Want to know more about the topic of Calories Burned Hiking vs. Walking? Then you should check out this article.
While they may sound similar, there are some differences between Hiking vs. Walking. One of the significant differences is how many calories you burn. Let’s see.
Calories Burned Hiking vs. Walking: Comparison Table
Walking and hiking are two great exercises. So if you want to burn calories efficiently, both activities are the way to go.
Walking and hiking sound similar, but each has distinct differences. One of the differences between the two is how many calories you burn. Hiking will usually allow you to burn more calories than walking.
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Hiking |
Walking |
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| Calories Burned |
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| Pros |
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| Cons |
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Calories Burned Hiking vs. Walking: What Are the Differences?
Calories Burned Hiking vs. Walking are better for a specific purpose, which I will discuss further in the following sections.
1. Calories Burned
>>> Hiking
The number of calories you can burn while hiking depends on several factors, especially the type of trail (or the slope of the trail) and your weight.
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From 1 to 5% grade |
From 6 to 15% grade |
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| 55 kg (120 pounds) |
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| 68 kg (150 pounds) |
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| 82 kg (180 pounds) |
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| 95 kg (210 pounds) |
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| 109 kg (240 pounds) |
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| 123 kg (270 pounds) |
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A grade of 1 to 5% is mild, and 6 to 15% ranges from medium to steep. Many trails may have a grade as high as 35%, allowing you to burn more calories.
Other factors that can affect how many calories you can burn are the weight of your backpack, your gender, and your age.
>>> Walking
Walking can take place on terrain, but it is usually flat. As a result, you won’t be able to burn as many calories while walking as you do hiking.
The amount of calories you burn also depends on many factors such as your terrain, weight, temperature, sex, and age.
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Moderate-Paced Hiking |
Moderate-Paced Walking |
Brisk walking |
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| 55 kg (120 pounds) |
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| 68 kg (150 pounds) |
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|
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| 82 kg (180 pounds) |
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|
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| 95 kg (210 pounds) |
|
|
|
| 109 kg (240 pounds) |
|
|
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| 123 kg (270 pounds) |
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|
|
2. Pros
>>> Hiking
Excellent for burning calories:
When hiking, going uphill requires you to use more energy, which boosts metabolism. As a result, you can burn calories more efficiently than walking.
In addition, hiking often lasts for many hours, requiring you to use more energy than walking. That said, hiking forces you to be active for a more extended period, leading to more significant fat loss.
Boost emotional and mental health:
Like most exercises, hiking is the perfect solution to boost your emotional and mental health. This action is one of the best ways to reduce stress, reduce anxiety, increase energy levels and improve mood.
It will make you happy and always crave a hiking trip whenever you feel emotionally drained.
Connect with nature and improve your social life:
Hiking allows you to meet new people and connect with old ones. Hiking with a group allows you to go further and burn more calories.
Gain Vitamin D:
Hiking forces you to move in sunlight, helping your body synthesize vitamin D.
This vitamin is necessary for the health of teeth, bones, and muscles. A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone pain.
>>> Walking
Promote Cardiovascular Health
Walking forces your heart to work harder to pump oxygen and blood to all parts of your body. Thanks to that, it can ensure that all your organs work properly.
It is also helpful in controlling and reducing hypotension, reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Great for Lowering Joint Pain
Walking is one of the ideal sports activities for people with joint pain due to injury, arthritis, or any other cause.
It has a low impact on your joints and muscles. In addition, walking also promotes blood circulation, which contributes to faster wound healing.
Cost-Effective
You don’t need to prepare many items like hiking. Instead, you just need to invest in a good pair of shoes with an excellent inner sole to prevent blisters.
Enjoy Anytime and Anywhere
You can walk anytime and anywhere without having to plan.
You can even walk right at home with a quality treadmill. Of course, walking with your dog is also a fun and healthy activity.
3. Cons
>>> Hiking
Requires thorough planning:
Hiking requires detailed planning, especially for multi-day hikes.
For example, you will need to choose a safe and friendly location for your trip. In addition, you will need to prepare the necessary gear.
This activity will come with challenges, so you should prepare yourself mentally before experiencing them.
Unsuitable for some age groups
Hiking will be more strenuous than walking as you may have to go over rugged terrain in inclement weather. So it may not be suitable for some people, especially those with a poor physique.
Higher risk
Hiking often occurs on natural trails, exposing you to a higher risk of injury, falls, insect bites, and allergic reactions.
>>> Walking
Easy Give up the Exercise
Walking around the city or at home on a treadmill can quickly get boring as there is no change of scenery. So it can make you give up quickly.
Burn Fewer Calories Than Hiking
Walking will enable you to burn fewer calories than hiking. But you can try a few tips while walking to burn more calories:
- Walk in your “target zone.”
- Integrate interval training.
- Incorporate hills or inclines.
- Add some weight.
- Go “off-roading.”
- Pick up some walking poles.
- Switch directions.
- Throw in some strength training.
- Swing your arms and shorten your steps.
Calories Burned Hiking vs. Walking: Which One Is Better?
When it comes to hiking and walking, both are healthy forms of exercise.
But, while they sound similar, they are different in many ways, including the number of calories you burn.
Walking and hiking offer several benefits, including weight loss, improved mental health, and physical strength.
Hiking allows you to burn more calories and is a fun outdoor activity. How many calories you burn depends on several factors, including your weight, the length of your trip, the terrain’s slope, your backpack’s weight, and your temperature.
Walking can take place anywhere in any amount of time. It is often more convenient and easier than hiking. Meanwhile, hiking requires more experience and occurs outdoors only.
FAQs
Below here is common questions and answers related to Calories Burned Hiking vs. Walking.
Is Hiking or Walking Better for Weight Loss?
Hiking helps you lose weight more effectively by allowing you to burn more calories.
How Many Calories Do You Burn in 30 Minutes of Hiking?
How many calories you burn depends significantly on your weight. The heavier you are, the more calories you burn.
Why Does Hiking Burn So Many Calories?
Hiking allows you to burn more calories as trails are generally steeper and more uneven than neighborhood roads, walking paths, or sidewalks.
How Much Should I Hike to Lose Weight?
You can lose weight by hiking once per week. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, you should spend 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, including hiking, per week to lose weight.
Can You Get in Shape From Hiking?
Walking thirty minutes will allow you to burn 150 calories per day. Walking four days a week will allow you to lose a pound weekly.
Is Hiking a Good Workout?
Not only a good workout, but hiking is also an enjoyable outdoor activity.
How Many Calories Are Burned in a 30 Minute Walk?
Depending on your weight, you may burn 100 to 200 calories with half an hour of brisk walking.
Do I Need Rest Days From Walking?
Rest days are unnecessary for light cardio, such as walking.
