Food & Nutrition

Look for meals that offer a high calorie-to-weight ratio and are easy to prepare with just hot water. Freeze-dried meals from brands like Mountain House, Peak Refuel, and Heather’s Choice are popular because they’re lightweight, shelf-stable, and pack in 500–1,000+ calories per pouch. Prioritize meals with balanced macronutrients — protein for recovery, carbs for energy, and some fat for sustained fuel. A mix of entrées, breakfasts, and snacks ensures variety and helps prevent appetite fatigue in the field.

Look for meals that offer a high calorie-to-weight ratio and are easy to prepare with just hot water. Freeze-dried meals from brands like Mountain House, Peak Refuel, and Heather’s Choice are popular because they’re lightweight, shelf-stable, and pack in 500–1,000+ calories per pouch. Prioritize meals with balanced macronutrients — protein for recovery, carbs for energy, and some fat for sustained fuel. A mix of entrées, breakfasts, and snacks ensures variety and helps prevent appetite fatigue in the field.

Backcountry hunting burns a lot of calories — often 3,000 to 5,000 per day, depending on terrain, elevation, and pack weight. Aim for around 100–120 calories per ounce of food to keep your pack weight manageable. Spread your intake across meals, energy bars, nut butters, snacks, and drink mixes throughout the day to avoid energy crashes. Planning ahead helps ensure you don’t run short on fuel when it matters most.

Shelf-stable, calorie-dense snacks like PROBARs, Honey Stinger waffles, Greenbelly bites, jerky, trail mix, and nut butters are ideal. They require no prep, can be eaten on the move, and help fill calorie gaps between meals. Choose snacks that are easy to digest and won’t melt or spoil — and mix sweet, salty, and savory options to avoid taste fatigue over multi-day trips.

While not mandatory, hydration mixes, electrolytes, and recovery supplements can make a big difference in energy, focus, and recovery on strenuous hunts. Brands like Wilderness Athlete and Mtn Ops offer products designed to replenish nutrients lost through sweat, support mental clarity, and aid muscle recovery. They're especially helpful at altitude, in dry climates, or when your food load is minimal. Always test supplements before a hunt to ensure they work well with your body.

Start by calculating how many days you’ll be out and how many calories per day you need. Build each day’s food into a gallon-sized bag — including breakfast, dinner, snacks, and supplements — and label it clearly. Pre-sort items by day to streamline packing and avoid digging through your whole kit daily. Consider weight, bulk, and ease of prep. Freeze-dried meals with a stove + fuel setup, paired with cold-soak snacks, are a proven backcountry combo.

Yes — but in colder temps or at high elevations, boil times may be longer and meals may take more time to fully rehydrate. Use insulated meal pouches or wrap your food in a layer like a puffy jacket while it cooks. Choose meals that require less simmering, and keep fuel efficiency in mind. Some ultralight stoves struggle in sub-freezing temps, so always test your setup beforehand and pack extra fuel for longer boil times.

Proper food storage and waste disposal are essential for both safety and conservation. In bear country or areas with scavengers, store all food, snacks, and scented items in bear-proof containers, odor-resistant bags, or hung in a tree at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from the trunk. For waste, pack out all wrappers, packaging, and leftover food scraps using a sealable trash bag. Never bury or burn food waste — it can attract animals and violate local regulations. Keeping a clean camp not only protects you and your gear, but also preserves the wilderness for future hunters.