Calorie burning takes place at all times, even during sleep. The number you burn depends mainly on what you're doing; you'll burn more while walking than while sitting. It is possible, though, that an external factor like cold temperatures could influence how much you burn.
Keeping the Body Warm
Those going camping in winter should take high-calorie foods along because colder weather forces the body to try to warm itself up, notes Princeton University. The university says that while backpacking in spring, summer and fall can burn anywhere from 3,500 to 4,500 calories per day, winter backpacking can burn 4,500 to more than 5,000 calories daily.
Individual Reactions
Those numbers are estimates and will vary from person to person. University of Utah nutrition professor Wayne Askew, in an interview with public health advocate Charles Stuart Platkin, says that you can probably burn anywhere from 3 percent to 7 percent more calories when you are cold. Remember that adequate clothing and shelter will nullify the effect of cold temperatures.
Extra Movement
Shivering or pacing around from the cold will increase the amount of physical activity you're doing as well. Platkin also interviewed army researcher Andrew J. Young, who says even wearing heavier winter clothing or walking through snow could increase your activity level and burn more calories.
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