How Much Should My Backpacking Food Weigh?

By Anna Duncan

For those who are new to backpacking, one of the most important factors to consider is the weight of the food you will bring with you. Backpacking can be a physically demanding activity, and it is important to make sure that your food does not weigh too much.

However, it is also important to make sure that you have enough food for your trip. So how much should your backpacking food weigh?

In general, it is recommended that backpackers should plan for their food to weigh no more than 10% of their total pack weight. This includes both the food itself and all of the necessary packaging materials such as containers and wrappers.

For example, if a backpacker’s total pack weight is 40 pounds, then they should plan for their food to weigh no more than 4 pounds. This may seem like a small amount of weight, but it is important to remember that every pound counts when backpacking!

When planning your backpacking menu, it is important to choose lightweight foods that are high in calories and nutrition. Foods such as granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, jerky, instant oatmeal packets, and energy bars are all good choices.

It is also important to plan meals that are high in carbohydrates as these provide lasting energy throughout your hike. For instance, pasta dishes such as macaroni and cheese or ramen noodles can provide quick energy and can be easily prepared with just boiling water. Canned foods can also be a convenient choice for some backpackers; however they tend to be heavier than other options due to their packaging materials so it’s best to limit canned foods.

Of course, every backpacking trip will require different amounts of food depending on the length of time you will be out on the trail and how strenuous the activity will be. If possible, always try to pack fewer items so that your pack weight stays low but still provides enough sustenance for the duration of your trip.

Conclusion: When deciding how much food you should bring on your next backpacking trip it is important to consider how much your total pack weight should be and what type of food would provide adequate nutrition while being lightweight at the same time. In general, it is recommended that backpackers plan for their food to weigh no more than 10% of their total pack weight while choosing lightweight foods with lots of calories and carbohydrates for energy during their hike.