How Much Food Should I Pack for a Week Backpacking?

By Michael Ferguson

When it comes to planning a week-long backpacking trip, packing food is an important part of the process. Not only do you need to make sure you have enough food to keep yourself energized and healthy, but you also need to pack light. Here are some tips for packing the right amount of food for a week-long backpacking trip.

Calculate your calorie needs: Before you even start packing for your trip, it’s important that you calculate how many calories you need per day. This will help you determine how much food you should be bringing with you. A general rule of thumb is that an average adult needs about 2,000 calories per day when engaging in moderate physical activity.

Choose lightweight foods: When it comes to backpacking, weight is everything. Choose foods that are lightweight yet packed with energy and nutrients like nuts and seeds, energy bars, dried fruits, jerky, and whole-grain crackers. Avoid bringing heavy canned goods or bulky items that will take up too much space in your backpack.

Bring snacks: Snacks are great for keeping your energy up throughout the day. Pack some trail mix or protein bars to nibble on while hiking or anytime during the day when hunger strikes. Don’t forget to bring electrolyte drinks or powder as well since they can help replenish lost minerals and fluids.

Prepare meals ahead of time: To save time while on the trail, it’s helpful to prepare some meals beforehand like soups or stews that can be easily heated over a campfire. You can also freeze meals like burritos and chili so they stay fresh longer.

Conclusion: Packing the right amount of food for a week-long backpacking trip doesn’t have to be difficult if you plan ahead. Calculate your calorie needs, choose lightweight foods and snacks, and prepare meals ahead of time so all you have to do is heat them up on the trail. With these tips in mind, you can make sure that your food supply will last throughout the entire trip!