Two classic methods
Naismith’s rule (1892) is the best-known rule of thumb for hikers:
- 1 hour for every 3 miles (5 km) of distance
- plus 1 hour for every 2,000 feet (600 m) of ascent
It suits fit hikers on good trails and ignores descent.
The DIN 33466 method, used by German, Austrian and Swiss Alpine clubs and on many European trail signs, separates horizontal and vertical effort:
- horizontal time: distance at 4 km/h (2.5 mph)
- vertical time: 300 m (about 1,000 ft) of ascent per hour plus 500 m (about 1,640 ft) of descent per hour
- total: the larger of the two times, plus half of the smaller
Worked example
An 8-mile loop with 2,000 ft of climbing and 2,000 ft of descent, average pace, with breaks of 15%:
- Naismith: 8 ÷ 3 = 2.67 h of distance + 1 h of climbing = 3.59 h of walking.
- With breaks: 3.59 × 1.15 = 4 h 8 min.
- DIN 33466: 3.22 h horizontal; 2.03 h up + 1.22 h down = 3.25 h vertical; total 3.25 + 3.22 ÷ 2 = 4.86 h.
The DIN method gives a more cautious estimate on hilly terrain, because it counts the descent.
Adjusting for your group
| Group | Factor |
|---|---|
| Fast, fit hikers with light packs | × 0.85 |
| Average hikers | × 1 |
| Beginners, children, heavy packs | × 1.3 |
Add more time for rough or snowy trails, scrambling, heat and altitude above about 8,000 ft.
Planning tips
- Breaks: plan 10 to 20% of walking time for snacks, photos and rests, more with children.
- Daylight: compare the total with sunset time and keep a margin of at least an hour.
- Turnaround time: decide in advance when you will turn back, whatever happens.
- The slowest member sets the pace of the group.
- Check your progress at the first landmark: if you are behind schedule, adjust the plan early.