Vertical speed going up the hill?

[kodiakfly]

I'm a fat guy with a bum leg, so I move slow. Sure, I can accept that. But I'm curious what everyone else can do as far as vertical speed, up the mountain, loaded; not in running shoes wearing all spandex. Meaning, if you're at 2,000' and need to get to 5,000, how long does that take you? Variables of course, but for your average ascent how fast do you move? 1,000'/hr? More? Less?

This is unscientific of course. I'm just curious as to how slow I am compared to the guys with two good wheels and a 28" waist.

 

[OR Archer]

On our training hikes we do a little over a 1000 feet with 50# packs on average in 26-28 minutes of steady hiking. The trail is 1.4 miles in length.

 

[RosinBag]

Vertical gain is all dependent on on length of ascent also. 1000' feet of elevation over five miles or 1000' of elevation over a half mile. Is the ascent on trail or off trail. So many variables.

I don't think it matters how fast or slow you are. If you are getting to your destination and are hunting, you doing great.

 

[5MilesBack]

I have no idea.......I've never timed myself. But at 6'6" I move pretty quick, and generally always take the "shortest distance between two points" approach. It also depends on the situation. If I'm chasing a bull or herd of elk, I can flat out move. If I'm just hiking in or trying to get to the top, I tend to adjust my speed to keep my sweat under control.

 

[HellsCanyon]

Typically feel I'm gaining elevation quickly if I'm climbing more than 1200' am hour. But as already mentioned there are soo many variables... Last season I was at 55 lbs and climbed 4300' in 3.25 miles in under 3 hours. I felt really good about that. That's also the same trip I hurt my knee on... :-(

 

[Brock A]

I cant give you specifics but I can tell you I move a whole hell of a lot faster uphill when I am going after an animal!

 

[JJHACK]

Average walking pace of a human is 2mph.

If you can manage that going up hill with a pack I would say your doing extremely well. On flat ground walking 2.5 mph is easy.

As stated 1000/ ft mile is steep trail this will take the wind out of your sails much faster then 500/ft mile. It's not this brutal climb with the heavy pack that ever concerns me.

It's always the return trip going down. Boots slightly too small, or that extra pair of socks will kill your toenails if they are banging Into your boots. Then gravity tends to get things going while your top heavy causing knee and hip issues for many people.

Up is harder but much safer. Down is easier, but more difficult to do if your careless

 

[Beastmode]

I guess I don't understand your question Kodiak. It all depends how steep the country is. Theres spots where it could be a mile to go up 3k ft and spots where it could be several miles.

 

[littlebuf]

i try to maintian a 2 to 3 mph pace. the more vetical i suppose the closer t 2mph but it never seems to drop below that. i dont race up the hills, theres no point

 

[Brock A]

i try to maintian a 2 to 3 mph pace. the more vetical i suppose the closer t 2mph but it never seems to drop below that. i dont race up the hills, theres no point

Except when we are going after Mac-D...

 

[littlebuf]

Except when we are going after Mac-D...

well yeah, if theres an animal to get to im gunna run if need be. especially one like Mac-D

 

[littlebuf]

what was that, 1500ft in a little under a half mile?

 

[60x]

Bad things happen when you rush. I simply pace myself depending on the terrain. Of course with a critter in sight the adrenaline sure helps..

 

[marc]

I can maintain about 2000 feet an hour when I push myself and I am not hurt. Most people average closer to 1000 ft an hour.

The steeper it is the slower you go but gain altitude faster and when it is gradual you really have to be hauling ass. I was brought up under the EIB standard of a 12 mile hike in 3 hours.

 

[kodiakfly]

Thanks guys. Like I said originally, I know there's too many variables to say "this is my pace..." but speaking in generalities. I have friends who say, "yeah, lets go do a hike this weekend..." and I know I'm slower and they're mountain ninjas so I don't want to slow them down. I used to be able move pretty good, but I was younger, slimmer and hadn't broken a leg yet. Back then I could do 1000 in a mile and do it in a good pace.

Now I can keep moving, but my steps are smaller and I have a harder time rationing my sweat. I'm just wondering how far behind the pack I am, as this is one reason I hunt alone. I'd rather go solo than to slow someone else down waiting for me.

 

[kodiakfly]

And some of your paces listed here are impressive and just confirm I'm slow on the hill. But that's ok.

 

[Shrek]

If I had to measure my pace it would fall between growing grass and glacial creep.

 

[HellsCanyon]

And some of your paces listed here are impressive and just confirm I'm slow on the hill. But that's ok.

Hell one of my biggest problems is moving too fast! This is why I try to hit the trail head at a time that leaves me plenty of time to get were I need to go. I've hiked with ppl before that while I have no problem keeping up, it's just pointless to burn yourself out on the hike in.

 

[colonel00]

If I had to measure my pace it would fall between growing grass and glacial creep.

Thank You Button. Definitely evoked a chuckle out if me.

 

[Beastmode]

If I had to measure my pace it would fall between growing grass and glacial creep.

I now have to clean my screen. That is hilarious shrek. :thumbup: