Camping Trip Food & Supply Calculator

Plan your next backcountry or car camping trip without over- or under-packing. Enter your group size, trip length, and activity level to get estimated food, water, and fuel needs.

Total Meals to Pack
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Total Water Needed (liters)—
Total Calories Needed—
Fuel Canisters Recommended—
Meals Per Camper—

About this calculator

Estimate how much food, water, and fuel to pack for a camping trip based on group size, trip length, and activity level.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much water should I pack per person?

A general guideline is 2.5 to 5 liters per person per day depending on activity level and climate, including drinking, cooking, and basic cleanup.

How many fuel canisters do I need?

A standard 8oz fuel canister typically provides about 60-90 minutes of boil time, enough for roughly 6 person-days of cooking on a backpacking stove.

How many calories do backpackers need per day?

Strenuous backpacking often requires 3,000-4,500 calories per day, significantly more than typical daily intake, due to elevated exertion and colder temperatures.