Daily Calories
2890 cal
Total Trip
8670 cal
Food Weight
4.3 lbs
Daily Calorie Target
2890
calories per day
Total Trip
8670
Per Meal
963
Food/Day
1.4 lb
Inputs
Result
170 × 17 = 2,890 cal/day. At 125 cal/oz = 23.1 oz/day = 1.4 lbs/day × 3 = 4.3 lbs total.
Inputs
Result
200 × 22 = 4,400 cal/day. At 125 cal/oz = 35.2 oz/day = 2.2 lbs/day × 5 = 11.0 lbs.
Most backpackers need 2,500–4,500 calories per day depending on body weight and activity level. A 170-lb moderate hiker needs about 2,890 calories daily.
| Activity | Cal/lb | 150 lb Hiker | 200 lb Hiker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 13 | 1,950 cal | 2,600 cal |
| Moderate | 17 | 2,550 cal | 3,400 cal |
| Strenuous | 22 | 3,300 cal | 4,400 cal |
Dehydrated trail food averages about 125 calories per ounce. For a moderate hiker needing 2,890 calories, that is roughly 23 oz (1.4 lbs) of food per day.
Nuts, nut butters, olive oil, and chocolate provide the highest calories per ounce. Peanut butter averages 170 cal/oz, making it ideal for weight-conscious backpackers.
Yes. Your calorie needs increase on multi-day trips as glycogen stores deplete. By day 3+, aim for 10–15% more calories than day 1.
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Last Updated: Mar 20, 2026
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