Hiker Hunger
Overview
Hiker hunger is an informal term describing the strong and persistent appetite that develops after sustained high-mileage days on long-distance hikes. It reflects elevated caloric expenditure.
Key points
- Caused by extended calorie deficits over days or weeks.
- Often leads to large meals in towns and increased cravings.
- May lag behind actual exertion, appearing after several weeks.
- Varies by individual metabolism and packing strategy.
- Represents a natural physiological adaptation to high activity levels.
Details
During long-distance travel, hikers burn significantly more calories than they typically consume through backpacking food. This deficit accumulates until the body responds with heightened appetite. The phenomenon is especially noticeable during town stops.
Hiker hunger influences resupply strategies, nutritional choices, and overall eating habits. Although intense, it is generally temporary and diminishes after a hike concludes and caloric intake stabilizes.
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Illustrative hiking footage
The following external videos offer general visual context for typical hiking environments. They are not official route recommendations, safety instructions, or planning tools.