How Do I Add Calories to My Backpacking Meal?

By Alice Nichols

When it comes to backpacking, one of the biggest challenges is making sure you’re getting enough calories. Calories are the energy source that keep your body moving and healthy while you’re out in the wilderness. To make sure you have enough energy for the long days and nights of backpacking, it’s important to plan out your meals with plenty of calorie-rich foods.

High-Calorie Foods: When packing for a backpacking trip, it’s important to include plenty of high-calorie foods in your meal plan. Nutrient-dense foods like nuts, seeds, and nut butters are great sources of healthy fats that provide sustained energy throughout the day.

Beans, lentils and other legumes are also excellent sources of protein and carbohydrates with plenty of calories. Other calorie-dense options include avocados, olive oil, coconut oil and whole grains like oats or quinoa.

Snacks: Snacks are an easy way to get extra calories throughout the day while out on a backpacking trip. High calorie snacks like trail mix, granola bars or jerky can provide a quick burst of energy when you need it most.

Snacks can also be used as a way to customize meals by adding extra calories or flavor when needed. For example, adding some nuts or nut butter to oatmeal or trail mix to soup can add some extra calories and flavor without taking up too much space in your pack.

Smoothies & Protein Shakes: If you have access to a blender or even just a shaker bottle, protein shakes and smoothies can be an easy way to add extra calories to your meals while on the trail. Smoothies made from fruits, vegetables and protein powder can provide sustained energy throughout the day without taking up too much space in your pack. Protein shakes made with water or nut milk are another great option for adding extra calories as well as protein to help rebuild muscle after long days on the trail.

Conclusion: Adding extra calories while out on a backpacking trip is essential for maintaining energy levels throughout the day. By packing nutrient dense foods like nuts, seeds and legumes as well as snacks like trail mix or jerky you can make sure you have plenty of fuel for those long days in the wilderness.

Smoothies and protein shakes are also great options for adding extra calories without taking up too much space in your pack. With these tips in mind, you’ll be prepared for whatever adventure comes your way!