How Do I Get Enough Calories for Backpacking?

By Anna Duncan

For the avid backpacker, getting enough calories while out on the trail is a major concern. When you are out in the backcountry, you are burning more energy than usual and it is important to have a plan for getting enough energy. Planning ahead is key when it comes to packing enough calories for your backpacking trip.

First and foremost, you need to plan ahead with your meals. Choose foods that are high in calories and easy to prepare such as nuts, dried fruit, granola bars, peanut butter and other nut butters.

Consider bringing a stove with you if possible so that you can make hot meals like soup or oatmeal. This will provide extra fuel for your body as well as make meals more interesting as opposed to just snacking on snacks all day long.

Next, consider bringing snacks with you that are lightweight and calorie-dense such as beef jerky or energy bars. These items will provide much needed fuel for those long days of hiking without weighing down your pack too much. Also consider bringing some trail mix which can be made with nuts, dried fruits and chocolate chips or M&Ms for extra energy.

Finally, it is important to stay hydrated while out on the trail so make sure to bring plenty of water or a filter/purification system if necessary. Staying hydrated helps keep your metabolism up and helps you get the most out of the food that you eat while backpacking so it is important not to skimp on this part of your planning process.

In conclusion, getting enough calories while backpacking requires some planning ahead of time with food choices and snacks that are high in calories but low in weight as well as staying hydrated throughout your journey. With some thoughtful pre-planning, it should be easy to ensure that you have enough fuel for those long days spent outdoors.