If you’re any kind a backpacker you probably always want to find ways to hike farther in a day. Well this article should help you figure out a plan to accomplish this.
The things we value we measure. So the same applies to hiking. Hiking is like eating an elephant one bite at a time, you can’t do it all at once. As with hiking you can’t hike the entire trail in one day.
The most important item for this is a watch. The watch helps us pace ourselves. Our pace determines how long and how far we can hike each day. Having the right pace will help us accomplish our mileage goals day in and day out.
So what is a good pace. I try to hike for at least 30 minutes at a time and take at least a five minute break, I do this until lunchtime.
Big Breaks
Lunchtime is one of the big breaks of the day. Your lunch can last anywhere from 1/2 to 2 hours depending how the day is going. It’s the time when you re-energize by adding fuel and water back into your body and resting and stretching your muscles. Your knees and ankles need this break as well and it’s best to take your socks and shoes off. If you can take a short nap that would help as well.
The afternoon pace should be the same as the morning pace. You should be aware that your energy level will probably diminish as the day gets longer. Your breaks will probably have to be lengthened.
Supper is also considered a big break as well. However, most people set up camp first and make supper then go to bed. if you’re trying to make more miles that day it’s better to stop at a water source and cook supper then put in a few extra miles before making camp for the night.
Weekly break
Another good idea is to take at least one rest day per week. You can use this day for resupply, washing clothes, catching up on sleep and gorging before getting back on the trail.
What determines your pace?
The following items below can determine your pace. Some you have control over some you don’t. It’s good to take these into consideration as you plan your hike.
Age and body weight - Of course we can’t control our age but we can control out body weight. Obviously the lower your body weight the easier it is to walk.
Your physical condition - The better shape you’re in before you go on a hike the easier the hike should be. Backpacking is very demanding and being prepared for the workload is vital to ensure a successful hike.
Pack weight - Nowadays it’s easy to have a lower pack weight given all of the ultralight gear being produced. When I began hiking in the late 70s all there was available was heavy mountaineering type equipment. On a 600 mile section on the Appalachian Trail I carried a 7 1/2 pound pack. This was the actual weight of the just the pack with nothing in it!
Terrain - Flat ground is much easier to make miles on but can be harder on your joints. Hiking in the mountains is more scenic but you can’t make as many miles going up and down hills and climbing over rocks.
Temperature and weather - Extreme temperatures and weather can also slow your pace. For example my youngest son and I had to road walk a section of the mountains to the sea trail and it was over 90° outside. The temperature on the road had to be over 100 degrees.We could only walk for 15 minutes at a time before we had to find shade to rest and cool down.
Altitude - Although it’s likely you’ll never hike at altitude, but if you do you need to read up on the effects it can have on your body. Hiking at higher altitudes can be very dangerous and each time up high can be a different experience.
Conclusion

Learn to adjust your pace according to the above conditions. Listen to your body as you hike it will tell you the pace you need, then you will have a more pleasurable hike.
All of these reasons are why you need to wear a watch and pace yourself. The hours can get away from you quickly and before you know it dark is upon you and you didn’t make the miles you expected.