Survival Activity Energy Costs
During survival situations, your body consumes energy at a significantly higher rate than normal rest. Understanding these costs helps you ration food appropriately and prioritize high-energy tasks during peak daylight hours.
Reference Calorie Expenditure
Values are approximate for a 75kg adult. Heavier individuals burn more; lighter individuals burn less. Adjust proportionally. Cold exposure increases energy needs by 20-50% as the body works to maintain core temperature.
- Resting: ~150-200 kcal/hr
- Walking (flat, 4 km/h): ~280-350 kcal/hr
- Hiking (loaded, rough terrain): ~400-550 kcal/hr
- Shelter building: ~350-450 kcal/hr
- Fire making (hand drill): ~300-400 kcal/hr (extremely hard work)
💡 Conservation StrategyIn food-limited survival situations, minimize high-exertion activities to afternoon hours when body temperature is highest and digestive efficiency is best. Morning and evening energy should be reserved for critical tasks: fire maintenance, water collection, shelter adjustment.