How many calories do you burn while backpacking? The short answer: a lot.
As a registered dietitian and somebody who loves to eat, I was particularly interested in how our guide factored in both flavor and nutritional punch as he planned meals and snacks for our journey that would take us far away from the crowded campgrounds and shorter hiking trails.
So, exactly how many calories does a person burn when hiking all day? That depends on the length and intensity of your hike, the weight of your pack and your body type. Matt Rehm, our guide, plans for 200 to 300 calories per hour as a ballpark figure.
Source: Ask a Dietitian: How do you stay fed, fueled up on a five-day hike?