Create a meal plan and calculate how much food to pack. For a long backpacking trip, you'll need more food per day than a short backpacking trip because you won't replenish your body as quickly. How much food you need per day will vary, but about 4,000 calories usually suffices. Remember that as you pass through hiking towns, you can eat a meal and replenish your backpack.
Purchase or make the foods you will carry. Foods that are light but full of calories and carbohydrates, such as trail mix and beef jerky, are excellent for backpacking. Energy bars are light and full of vitamins and minerals. Dehydrate rice, potatoes and dried fruits in a dehydrator, or buy dehydrated packaged foods and meals. Whole grain oatmeal is also a good choice. Foods that need less cooking time will require you to pack less fuel.
Buy a bear proof canister(s) for food. These are required in many national parks and wildernesses. Alternatively, plan to hoist food in a food sack on a bear pole or tree for safe-keeping at camp, although this is not guaranteed to keep the bears away.
Pack your food in the main compartment nearest your back, because food is heavy and can pull on your shoulders and back if it is packed to the outside. If you have a fuel canister for a backpacking stove, pack it below the food in case it spills. Store the food you plan to eat on the trail separately on top of the main compartment near your back or in a side pocket within easy reach.
