8
votes
How do you determine how long a hike will take?
Naismith's rule is a good starting point, but it doesn't really cover unusual trail conditions. My rule of thumb is to convert distance, elevation, and trail condition to "equivalent miles":
Each ...
- 2,902
7
votes
How do you determine how long a hike will take?
Last year I was taught an approximation by a mountaineer guide. It is an average and worked quite well for me. Of course you need adaption for alpine tours (3000m+), physical condition, weather, ...
- 12.1k
6
votes
How do you determine how long a hike will take?
I just came in from a 3 mile hike and I am the kind of person you're talking about. It took me 1 hour on a flat surface, well maintained trail through the woods. So 3 mph is a good general rule of ...
- 61
6
votes
Accepted
Approximating the time remaining before sun is set and it starts getting dark
You can quickly determine how much time you have until the sun goes over the horizon using your hands.
Hold your hand out in front of you at arms length, parallel to the ground, palm towards you. ...
- 53k
5
votes
Accepted
How to get up for an alpine start without an alarm?
There are some things that will help in getting up early without an alarm.
Drink more water than normal before bed , this ensures that you won't sleep all of the way through the night.
Try to sleep ...
- 68.8k
4
votes
Approximating the time remaining before sun is set and it starts getting dark
This is a function of latitude and season. Apart from that, it depends on local landscape, weather, and your own eyes. On a rainy day in a dense forest, it may already be quite dark at sunset. On a ...
- 26k
3
votes
How do you determine how long a hike will take?
I hike a lot in the Rocky Mountains. 2.5 mph up is a good number. Less coming down. Deduct about half an hour for a 4 mile 1 way hike coming down.
- 31
3
votes
How do you determine how long a hike will take?
This rule of thumb has not worked for me but here is what worked.
Get several opinions from people who already done the same exact trail.
It is better to know these people, so you can compare their ...
- 31
2
votes
How do you determine how long a hike will take?
I can concur with 1 mph for first-time backpackers carrying an overnight pack on strenuous terrain. This is without stopping for more than short water/snack breaks.
Source:
I just took my wife on ...
- 21
2
votes
How do you determine how long a hike will take?
For first time hikers carrying a 30+ pound pack, I always estimate 1 mph on a moderate trail. I say this only because there are so many variables that one almost cannot calculate what will be. I have ...
- 21
2
votes
How do you determine how long a hike will take?
Average dayhiking speed for reasonably fit people is 2.5 mph on moderate terrain. Divide the number of miles of the hike by 2.5 and add in extra time for snacks, lunch, pictures, etc.
- 21
1
vote
How do you determine how long a hike will take?
Naismith's rule (19½ minutes for every mile, plus 30 minutes for every 1,000 feet) is meant for reasonably easy ground conditions. Here in the White Mountains on New Hampshire the local hiking club ...
- 559
Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible