In the Field Notes episode, we explore why bushwhacking miles aren’t just harder but metabolically different. The Metabolic Energy Mile (MEM) framework breaks this down into three types of work: brush work (muscle strain from pushing through vegetation), impedance work (lost efficiency from constant stops and detours), and hazard work (the stabilizing effort to avoid injury). Each inflates the Metabolic Difficulty Ratio (MDR) in unique ways, helping us better predict energy cost, travel time, and safety off-trail.

To view the shownotes for this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, click here.