Mileage per day to expect on backpacking trip?
May 30th, 2008
trexler1 asked:
Some friends and I are backpacking through Ireland this summer, and we’re trying to figure out what is a reasonable expectation of mileage per day. We’re all moderately experienced hikers (little backpacking though, hence my question) and in good physical shape. We’re assuming decently weighty packs, not going ultralite for sure. We’re planning to be mainly on country roads, open fields, that sort of thing. Is 20 miles a day unreasonable? Thanks all.
Some friends and I are backpacking through Ireland this summer, and we’re trying to figure out what is a reasonable expectation of mileage per day. We’re all moderately experienced hikers (little backpacking though, hence my question) and in good physical shape. We’re assuming decently weighty packs, not going ultralite for sure. We’re planning to be mainly on country roads, open fields, that sort of thing. Is 20 miles a day unreasonable? Thanks all.
Distance isn’t everything. Enjoying the view, side tripsm etc. I’d plan no more than 12 miles per day.
Well I don’t know. The Roman Legions used to march 25 miles a day in forced conditions. That was carying 50 lbs of gear in simple leather sandles.Can you keep up a pace of three miles an hour for eight hours? Thats1 mile every 20 min. I’d say that even in the best condidtions. A twent mile pace works out to one mile every 24 minitues. If you are planing a ling trip I’d advise bicycles. You get a ground level view of Ireland can make as much as 100 miles a day if you push for eight hours a day. If you take it easy and go slower for shorter times a 50 mile day is not out of the question. That works out to a mile every seven minutes for a six hour day. I was running about that in five mile bursts in highschool.
I’d say 20 miles of hiking is ambitious. However, If you’re committed and in good shape I can’t why you can’t make.
Twenty miles with a heavy pack is a lot even in good shape. You can do it, but you and your friends should start walking with your packs on now. Get together on the weekends and load up the packs. It will be a lot better if you know what to expect when you start having to carry that much. I typically carry ~40 lbs. (I weigh ~175) and try not to do more than 15 miles a day so I wont be too worn out the next day. I only carry my pack 6 weeks a year during the best year though…