Training Calculator
Build your trail fitness with a personalized progressive training plan designed for your comeback journey.
How to build your training plan
This calculator builds a week-by-week hiking plan from your current ability, your trip goal, your timeline, and how many training days you can realistically use each week. It increases distance, elevation, and pack weight gradually, then adds easier recovery weeks and a short taper near the end.
What the calculator uses
- Current abilities: your comfortable longest hike, usual elevation gain, current pack weight, and local terrain.
- Trip goals: your longest target day, target elevation, target pack weight, and weeks until the trip.
- Preferences: whether you want a balanced plan or more focus on mileage or elevation, plus how quickly you want to build.
- Schedule: how many strength and cross-training days you can fit, with optional pack practice.
Weekly long hike for endurance building
Optional loaded carry practice (starts week 5)
Focus on squats, lunges, step-ups, core work
Cycling, swimming, or other cardio
6 rest days per week
Get started quickly with pre-built training plans designed for different experience levels and goals.
First Step Forward
Your journey to the trails begins here - building confidence one step at a time
Goal: 2.5 miles, 1200ft elevation
Timeline: 12 weeks
Focus: balanced (aggressive)
Weekend Warrior - Beginner
Perfect for getting back into hiking with moderate day hikes
Goal: 10 miles, 2000ft elevation
Timeline: 18 weeks
Focus: balanced (conservative)
Multi-Day Backpacker - Intermediate
Designed for multi-day backpacking trips with moderate daily mileage
Goal: 15 miles, 3000ft elevation
Timeline: 16 weeks
Focus: balanced (moderate)
Long Distance Thru-Hiker - Advanced
High-mileage training for long-distance trails and thru-hiking
Goal: 20 miles, 4000ft elevation
Timeline: 20 weeks
Focus: mileage (aggressive)
Mountain Peak Bagging - Advanced
High-elevation training focused on steep terrain and technical peaks
Goal: 14 miles, 5000ft elevation
Timeline: 16 weeks
Focus: elevation (moderate)
Family Camping - Beginner
Gentle preparation for family camping trips and short hikes
Goal: 8 miles, 1500ft elevation
Timeline: 18 weeks
Focus: balanced (conservative)
Comeback Warrior - Intermediate
Designed for returning hikers after injury or long break
Goal: 12 miles, 2500ft elevation
Timeline: 18 weeks
Focus: balanced (conservative)