How Many Calories Should I Eat While Backpacking?

By Michael Ferguson

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced backpacker, understanding how many calories you should eat while backpacking is an important part of staying healthy and enjoying your trips. Knowing how many calories your body needs will help you plan for the right amount of food and fuel for your journey.

The number of calories you need will vary depending on a variety of factors such as your activity level, the climate you are in, and the type of terrain that you are trekking. In general, the average person needs between 2,000-3,000 calories per day to remain healthy and active. However, if you are planning on doing strenuous activities like hiking uphill for long periods of time or carrying a heavy pack, then you may need up to 4,000 calories or more per day.

It is important to understand that when you are backpacking, it is not just about getting enough calories—it’s also about getting enough nutrient-dense foods and snacks that provide energy and keep your body fueled. Foods like nuts and seeds, dried fruit, energy bars, trail mix, jerky and granola are all great options that can help provide the necessary nutrients while keeping your caloric intake under control.

Tips for Calculating Your Caloric Intake:

  • Know Your Activity Level: The first step in determining how much food to bring is to assess the activity level of your trip.
  • Plan Meals Ahead Of Time: Before heading out on your trip make sure to plan out all meals ahead of time.
  • Bring Variety: Make sure to bring a variety of snacks so that you don’t get bored with eating the same thing every day.
  • Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated is also important in order to keep your energy levels up.

Calculating how many calories you need while backpacking can help ensure that you have enough energy throughout your trip. By understanding what activities you will be doing and planning ahead with meals and snacks packed with nutrients will help make sure that you have enough fuel for whatever adventure awaits!

Conclusion:

Knowing how many calories to eat while backpacking is essential for staying healthy and having a successful trip. Depending on the activity level of your journey, the average person needs between 2-4 thousand calories per day. It is important to plan ahead by bringing a variety of nutrient-dense snacks as well as plenty of water in order to meet these caloric needs during a backpacking trip.