Phat...

Caloric "need" is based on many things, including age, amount of existing body fat stores, fitness, etc. The metabolism of a triathelete - and their associated caloric needs - is going to be very different than the average weekend warrior. Those of us with almost no body fat require more caloric input when exercising, whereas those with a good supply can get by on fewer (the reality is probably that those with a "good supply" of fat are eating more calories than their metabolism requires in a given day). True basal metabolism - i.e. the amount of calories one needs to get through a typical day, not exercising - is measured in a laboratory. It can be estimated, but if you exercise on a regular basis and still tote around extra fat, then the estimate may actually come out high.

It is a good observation when you say that you just don't want to eat any more than what you do eat - you're body is probably requesting what it needs, and calling it quits at excess. Walking/hiking doesn't actually burn that many calories, so you probably don't really need that much more than "normal" unless you're doing long bouts of sustained aerobic activity like swimming or biking or flat out running (as opposed to "jogging"). Winter activites are a different story - for a variety of reasons, the body just needs a ton more calories in winter.

MNS
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YMMV. Viewer discretion is advised.