Hiking Difficulty Calculator

A comprehensive tool for calculating hiking trail difficulty based on multiple factors including trail characteristics and personal fitness metrics.

Installation

1. Ensure you have Python installed on your system
2. Install the required dependency:

   pip install PyQt5
   

3. Run the program:

   python fatwalk.py
   

Features

Basic Trail Information

• Distance (miles): Total trail length. For loop trails, enter the full loop distance.
• Elevation Gain (feet): Total elevation gain over the trail.
• Trail Type:
  • One Way: Calculates difficulty based on full distance
  • Loop/Round Trip: Calculates grade using half the distance (as you return to start)

Personal Metrics

• Height (inches): Used for BMI calculation
• Weight (lbs): Used for BMI calculation
• Age (years): Used for VO2 max calculation
• Gender: Affects VO2 max calculations

VO2 Max Calculation Methods

The program offers multiple ways to determine your VO2 max:

1. Age/RHR Method: Uses age and resting heart rate

   • Simplest method
   • Requires only resting heart rate
   • Good for quick estimates

2. Heart Rate Reserve Method:

   • More accurate
   • Requires:
     • Maximum heart rate
     • Exercise heart rate
     • Exercise intensity level

3. Cooper Test:

   • Based on 12-minute run distance
   • Enter distance covered in meters

4. Rockport Walking Test:

   • Based on 1-mile walk
   • Requires:
     • Time to walk one mile
     • Heart rate at finish

5. Lab Test Results:

   • Direct input of professionally measured VO2 max
   • Most accurate if available

Terrain Difficulty Scale (1-10)

1. Paved road or smooth path
2. Well-maintained trail, packed dirt
3. Gravel path with some uneven spots
4. Natural trail with roots and small rocks
5. Mixed terrain with moderate obstacles
6. Rocky trail with frequent obstacles
7. Rough terrain with loose rocks and steep sections
8. Technical terrain with scrambling required
9. Very difficult terrain with constant obstacles
10. Extreme terrain requiring careful navigation

How Difficulty is Calculated

Base Difficulty Factors

1. Distance: Longer trails increase difficulty

   • Base factor = distance/5

2. Elevation Gain: Higher gain increases difficulty

   • Factor = elevation gain/1000

3. Grade: Steeper trails are more difficult

   • Calculated as (elevation gain/distance)
   • For loops, uses half distance for more accurate grade
   • Factor = (grade/10)^1.5

4. BMI Impact:

   • Under 18.5: 1.3x multiplier
   • 18.5-24.9: 1.0x multiplier (optimal)
   • 25-29.9: 1.2x multiplier
   • 30+: 1.4x multiplier

5. Terrain: Multiplier based on terrain difficulty selection

   • Factor = terrain rating/5

VO2 Max Adjustment

Your calculated VO2 max adjusts the final difficulty:

• ≥50: 0.8x (Very fit)
• 40-49: 0.9x (Above average)
• 30-39: 1.0x (Average)
• 20-29: 1.2x (Below average)
• <20: 1.4x (Poor)

Final Ratings

The calculator provides two scores:

1. Base Difficulty Score (1-10)
2. VO2 Adjusted Score (1-10)

Rating Scale:

• 1-2: Easy
• 3-4: Moderate
• 5-6: Challenging
• 7-8: Difficult
• 9-10: Very Difficult

Tips for Use

1. Always enter accurate personal metrics for best results
2. Use the terrain slider to match actual trail conditions
3. For loop trails, enter the full loop distance
4. If available, use lab-tested VO2 max for most accurate results
5. Consider weather conditions separately as they can significantly affect difficulty

Note

This calculator provides estimates based on general factors. Always consider your personal experience, current conditions, and use proper judgment when hiking.