Additional calculation rules for hiking time (DIN standard calculation + deviation ability)

[Verberro]

In order to estimate a correct the walking time for a planned hiking route, the height difference and the horizontal distance are first considered separately and the respective time requirement is calculated separately. Different speeds are assumed either personal or according to the DIN standard:

• 4 kilometers per hour in the horizontal direction
• 300 vertical meters in the ascent per hour
• 500 meters of descent per hour

Accordingly to this standard, the time required for the horizontal and vertical must not simply be added up. Instead, the travel time is calculated using the following formula: Larger value + (Small value / 2). Or in other words:

• Travel time = Max (time required for horizontal distance, time required for altitude) + Min (time required for horizontal distance, time required for altitude) / 2

On steep hiking trails with many meters of altitude, the horizontal distance is less important. Conversely, if you have a long, flat route, you can manage a few meters in altitude.

The example from above is calculated as follows:

For the distance of 8 km, 2:00 a.m. are estimated (4 km / h).
For the ascent and descent, 3:12 hours are calculated (ascent: 600m through 300m / h = 2:00 hours, descent: 600m through 500m / h = 1,2h = 1: 12h).
Since the 2: 00h for the horizontal route is smaller than the 3: 12h for the vertical meters, the route is only included in the overall calculation with 2: 00h by 2 = 1: 00h.
The net travel time is 1: 00h + 3: 12h = 4: 12h

As a rule, a buffer (standard of 20%) should be included in the net travel time for short breather and drinking breaks. Who plans to take a long lunch break or something along the way? must also take this into account.

Idea to add calculation with ascend, descend, horizontal direction speed (m/h) and buffer time (%) and the ability to enter personal variables for the values instead off the DIN standard.

Regards
Roeland