.

Even with removable waterproof linings, external textiles continue to absorb water, and you will still get wet. They may also heat up, feel uncomfortable, and add weight.

  1. Don’t Overlook its Durability

Women’s motocross pants are often constructed from denier, nylon, or polyester fabric. Both nylon and polyester are incredibly comfortable to wear and dry extremely rapidly. This kind of fabric is durable and retains its quality even after multiple washing. High-denier material is designed to make your possible motocross pants more robust.

  1. Price

When selecting the appropriate equipment for you, the cost is yet another important factor. Most people don’t have an endless supply of money to spend on dirt bike equipment. Some items are worth a little bit more money than others, but you can get away with buying some items on a budget. When purchasing crucial items like helmets, for instance, you get what you pay for, therefore spending more on these items can result in safer products.

Consider how much you can afford to spend, then begin looking at the equipment that is within your spending limit. You can get things that suit your demands and budget range.

  1. Ventilation

Ventilation is a factor that is frequently disregarded when purchasing dirt bike equipment. It might be uncomfortable to ride in something that doesn’t have good ventilation and breathability. This is especially true if you ride during the sweltering summer. Air can flow freely through your gear and be wicked away from your body by materials with good ventilation and breathability. By doing so, you’ll be able to be more comfortable even when the outside temperature is higher.

Conclusion

Considering these factors will help you choose the right motocross gear for women that may not only offer maximum protection but perfectly cater to your needs and budget. Always remember to be safe!

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Off-Season ATV Maintenance

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When dealing with vehicles, proper maintenance goes a long way toward preventing unnecessary expenses and ensuring the vehicle’s longevity; an ATV is no different in this regard. However, knowing how to take care of your ATV is arguably more important for many reasons, including safety. ATV maintenance during “riding” season is relatively easy. Still, things usually take a different turn once the riding season is over.

Unfortunately, most people often forget to undertake proper ATV maintenance during winter, and as you would expect, they mostly end up paying dearly for it once it’s ATV season again, as their quads are usually significantly damaged.

Do you have an ATV? If you do and you’re looking for tips on how to carry out proper off-season ATV maintenance, read on to discover some of the best ways to ensure your ATV remains in perfect condition all season long.

Garages and ATV Covers

The first thing you’ll want to put on your ATV maintenance checklist is shelter and storage location. As you well know, your ATV is as much a vehicle as your car is. Basically, this means that just as your car requires shelter to protect it from weathering, especially during winter, your ATV also requires the same. You could even argue that providing shelter or cover for your ATV is even more important than doing the same for your car. You should also note that shielding your ATV from direct exposure to sunlight during summer is also important because the sun can also damage your ATV when you leave it exposed for too long.

If you have a garage, you should ensure to park your ATV inside it to effectively shield it from weathering damage. However, the fact remains that not everyone has access to a garage, and even if you did, your garage would only protect your ATV from “some” of the effects of weathering, not all. So, if you have an ATV, you should consider getting an ATV cover. ATV covers are designed to effectively shield your ATV from harsh environmental effects, ensuring they’ll remain in excellent condition regardless of the weather.

You may be thinking, “Why can’t I just use a random blanket or cloth from my home to cover my ATV?” The answer is simple; those clothes and blankets are not designed for ATV protection. If you use them, you’ll have water building up under them, eventually leading to mold and mildew growth, causing even more damage. With ATV covers, on the other hand, water under the cover will always evaporate quickly, so you can be sure your quad-wheeler will remain perfectly dry and mold-free. In addition, their unique design means you’ll be able to use ATV covers all year round, indoors and outdoors, to protect your ATV from the effects of weathering effectively.

Check Air Filter

Access to clean air is crucial for your ATV to function properly, and if your ATV’s air system is contaminated, it could lead to ATV engine issues. Therefore, you must ensure to check your ATV air filter system from time to time during your quad maintenance to ensure that no small animals or insects have made nests in your filter system. You’ll also want to ensure no dirt or debris clogs your air filter. To do this, simply locate the air filter cover (you should find it in the back of your ATV, under the bed). Once you’ve seen it, take off the cover and then look inside to be sure it’s clean.

Battery Maintenance

Another ATV maintenance task you’ll want to add to your ATV service checklist is battery evaluation and maintenance. Just like a regular car, ATV batteries become less effective or damaged over time when the ATV isn’t used, especially after exposure to cold or freezing weather. So you should ensure to start your ATV from time to time and just let the battery charge to ensure it doesn’t become dead before spring. In addition, you should know that there are different types of ATV batteries on the market, and some are more suited to cold temperatures than others. So you’ll also want to ensure you get the best cold weather ATV battery you can find if you plan on leaving the battery in the ATV all winter long. On the other hand, you could opt to remove the ATV’s battery and connect it to a trickle charger that will help ensure you don’t end up having a dead battery by spring; which is what will likely happen if you just remove the ATV’s battery and drop it somewhere in your home or garage.

Change Engine Oil

An engine oil change is a regular part of every automobile maintenance and should be part of your ATV maintenance checklist. You should always check your ATV’s engine oil state, especially if you haven’t used the ATV in a long while. This is because debris and dirt might have somehow gotten into your oil filter, and this will make the engine oil sticky and thick. Running your ATV with this oil content will likely result in engine damage, and fixing a damaged ATV engine will undoubtedly cost you a significant amount of money. So instead of dealing with lousy engine problems, simply make sure to swap out the bad oil for quality, fresh engine oil.

Tire Check

If you have a car, you’ll most likely notice that when you leave it parked for an extended period, the tires will tend to lose pressure and go flat. The same applies to an ATV, so proper tire care is essential to proper four-wheeler maintenance. You’ll want to check your tire pressure levels periodically during the off-season. If they’re lower than what they should be, you could opt to use a tire pump to get them back in the proper condition. Also, keep an eye out for damaged or worn-out ATV tires so you can replace them before riding the ATV again.

Other ATV maintenance tips you should add to your ATV maintenance checklist include the following:

  •   Check coolant and gas states to ensure they’re free from dirt and debris.
  •   Tighten ATV tire bolts before riding.
  •   Check engine belt condition.

 

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