How Many Pounds of Food Should You Eat a Day Backpacking?

By Michael Ferguson

When backpacking, it is important to make sure you are eating enough food to fuel your body during your trek. But how much should you eat?

When out on the trail, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Each person’s caloric needs are different and depend on a variety of factors such as age, gender, activity level and weight.

It is estimated that the average person needs about 2,000 calories per day for basic functioning and movement. However, if you are an active individual who is going on a long backpacking trip, then you may need up to 3,000 or more calories per day to energize your body and keep it running efficiently.

In order to determine how many pounds of food you should be consuming each day while backpacking, it is important to take into account all of the energy-demanding activities that will be involved in your trip. For instance, if you plan to be doing a lot of heavy lifting or carrying a lot of weight over rough terrain, then it’s likely that you will need more calories than someone who plans to stick with shorter hikes with less physical demands.

The best way to ensure that you are getting enough calories while out on the trail is to calculate your estimated daily energy expenditure (DEE). This can be done by using an online calculator or consulting a nutritionist who can help you figure out how many calories you should consume each day based on your individual needs.

Once you have calculated your DEE for the day, then it’s time to decide what types of foods will provide those calories and how much of each food type should be packed in order to meet those needs. Generally speaking, high-energy foods such as nuts and dried fruits can provide plenty of sustenance without taking up too much space in your pack. Additionally, items like jerky and energy bars can provide a concentrated energy boost when needed throughout the day.

It’s also important to remember that hydration plays an essential role in staying healthy while backpacking so make sure that water is always readily available when possible. Carrying two liters per person per day should provide enough hydration for most individuals depending on temperature and humidity levels.

In conclusion, determining how much food one should eat while backpacking requires taking into account individual factors such as age and activity level as well as considering the type of food necessary for sustained energy throughout the trip.