Camping Food Portion Calculator
Estimate total food weight for a trip from the number of days, people, and food weight per person per day. A commonly cited backpacking guideline is around 1.5-2.5 lbs of food per person per day — adjust based on activity level and food choices.
How the food weight is worked out
Three inputs multiply, then ounces become pounds:
total oz = days × people × oz per person per day
total lb = total oz / 16
lb per person = total lb / peopleThe defaults - 5 days, 4 people, 24 oz each per day - give 480 oz, which is 30.0 lb for the group and 7.5 lb each. Every field must be positive; leave one blank or enter zero people and the tool shows an error rather than a total.
Setting the daily rate
The 1.5-2.5 lb per person per day range is really about calories. Aim for 100-125 calories per ounce and the weight follows:
| Day | Rate | Rough calories |
|---|---|---|
| Easy walking, warm weather | 20 oz | 2,200-2,500 |
| Full days with a pack | 24 oz | 2,700-3,000 |
| Long miles, big climbs, cold | 32-40 oz | 3,600-5,000 |
Dense food is how you carry fewer ounces for the same calories: nuts, olive oil, cheese and nut butter run 150-200 calories an ounce, while fresh fruit and tinned food are under 30. Count meals rather than nights - a Friday evening start and a Sunday lunch finish is two days of food, not three.
Frequently asked questions
How much food per day for backpacking?
1.5 to 2.5 lb per person, so 24 to 40 oz. Use the low end for easy days and the high end for long climbs or cold weather.
How many calories a day do I need hiking?
Most hikers burn 3,000 to 4,500 calories on a full day with a pack, against about 2,000 at home. Weight and terrain move it more than pace does.
How do I cut food weight without going hungry?
Swap low-density items for fats. Replacing 8 oz of tinned food at 30 calories an ounce with 4 oz of nuts at 170 saves half a pound and adds calories.