How far can you hike in a day? If you ask this question to the hiking community, there will not be any fixed answers. Both, beginners and experienced professionals have their own process of hiking and it depends upon a wide range of factors that result in their respective time during the journey. An average hiking person would list the following as the factors that influence the distance:

  • Elevation change
  • Trail terrain and length
  • Weather conditions
  • Level of fitness
  • Hiking gear or other equipment you are carrying

Let us take a closer look at the factors that influence the distance of an average hike:

Elevation Change

Elevation plays an important role in determining your speed during the hike. During a steep escalation, your body demands more oxygen and more of your muscles for strength and endurance. After you hit 8000 feet above sea level, it naturally becomes difficult for you to climb easily. With less oxygen, your body tries to adjust to the place along with the pace. With every 2000 feet increase, it generally takes one hour more than the original time. 

Trial Terrain and Length

The hike time largely depends upon the trail terrain and length. Are the roads paved well? Is there a steep incline or a plain path all the way to the end of the trail? Is the ground filled with rocks? These factors will influence the time taken for the hike. It is well-known to be an easy trail when the surface is plain or flat. You do not lose much energy as it is a straight path. Whereas it becomes difficult with a steep incline and you tend to lose more energy while walking. 

Weather Conditions

It is important to note that weather conditions and seasons determine the time that is taken for a one-day hike. Seasons do not just correlate with the weather conditions. It also determines the sunlight hours. It is important to start early so as to finish before dawn. Winters cut your sunlight short and therefore, summer hikes tend to be longer. High humidity, cold temperature, or a rainy day would require more from your body to regulate the body temperature. Therefore, seasons and weather changes are important factors in contributing to the hike time. 

Level of Fitness

It is a well-known fact that the fitness level determines the ability to endure the hiking process as well as enjoy it. If you are fit and exercise on a regular basis, it gets easier for you to hike even difficult terrain. However, if you are not fit and do not exercise regularly, it can become difficult to hike an average terrain. Walking daily for a specific amount of time or adding a walk to your schedule can bring an effective change in your fitness levels and would help you during your hike.

Hiking Gear or Other Equipment You Are Carrying

Since hiking with gear is very different from hiking without any equipment, it is important to practice daily with a backpack or any essential that you think can help with it. It will also give you a fair idea of how much load will you be able to take along with you during the hike overtime. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How long should you hike? 

There is no definite answer to the amount of time one should hike. It is up to the fitness level of the individual and the factors discussed above which will decide the time of your hike. Daily practice of 10, 000 steps a day helps in training your body for the hike you want to go for.

  1. How far should you hike?

It depends upon how you manoeuvre the time around your hike. If you are a nature lover and love to sightsee, it is going to take you time to reach to your destination. It is however important to know your purpose and stay on course whenever you are ready. 

Summary

Before you plan your next hike, it is recommended that you plan it out and lay it out with practical measures so that you are ready for it. Practice exercises and train your body to endure different terrain so that the process becomes easy. Challenge yourself but do not overburden yourself with tasks. With one step at a time, it would be easier to enjoy the preparation process as well as the hike.