Trekcurve

Trekcurve is a concept used in hiking analytics to describe the relationship between cumulative trekking effort and progress along a route. It is commonly plotted with distance or time on the x-axis and a measure of exertion on the y-axis, such as energy expenditure, heart rate, or perceived effort.

In practice, a trekcurve can be derived from data gathered by GPS devices, heart-rate monitors, and barometric altimeters. The curve reflects terrain, elevation gain, pace, weather, pack weight, and acclimatization. Different models can estimate energy cost per kilometer by incorporating slope and speed.

Interpreting the curve helps planners and trekkers optimize pacing, rest stops, water and food planning, and safety margins, especially on long or high-altitude routes. A gradual, smooth curve suggests efficient progress, while steep early climbs, or multiple inflection points, indicate fatigue, rugged terrain, or repeated ascents and descents.

Applications include route selection, day-to-day mileage planning, acclimatization scheduling, and training feedback. Some practitioners compare Trekcurves across different routes to identify features that drive fatigue or efficiency.

Limitations include variability between individuals, weather conditions, altitude effects, and sensor accuracy. Trekcurve is not a standardized metric but a heuristic that complements traditional planning tools such as elevation profiles, pace charts, and altitude acclimatization guidelines.

See also: Pace chart, elevation profile, metabolic cost of transport.