1. What is Hiking Speed?

Hiking speed measures how fast you're moving during a hike, calculated as distance traveled divided by time taken. It helps hikers estimate travel times and plan routes effectively.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic speed formula:

Where:

• \( Distance \) — Traveled distance in feet
• \( Time \) — Time taken in hours

Explanation: This simple calculation gives your average speed over the entire hike.

3. Importance of Hiking Speed Calculation

Details: Knowing your hiking speed helps with trip planning, estimating arrival times, and comparing your performance over different terrains.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter distance in feet and time in hours. All values must be valid (distance > 0, time > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a good hiking speed?
A: Average hiking speed is about 2-3 miles per hour (10,560-15,840 feet/hour) on flat terrain.

Q2: How does elevation affect hiking speed?
A: Speed typically decreases with elevation gain - about 30 minutes extra per 1,000 feet of ascent.

Q3: Should I include breaks in my time calculation?
A: For overall trip planning, include breaks. For pure walking speed, exclude them.

Q4: How can I improve my hiking speed?
A: Regular exercise, proper footwear, and lighter packs can all improve speed.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It gives average speed. Actual speed varies with terrain, fitness, and conditions.