Are you wondering how long does it take to hike 5 miles? Hiking is a popular activity for many people, and there are many benefits to the activity. It’s a great way to exercise, enjoy nature, and often time you can see some amazing sights along the way. A 5-mile hike is a significant distance, so it’s important to know how long it will take before you head out. Here are details on how long it takes to hike 5 miles as well as some other hiking stats that may be of interest.
What Is Hiking?
Hiking is a term that can refer to any of several types of activities. Hiking can refer to the activity of walking in the outdoors, usually over somewhat rough terrain and for at least some distance. It’s also common to use the word hiking when referring to an organized outdoor activity in which people walk through rough terrain with their backpacks on. The term can also refer to the act of climbing up large hills or mountains.
Related Article: What Is Dry Camping?
What Is A 5-Mile Hike?
A five-mile hike is one where you cover at least 5 miles in rough terrain. It’s also common to see it indicate that the distance includes some significant climbs or descents, so the hiker will have hiked uphill for some time and then downhill.
How Long Does It Take To Hike 5 Miles
One of the most frequent questions hikers asks after a long hike is how long it took to complete. For longer hikes, it can be helpful to write down how far you’ve gone so you know exactly how much distance you have left.
It actually takes a significant amount of effort to hike even 5 miles, so if you are not in shape, it can be best to start with shorter hikes. It typically takes about two hours to hike five miles if you are in decent physical condition. It can take much longer, up to four hours or more depending on the conditions and how far uphill you have to go.
Reasons Why You Take A Long Time When Hiking
There are several reasons why hiking can take longer than expected. A big one is the physical condition of the hiker, as those who are not in shape may find it takes much more effort than they expect to cover such a distance.
Another reason is that hiking can be dangerous, especially if you hike off-trail or don’t know where you are going. It can take much longer to hike five miles if you get lost or turned around, and it’s important to know where you are headed before embarking on such a hike.
The terrain also has an effect on the difficulty of hiking, like steep hills or uneven paths will increase your hiking time. Finally, there is the weather that can make the hike much longer, especially if you are in inclement weather.
Tips For Beginners
If you would like to hike 5 miles, you should be physically fit and in good health. You shouldn’t plan on an easy hike or a flat path, you will likely encounter some obstacles along the way. You should also be familiar with the area. You will need to know which trails are safe and where you’re going in case you get lost or turned around. Preparation can help prevent such things from happening, so your hike won’t take as long.
It’s also important to bring enough water and high-energy snacks such as fruit or granola bars so that you don’t get hungry or thirsty during the hike. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Finally, it’s important to make sure you have a map and know how to use it in case you get lost.
Hiking can be a fun activity, and there are many benefits to it. A five-mile hike is a good place to start so you can get familiar with the activity before doing longer hikes. Once you have done a few it shouldn’t take you too long to cover 5 miles on your next hike.
Related Article: The Best Cave Diving Sites And Beginner Tips For Cave Diving
Things To Pack When Hiking 5 Miles
A hiking checklist can help you remember everything you need before your hike. There are some essentials that you will want to pack for every hike, like water and snacks or a first aid kit in case of emergencies. As mentioned above, it’s important to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes, especially if you live in an area with lots of rocks and uneven paths.
Hiking Shoulder Bag
For hikes of 5 miles or less, it’s safe to bring an item that is lightweight but can hold your essentials like sun lotion, a map/compass/GPS, energy bars (don’t forget trash bags), first aid kit (especially if you are hiking alone), bug spray, whistle, water/hydration system, sunglasses, sunscreen or a hat. You should also have your phone with you so you can call for help if something bad happens to you on the trail.
You may want to bring a large backpack instead of a shoulder bag especially if you are hiking more than five miles. If it’s cold, you should also bring a winter coat, gloves, and a hat. It’s also a good idea to take along gaiters in the winter or if you are hiking in mud or wet areas where your lower body may get soaked.
Waterproof Jacket/Pants
It can rain unexpectedly when hiking, especially during the spring and fall seasons. If you are hiking all day, you will want to pack a waterproof jacket or pants. This is especially important if you are hiking in the fall when it will be much colder and wetter than in the summertime. You should also pack a rain cover for your backpack and good hiking boots that won’t get ruined by water or mud.
Hiking Poles
On many trails, there may be some steep hills where you will need to use your hands to climb. Many people like to use poles for this reason, and some trails are even paved with rocks so you can walk without hurting your feet. Poles also help give you more stability on uneven terrain and improve your balance.
Conclusion
Hiking 5 miles is a good distance to start with if you are new to hiking. It is about an hour and fifteen minutes of walking at a moderate pace, so it’s the perfect length for the weekend or on your day off. Once you’ve done one 5-mile hike, try doing it again but on a different trail next time. If you feel up to it, you can experiment with going a little bit further.
