How Many Pounds of Food Should I Bring Backpacking?

By Robert Palmer

Backpacking is a great way to explore the outdoors, but it can be difficult to figure out how much food to bring with you. It’s important to bring enough food so that you don’t go hungry, but you also don’t want to bring too much and have it weigh you down. How many pounds of food should you bring backpacking?

The amount of food you should bring backpacking will depend on a few factors, including the length of your trip, the type of foods you’ll be eating, and how much weight your pack can carry. Generally speaking, most people should plan on bringing 1 to 2 pounds of food per day for overnight trips. This is enough for basic sustenance and gives you some extra room in case you need it.

When deciding what type of food to bring backpacking, think about items that are lightweight and nourishing. Dried fruits and nuts are a great option as they provide essential vitamins and minerals while also being lightweight.

You can also combine quick-cooking grains like oats or quinoa with dried vegetables or jerky for a high-calorie meal that doesn’t take long to make. If you’re looking for convenience, there are plenty of dehydrated meals available specifically designed for backpacking.

If your backpacking trip is longer than 3 days, it’s important to plan ahead and think about how much food you’ll need. Depending on the duration of your trip, it may make sense to bring more than 2 pounds per day, as this will ensure that you have enough sustenance throughout your adventure. Remember that if you’re bringing heavier or more calorie-dense foods like peanut butter or cheese, then the amount of food in 2 pounds may not last as long.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, when planning a backpacking trip it’s important to consider how much food to bring. Generally speaking, most people should plan on bringing 1-2 pounds of food per day for overnight trips.

When choosing what type of food to bring backpacking, look for lightweight items that are high in nutrients such as dried fruits and nuts or quick-cooking grains like oats or quinoa combined with dried vegetables or jerky. For longer trips lasting more than 3 days consider bringing more than 2 pounds per day depending on the types of foods chosen.