Fueling the Hunt: Backcountry Nutrition Strategy
Idaho outdoor intelligence and field strategy from Roam Idaho.
You wouldn't put regular unleaded in a Formula 1 car. Why put junk food in your body when you're asking it to hike 10 miles with a 50lb pack? Detailed meal planning is the difference between bonking on Day 3 and punching your tag.
The Calorie Math
An average hunter burns 3,000-5,000+ calories per day in steep terrain. You simply cannot eat enough to replace this. You are operating in a deficit. The goal is to manage that deficit.
Target: 120-140 calories per ounce of food weight.
Goal: 2,500 - 3,000 calories per day in your food bag (approx 1.5 - 2 lbs per day).
Macronutrient Breakdown
- Fat (9 cals/gram): Your long-term diesel fuel. Nut butters, cheese, nuts, olive oil.
- Carbs (4 cals/gram): Your turbo boost. Honey stingers, dried fruit, candy, oatmeal. Use for climbing.
- Protein (4 cals/gram): Recovery. Jerky, tuna packets, freeze-dried meals. Essential for repairing muscle overnight.
A Typical Day
Breakfast: Oatmeal with added protein powder and butter (for fat). Coffee.
Lunch: There is no lunch. You "drip feed" all day. Keep snacks in your hip belt pockets. Eat every 60-90 minutes.
Dinner: Freeze-dried meal (Peak Refuel or similar). Add a splash of olive oil for extra calories.
Roam Idaho Pro Tip: Hydration
Add Electrolytes. Idaho water is clean but lacks minerals. You sweat out salts rapidly. Add an electrolyte packet (LMNT, LiquidIV) to your water once a day to prevent cramping and headaches.
Start Your Scout
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