Hikingis a beloved hobby that’s good for the mind, heart, and body.

The distance and speed can be whatever you choose.

However, it’s an incredible way to shed some excess pounds.

mature man hiking outdoors on grassy trail

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“Hiking is also an activity that is easy to make social.

This can make exercise way more tolerable.

it’s possible for you to grab a friend and go on a mini hiking adventure together.

female hiker wearing rucksack at top of mountain looking at watch

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Plus, hiking works solo as well.

Gradually increase the duration of your hikes.

If you want to get the biggest bang for your hiking efforts, plan a longer hike whenever possible.

woman on uphill hike in mountains

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“This will translate to burning more calories and losing more fat,” Angelino points out.

“This would translate to losing weight at a rate of half a pound to two pounds per week.

Hiking or Walking: What’s Better for Weight Loss?

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Choose a hilly route whenever possible.

The hiking trails you choose can make a major impact on your overall results.

Burning more calories means losing more weight.”

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Wear a weighted backpack or rucksack.

Rucking is all the rage right nowand for good reason!

so you can increase the calorie burn during your hike, consider wearing a rucksack or weighted backpack.

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Just be sure whatever you choose isn’t too heavy.

Competition adds some spice to life and can motivate you to do better.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

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“If it causes you to stop hiking, you’ll burn less calories overall.

That’s why it’s important to bring plenty of water with you.

This will help you stay hydrated, [allowing] you to hike longer.”

Hiking girl in a mountain. Low angle view of generic sports shoe and legs in a forest. Healthy fitness lifestyle outdoors.

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12 Best ‘Rucking’ Tips To Maximize Your Walking Calorie Burn

Pack some healthy snacks.

You’ll need energy to fuel your body and enable you to complete your planned distance.

Simply confirm you have healthy snacks at the ready and adapt your diet and calories accordingly.

man hiking with his dog, scenic backdrop, the best hikes to take with your dog

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Be sure to wear comfortable, appropriate hiking footwear.

Happy feet mean a happy hiker.

It’s essential to see to it you wear shoes that’ll be comfortable and durable for your hikes.

rucking intervals outdoors on trail

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What you wear can massively impact how long you might be outdoors hiking.

Whether it’s an extra chilly or sweltering day, dress accordingly.

That means cool clothes for hot weather and warm clothes when it’s cold.

mother and daughter hike and walk in the sunshine

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Although this may sound like an obvious tip, it’s one that’s easily overlooked.

“Make slight adjustments to your wardrobe to best reflect the temperature outside,” says Angelino.

In the cold, this simply keeps you warm.”

Add sprints where the terrain permits.

Adding sprints to your route can quickly increase the fat-burning process much more effectively.

There’s no rule that says a hike has to be walked!

Just ensure the terrain allows you to sprint safely and that you have the right footwear for sprinting.

We’ve all had days when we’re sick of the gym and don’t want to go.

“This will help you achieve your fat loss goals even faster.”