How Much Protein Do I Need a Day Backpacking?

By Robert Palmer

Backpacking is a great way to explore the outdoors while also getting some much-needed exercise, fresh air and an overall sense of well-being. A balanced diet is essential for any backpacking trip in order to maintain energy levels and provide the body with the nutrients needed for an enjoyable experience. Protein is an important part of this diet, but how much protein do you need when backpacking?

The amount of protein that you need when backpacking will vary based on your individual energy needs, activity level, and body weight. Generally speaking, however, most health experts recommend that adults consume 0.8g of protein for every kilogram of their body weight per day.

For example, if you weigh 70 kg then you would need to consume 56 g of protein each day while backpacking. This should be spread out throughout the day in smaller amounts rather than eating one large portion at once.

It is important to note that not all proteins are created equal when it comes to providing the necessary nutrition for a successful backpacking trip. Animal proteins such as beef, chicken and fish are considered complete proteins as they contain all nine essential amino acids required by the body to function properly. Plant-based proteins are incomplete proteins and should be combined with other plant-based sources in order to meet your daily needs while on the trail.

In addition to ensuring that you’re consuming enough total protein each day while out on a backpacking trip, it’s also important to consider what type of protein you’re consuming. Animal proteins tend to be higher in saturated fats so it’s best to opt for leaner cuts such as chicken breast or fish fillets whenever possible. Plant-based proteins can also provide an excellent source of nutrition and can be found in items such as lentils or tofu.

When planning your meals for a backpacking trip, it’s important to ensure that you are getting enough protein each day in order to maintain energy levels and support muscle growth and repair after strenuous activity on the trail. It’s recommended that adults consume 0.8g of protein per kilogram of their body weight each day which should be spread out throughout smaller meals rather than one large portion at once. Additionally, try combining animal and plant-based sources for a balanced diet with optimal nutrition while out exploring nature!

Conclusion: To ensure optimal health while backpacking, it is recommended that adults consume 0.8g of protein per kilogram of their body weight per day spread out throughout several small meals rather than one large portion at once. Combining animal and plant-based sources will provide a balanced diet with all nine essential amino acids needed by the body during strenuous outdoor activities!