Trail Camera SD Card & Battery Trip Planner
Packing the right amount of food is a balance between having enough energy for the trail and not carrying excess weight. Enter your trip length, target daily calories, and the average calorie density of your food (calories per ounce) to estimate total food weight and calories needed for the whole trip.
About this calculator
Calculate how many calories and pounds of food to pack for a multi-day backpacking trip based on trip length, daily calorie target, and average food calorie density.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories per day should I plan for backpacking?
Most backpackers need 2,500–4,500 calories per day depending on terrain, pack weight, and body size, compared to a sedentary baseline of around 2,000.
What's a good calorie density target for backpacking food?
Look for foods averaging 100–150 calories per ounce, such as nut butters, olive oil, dehydrated meals, and trail mix, to minimize pack weight.
Why include a buffer percentage?
A buffer covers unexpected delays, extra exertion, or weather-related detours so you don't run short on food if the trip takes longer than planned.