Hiking Pace Estimator
Tobler hiking function with grade, pack weight, surface, and party-size corrections.
Inputs
Result
A natural placement between the calculator and the explanation.
What this solves — and what it doesn't
This calculator uses Tobler’s hiking function (1993), which models walking speed as a function of slope: a fit walker moves fastest on a slight downhill (~ -3% grade) and slowest on steep uphills. We then apply a surface multiplier, a pack-weight penalty (about 1.5% slower per kg above 5 kg), and a standard ascent allowance (1 hour per 600 m of climb).
Unlike the original Naismith rule (5 km/h flat + 1 h/600 m up), this approach responds to grade directly, so a rolling 10 km at 6% feels different from a 10 km walk on a flat rail-trail.
How to read the result
The output is total elapsed time, not moving time. We add your rest input on top of the moving estimate. If you don’t know how long you’ll rest, a fair default for a 10 km day is 15 to 30 min broken into 2 to 3 snacks and a long lunch.
The pace assumption is for an adult moving solo on a marked trail. Children, dogs, large groups, or technical descents will move slower. Add buffer when in doubt.
Limitations
- Single-leg model. Real routes have varying grade.
- Tobler was fit walkers on paved ground. Real trails are slower; we compensate with surface.
- Pack penalty is linear. Some studies suggest the penalty is steeper above 20 kg.
- No darkness penalty. Night hiking at head-torch pace can halve speed.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my time longer than what AllTrails says?
AllTrails’ times come from a generic Naismith-derived model with no surface or pack adjustment. Our model is more conservative on rougher ground and heavier loads.
What if my route has lots of ups AND downs?
Enter the net gain. Tobler handles descents as part of the slope average; very up-and-down routes feel slower than they read, so add a 15 to 20% buffer mentally.
Does party size matter?
Larger parties move slower because the slowest member sets the pace. Multiply our output by 1.1 for groups of 4 to 6, 1.2 for 7+.