Start With a Plan
Packing is easier once you know what you are bringing. Count your meals and snacks per day, decide your menu, then pack to match. If you do not have a menu yet, see our backpacking food list or a sample 3-day plan.
Repackage to Save Weight and Space
Boxes, bottles and rigid containers take up space and add weight. Common steps:
- Remove food from cardboard boxes and cut out any cooking directions to bring with you.
- Move dry foods such as oats, rice mixes, powdered milk and trail mix into zip-top bags. Squeeze out extra air.
- Pour oils, sauces and honey into small leak-resistant bottles or use single-serve packets.
- Take only as much of each item as you need, and leave bulky outer packaging at home.
- Leave heavy glass and cans behind where you can.
Leaving the Tupperware at home is a common tip from experienced hikers, as plastic bags weigh much less. A sturdy container can still be useful for fragile items or for cold-soaking.
Organize by Meal
One simple system is to bag each meal separately and label it with the day and meal. Another is to group by type, for example one bag of breakfasts, one of dinners and one of lunches. Whichever you choose, keep these points in mind:
- Put each dinner (and any add-ins) in a single bag so you are not digging through your pack when tired.
- Keep a day’s snacks in an easy-to-reach pocket or a hip belt pouch, so you can eat while walking.
- Use a larger bag or stuff sack to hold all your food together, which also helps with storage at camp.
Where Food Goes in Your Pack
Food is dense and heavy, especially early in the trip. Many hikers place the food bag in the middle of the pack (see what to pack in a hiking backpack for how to balance the whole load), close to their back, so the weight sits near their center of gravity, but the best spot depends on your pack. Keep snacks and lunch somewhere you can reach without stopping to unpack. Put anything crushable, such as chips, crackers or bread, near the top or inside a rigid container.
Protect Food From Crushing, Heat and Moisture
- Use a hard container or wrap crackers and tortillas in a bag with padding around them.
- Keep chocolate and soft cheese out of the sun and away from hot gear in warm weather.
- Hard cheeses and cured sausage generally travel better than soft ones, though how long they last depends on temperature.
- Double-bag anything that could spill, and use a dry bag or liner if rain is likely.
Store Food Safely at Camp
Food storage matters for your safety and for wildlife. Rules vary by area. Some places require approved bear canisters, others allow hanging a food bag or using a storage locker, and some regions have different animals to consider, such as rodents. Check the land manager’s guidance before you go and follow it.
In general, store all food, trash and scented items (including toothpaste) together, and avoid cooking or eating right where you sleep. Do not leave food unattended.
Plan Fuel and Trash
Think about how you will cook before you pack. Foods that only need boiling water use less fuel. Bring a spare bag for trash and pack out everything, including food scraps. For simple meals that cut down on cooking, see easy backpacking food ideas.
A Quick Packing Checklist
- Menu set and counted by day
- Food repackaged into labeled bags
- Day-of snacks in an accessible pocket
- Crushable items protected
- Food storage method decided and gear packed (canister, bag or cord, if required)
- Trash bag and spare zip-top bags