1. What is the Pressure at Altitude Equation?

The pressure at altitude equation calculates atmospheric pressure at a given elevation. This is important for hikers as it affects equipment performance and personal comfort at different altitudes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the pressure at altitude equation:

Where:

• \( Pressure \) — Atmospheric pressure in hPa
• \( Altitude \) — Elevation above sea level in meters
• 1013.25 — Standard sea level pressure in hPa
• 0.0065 — Temperature lapse rate (K/m)
• 288.15 — Standard sea level temperature in Kelvin
• 5.255 — Dimensionless constant

Explanation: The equation models how atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude following the barometric formula.

3. Importance for Hiking Poles

Details: Understanding pressure changes at altitude helps hikers anticipate equipment behavior and physiological effects during ascents.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter altitude in meters above sea level. The calculator will show the corresponding atmospheric pressure in hectopascals (hPa).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does pressure decrease with altitude?
A: Atmospheric pressure decreases because there's less air mass above pushing down at higher elevations.

Q2: How does this affect hiking equipment?
A: Lower pressure can affect inflatable gear, fuel efficiency in stoves, and even the performance of some electronic devices.

Q3: What's typical pressure at common hiking altitudes?
A: At 3000m (~10,000ft), pressure is about 700 hPa (70% of sea level pressure).

Q4: Does this account for weather variations?
A: No, this is a standard atmospheric model. Actual pressure may vary by ±50 hPa due to weather systems.

Q5: How does this relate to altitude sickness?
A: Lower pressure means less oxygen availability, which is the primary cause of altitude sickness.