How Do You Plan Food When Backpacking?

By Alice Nichols

Backpacking is a great way to explore the outdoors and experience nature in its full glory. However, planning your food for a backpacking trip can be tricky as you’re limited to what you can carry on your back. To make sure that you have an enjoyable and safe trip, it’s important to plan your meals ahead of time.

Choosing the Right Foods – When choosing food for backpacking, it’s important to pick foods that are lightweight yet provide enough energy and nutrition. Stick with foods that are high in carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats such as nuts, granola bars, trail mix, dried fruits and vegetables, jerky, peanut butter, and energy bars. It’s also a good idea to bring some snacks such as chips or pretzels for extra energy when needed.

Planning Your Meals – Planning your meals ahead of time is essential for a successful backpacking trip. Make sure you plan for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for each day of the trip.

You should also make sure that you have enough food for any unexpected delays or changes in plans. When packing your meals make sure to include enough servings of proteins and carbohydrates. Aim to include at least one source of protein with each meal.

Storing Your Food – One of the most important things when it comes to packing food for backpacking is making sure it is stored properly. Make sure all foods are sealed in airtight containers or bags to keep them fresh and prevent them from getting crushed or spoiled. If possible try to keep all foods away from direct sunlight as this can cause them to spoil quickly.

Conclusion: Planning food for a backpacking trip takes some thought but it doesn’t have to be difficult if you know what you’re doing. Choose foods that are lightweight yet provide enough energy and nutrition and plan ahead so you know what meals you’ll have each day. Finally make sure all foods are stored properly so they don’t spoil during the trip.