You are going to have to eat when you hike. What you pack will have to last you the whole time, so prepare ahead. Planning is the key.

How Much

The amount of food you will need is determined by the amount of time you will be out there. A good middle ground is two pounds of food per day, which may vary depending on your size and weight as well as weather conditions. Before setting out on a long journey, take shorter hikes to determine your food necessities.

Preparation

You will need foods that are easy to prepare. During the day you will likely be snacking on foods that are ready made and do not need to be cooked. At night, however, you should plan to cook your meal. This will allow better sleep and actually keep you warmer in colder climates. Try to find foods that you can boil in their own package and do not require a lot of preparation.

Eat In Order

It may seem like an obvious fact, but your food weighs down your pack. And some foods weigh more than others. When hiking, plan out when you will eat certain foods. Try to eat the heavier foods first because this will lighten your pack and allow you better mobility later on.

Extra Necessities

In order to boil water, you will need a pot. In fact, you will need a number of kitchen cookware. Find pots that are lightweight and compact when packing your gear. This will save space and weight. Utensils need to be brought, too. You can’t eat soup with your fingers. A spoon, knife, and fork should carry you for all your needs. Be sure to wash these after your meal because you will need them for the next. You may want to carry an extra knife that’s an all-in-one tool because you can always use it. Cutting meat, cutting cords, or a number of other needs can be met with a good knife.