Backpacking is a great way to explore the outdoors, get some exercise and even lose weight. But just like any exercise, it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough calories for your body to properly fuel itself.
Knowing how many calories you need when backpacking can be tricky, as it depends on a number of factors, such as your weight, activity level and the length of your trip. Luckily, there are some easy ways to calculate just how many calories you need to stay energised on your trip.
Calculate Your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
Your BMR is an estimate of the number of calories your body needs to perform basic functions like breathing and digesting food. You can calculate your BMR by using an online calculator or by using a formula that takes into account your age, sex and weight. Once you know your BMR, you can factor in other factors such as activity level and length of trip.
Factor in Activity Level
Now that you know your BMR, you need to factor in the amount of physical activity you’ll be doing while backpacking. Generally speaking, if you plan on doing moderate activities like walking or climbing hills then add around 400-600 calories per day onto your BMR calculation. If you plan on doing more strenuous activities such as running or scrambling then add around 700-900 calories per day onto your BMR calculation.
Factor in Trip Length
The last factor to consider when calculating how many calories you need while backpacking is the length of the trip. If it’s a short trip such as a weekend camping then add around 100-200 extra calories per day onto your calculations. For longer trips such as multi-day hikes then add 200-300 extra calories per day onto your calculations.
Conclusion:
Calculating how many calories you need when backpacking can be tricky but there are some easy ways to figure it out. First calculate your basal metabolic rate (BMR) then factor in activity level and length of trip for a more accurate estimate. Doing this will ensure that you have enough energy for an enjoyable and safe backpacking experience.