Backpacking Trip Food Weight & Calorie Planner
Carrying the right amount of food is a balance between staying fueled and keeping your pack light. Enter your trip length, target daily calories, and the average calorie density of your food to see total food weight and per-day packing targets.
About this calculator
Plan how much food to pack for a multi-day backpacking trip based on trip length, daily calorie needs, and food calorie density, so you carry enough fuel without excess weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What calorie density should I use for typical backpacking food?
Most dehydrated backpacking meals and calorie-dense snacks like nuts, oils, and chocolate range from 100-130 calories per ounce; aim closer to 130+ to minimize pack weight.
How many calories do backpackers actually need per day?
Most backpackers burn 2,500-4,500 calories per day depending on pack weight, terrain, and elevation gain, well above typical daily intake at rest.
Why include a snack buffer?
A small daily buffer accounts for extra exertion, weather delays, or an extra night on the trail, so you don't run short on fuel.