How fast...

“do most of you hike?

Curiosity has the best of me. Say, midwest-rugged, no racing, just out for a hike with your average 3 night pack. I don't get out nearly as much as most of the regulars here (if they are being honest) but I have found that I usually travel about 2mph for about 2 hours, then stop for a few minutes (5-10), loose the pack and have a snack, and continue at about the same intervals. Is this average or slow?”

“id say thats average.

i have weird habits when hiking. even tho i tend to dawdle and gawk and take my time when im by myself, i tend to hike at or near the front of the pack when with a group most of the time.

a couple of exceptions: a four person hike at rocky mountain natl park, i was always bringing up the rear. the altitude was a bear! grand canyon, i spent some time in front, but i think i was mostly in the middle and rear, due to the aforementioned dawdling and gawking. it would be a shame to bust ass thru there”

“When I hike it is purely for relaxation, and to slow down my mental processes. You know? So if there is something to gawk at you can bet I will be standing there. LOL!
I always have gone solo, so it is good to know that I'm not "smailman", and also that I am actually slowing from my daily pace.”

“My experience over time is that I walk up to 4mph with a pack on, and up to 5mph without. I tend to take frequent breaks, either to wait for other members of the party or just because. I never feel like I'm rushing myself, it's just a comfortable pace. If I start to tire I will slow down to adjust.”

“I enjoy my time out in the woods, why hurry. two or three miles an hour is about all I manage. also my dog has to stop to sniff everything which tends to slow me down.But I enjoy watching her perspectives on things.”

“I think I average about 3 mph, unless daylight is limited. I don't mind stopping for a nice long lunch break w/ a nap and here and there along the way.”

“Along with this maybe the question should be how far do you like to go in a day, and over what sort of terrain?”

“Well shoot, seems like I don't hike much lately, lol. Last time with any milegae worth mentioning, was mamouth cave (rolling big hills lots and lots of creek crossings and rocks), we did 15.9 miles and I think we probably did 3-4 mph that day, as daylight was scarce. It was fun.”

“I don't take a watch or glasses so I never know how fast. I don't take a map cause I don't want to know if i'm lost.After acouple of days ,if I don't find my car. I find a road and hitch a ride to my car. Those that pick me up always ask,' what you been drinkin?'. I always answer,'I don't know ,I can't read the label'.”

“on a regular trip, i like to go about 6-10 miles

most ever was 24.3, on the AT in PA, although my hardest day ever may have been the 9 miles and 4200 feet of elevation gain from the colorado river to the south rim via the hermit trail in the grand canyon
last edited: 6/18/06 7:01:42 AM”

“On my thru hike I was happy when I did 1.5 to 2. Seems to be one of those unfortunate age things. The only way I could get in any significant miles was to break camp very early and hike into the twilight. I was very surprised at how slow I was and still am (both surprised and slow).”

“youd get further if you werent spraining your ankle every 10 miles.....

:-P”

“I guess you're right. 1.5 - 2.0 mph isn't bad if you're pogo sticking it. Who know's, maybe next year I'll be out there again. I just need to find a good reliable volunteer to live rent free for 6-8 months in northern Wisconsin while I'm gone. Know anyone?”