Hiking Calorie Calculator
Hiking Calorie Calculator
Use our one-of-a-kind science-based hiking calorie calculator to fuel your adventures.
Join Our Weekly Newsletter and
Learn HOW to use
the calorie number
you generate!
PLUS be the first to know about new recipes, videos, and podcasts!
"*" indicates required fields
Calorie Calculator
Calories per Day:
Tips for Using the Calorie Calculator
Hiking conditions are rarely the same for the duration of the hike.
- Choose inputs that make up the largest percentage of the hike and produce a single estimate.
- Choose inputs on the high and low ends and average the two estimates.
- Consider breaking up the estimates into segments for multi-day trips that vary greatly.
Examples to keep in mind...
- When using the 5-10% grade input, the calculator assumes that you are climbing from start to finish, resulting in an inflated estimate.
- When using the high altitude input, the calculator assumes you are above 12,000 feet from start to finish inflating the estimate by 30%.
- When using the hot temperature input for backpacking trips, the calculator assumes the overnight temperature continues to be >86 degrees, resulting in an inflated estimate.
Need Help Planning?
Backcountry Foodie's Other Services Can Help!
Recipe Membership
Revolutionize your backpacking meals with our unique and nutritious ultralight recipes.
Meal Planner+
Optimize your adventures with our strategic meal planning tool – designed to save you time & money.
Nutrition Coaching
Get your questions answered by chatting with our backpacking dietitians.
What Our Members Are Saying
"Backcountry Foodie was a wonderful resource for my Colorado Trail planning.
The recipes were easy and tasty, the tools were streamlined and easy to use, and the food planning which I had been dreading turned out to be fun! Thanks, Backcountry Foodie, for a great experience!"
Caroline D.
"I am just so wowed by your recipes! I am doing tests at home at this point and I am more excited than ever to get out backpacking so I can eat more of what I have been testing. These calorie-bomb meals are delicious, but would be very dangerous if I made them part of my home meal routine. 😉"
Robin M.
"I’ve been using Backcountryfoodie.com for over a year. I like the variety of meal recipes, but I really appreciate that Aaron is making sure that I’m getting a balance of carbs, fats, and protein. That keeps me hiking strong."
David B.
"Yesterday was the first time I used your meal planner feature to create my own with your recipes and I LOVE it! Having the water and oils quantities listed in the nutritional count was a surprising and most appreciated find! This will be our first thru hike and we are leaning heavily on your nutrition guidance and are very grateful for you."
Deborah A.
"I love what Aaron is doing! I firmly believe that nutrition is key to SO many parts of life and my biggest fear of a thru hike was not nourishing my body in a way that would help me have sustained energy, maintain muscle and stay mentally strong for 6 months. However, then I found Backcountry Foodie and I feel like it is TOTALLY possible."
Andrea M.
"On my five-day hike, your meals/recipes stood out. I look forward to them each day. In fact, for the meals where I did not use your recipes, I was disappointed in myself for not using your meals. You and your recipes definitely added to the quality of my trip!!!!!"
Paul H.
"Backcountry Foodie offers quick recipes that are easy to make, and they cover the sphere – cold soak, hot, gluten free, vegetarian, etc. You name it, they really do have something for everyone. As I get older and hike further, keeping my pack weight low while maintaining healthy nutrition is important." Read full review here.
Ellie
Sign-Up & Save 10%
Sign-up for our weekly newsletter and save 10% OFF our memberships
while also being the first to know about new videos, podcast episodes, and recipes!
"*" indicates required fields
