Backpacking, diet, and weight loss

Evolvingthinker

I recently went on a 45 mile, 4 day backpacking trip alone on the Colorado Trail carrying a 30-40 pound pack with gear. I was hiking about 8 to 13 miles a day, 4-6.5 hours of walking time at a pace on average 2 miles per hour. I was probably eating around 2000 to 2500 calories as a 5'4" female 150 lb hiker.

I lost 1 lb but was surprised I didn't lose more. It is a tricky balance knowing how much to eat for the energy needed to hike with a pack for a long day.

Any success stories with losing weight after a backpacking trip? How many miles was your trip and what was your pace? How many calories did you eat per day?

NorthCascades

I lose my appetite when I backpack. I don't know how many cals I eat in a typical trail day, I'd guess around 1,200. Freeze dried food is unappealing when I'm at home, and it's unappealing when I set my pack down at the end of the day. The last long trip I did, I wound up bailing on day four because I just couldn't take the food anymore and couldn't go three more days and over a high pass without eating.

So I tend to lose weight on multi-day trips, but it comes back within a few days of returning to civilization.

CarlydogsMom

When backpacking a longer trip like that (especially alone!), the furthest thing from my mind would be to want to lose significant weight. I'd want to make sure I was fed well, had enough nourishment and water, and stayed hydrated. I'd rather overeat than undereat. That being said, I think losing one pound meant you DID pretty much that--took care of your health needs. So good job.

I would use shorter day trips with a pack on, or general day hikes/walks, for losing weight (Edited to add: "to burn calories to create a deficit..." instead of "losing weight"!! Don't want to get stabbed on these forums!), when you're not alone and on multi-day trips. Then, focus on using backpacking as a way to build endurance while "maintaining" what you need to stay alert, nourished, and fit.

Great job on the trip! 45 miles in 4 days in Colorado is a tremendous achievement!

Evolvingthinker

NorthCascades wrote: »

I lose my appetite when I backpack. I don't know how many cals I eat in a typical trail day, I'd guess around 1,200.

Wow 1200 calories. I probably should have done more research and planned my food intake better if I really wanted to lose weight. I read the meal plan of a male hiker and he was eating 3000 calories a day, hiking probably 20 miles a day.

meritage4

I agree. the goal when hiking should be maintenance. Your fitness will increase.
Lose the weight pre and post hike.

NorthCascades

Evolvingthinker wrote: »

NorthCascades wrote: »

I lose my appetite when I backpack. I don't know how many cals I eat in a typical trail day, I'd guess around 1,200.

Wow 1200 calories. I probably should have done more research and planned my food intake better if I really wanted to lose weight. I read the meal plan of a male hiker and he was eating 3000 calories a day, hiking probably 20 miles a day.

Please don't take me as an example of a healthy backpacking diet. Seriously. For the energy demands, I think 3K is probably about right, or at least way closer to it. I just can't get myself to eat very much. It's like the heat and the exertion ruin my appetite and then when I try to force myself, it's just so unappealing.

Once, I carried an orange for two days. I sat down and ate it at the headwaters of the Stehekin River. I didn't see another person that day. It was probably the most delicious orange I ever had. Then I went back to camp and choked down a Mountain House meal.

PS - I forgot to congratulate you, 45 miles in 4 days in the Rockies sounds like a difficult achievement. I bet the scenery was amazing! If you have any pics I'd absolutely love to see them.

Evolvingthinker

NorthCascades wrote: »

PS - I forgot to congratulate you, 45 miles in 4 days in the Rockies sounds like a difficult achievement. I bet the scenery was amazing! If you have any pics I'd absolutely love to see them.

Thank you. I enjoyed the peaceful meditative experience. For some reason, I rarely take pictures even while living in West Africa and China for 8 years.

It sounds like you also enjoy the outdoors. I remember hiking in Montana for 5 days with a loaf of bread with a hard crust, dried meats, and hard cheeses. I hope you find a way to fuel your adventures.

Evolvingthinker

CarlydogsMom wrote: »

Great job on the trip! 45 miles in 4 days in Colorado is a tremendous achievement!

Thank you. Great advice about focusing on what the body needs for the hike and doing day hikes as exercise fitness.

Evolvingthinker

meritage4 wrote: »

I agree. the goal when hiking should be maintenance. Your fitness will increase.
Lose the weight pre and post hike.

Great strategies. Thank you. Do you do much hiking? Where and what do you love/dislike about it?