Outdoors and nature
Backpacking
Multi-day walks carrying everything you need.
- Hardintensity
- ~490kcal per hour
- Low costbudget
- Mediumimpact
Is backpacking right for you?
Multi-day walks carrying everything you need. It is a hard-intensity, medium impact activity that you can do outdoors, on your own, with a partner or in a group. Expect to burn around 490 calories an hour, based on a 70 kg person.
Easy to pick up. Expect to spend up to about £20 a month.
Why try backpacking
- Improves fitness. It raises your heart rate and builds stamina.
- Burns calories. At around 490 kcal an hour it can help with weight loss alongside a balanced diet.
- Clears your head. It is a reliable way to lower stress and lift your mood.
How to start backpacking
Plan a 2-day trail with one night at a campsite.
Get the basics: rucksack, tent. Borrow or hire before you buy.
Keep the first few sessions short and easy, and aim for two or three a week.
Warm up for five minutes first, build up gradually and stop if anything hurts.
A 4-week starter plan
| Week | Sessions | Minutes each | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 45 | Learn the basics and keep every session easy. |
| 2 | 1 | 60 | Repeat last week and add a little time. |
| 3 | 2 | 75 | Add a session or make one a bit harder. |
| 4 | 2 | 90 | Your longest week. Book or plan what comes next. |
This is general guidance, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or injury, check with your GP before you start.
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Not sure backpacking is for you?
Take the two-minute quiz and we will match you with activities that fit your goals, mood, budget and fitness.