Fueling A Successful Hunt

Every skilled hunter knows that nothing is guaranteed in the backcountry. The only option is to prepare. Months of training, weeks of planning, and extensive gear checks and re-checks all come together to set up the best hunt possible. 

Somewhere at the bottom of the checklist is one simple word, “Food”. Sitting there almost as an afterthought. This “afterthought” is the linchpin on which success or failure rests. “Food” is not simply food. It’s the fuel that is going to make or break the entire hunt. 

Proper fueling is going to support the energy levels, reaction times, and decision-making processes that determine backcountry success. Taking time to plan out nutritional strategies is going to pay dividends when that big trophy is in the crosshairs. 

Read on to get a deeper understanding of calories, macronutrients, hydration, supplements, and how to use them to gain an edge in the backcountry.

Calories 

Calories are the fuel that supports you from first light to pack-out. Caloric needs are extremely personal and hunt-specific. Size, fitness level, pack weight, terrain, and mileage are just a few of the factors that determine daily caloric needs.  

If you want to get hyper-scientific about it, there are equations that have been developed through scientific research to help you determine caloric needs. The first has been used since the 70s and is called the Pandolf Equation. More recently, a study examining the Pandolf Equation derived a new predictive equation called the Load Carriage Decision Aid (LDCA) backpacking equation. Both equations are going to help find a detailed caloric map. 

For those of us who prefer back-of-the-napkin science, the general idea is pretty simple. The more you weigh, the harder the terrain, the heavier the pack, and the faster the pace, all add up to one thing: more calories. Put in even simpler terms, the bigger you are and the harder you work, the more calories you are going to burn. 

Generally speaking, a rough estimate for calories burned per hour is between 200 and 500 Calories for men and 100 and 400 for women. So, if you are a guy and find yourself hiking for five hours through high, rough terrain you are going to burn about 2500 Calories. 

Remember, that is ON TOP of your regular metabolic rate. On average, a fit, lean individual who weighs about 175 lbs is going to burn about 2,000 Calories a day just by existing (sleeping, sitting at a desk, and accomplishing daily tasks). That doesn’t include any workouts or other strenuous activities. 

Hunt calories need to be calculated with both sets of calories in mind. A five-day hunt in the backcountry with roughly five hours of hiking per day is going to mean roughly 22,500 Calories are going to be burned over the hunt. 

(2,000 base Calories + (5 hiking hrs. x 500 Calories/ hiking hrs.) x 5 days = 22,500 Hunt Calories   

Pro Tip: Pack at least one extra meal. Things can go sideways quickly in the backcountry, extending your stay. Making sure you have at least one extra meal gives you the nutritional support that could be needed, just in case.

Macronutrients

Macronutrients, or “macros”, is the overarching term for carbohydrates, fats, and protein and serve as the main sources of calories. Each macro serves a specific purpose. On a hunt, these purposes are amplified. Choosing caloric sources is more important than it seems at face value. 

Calories are measured per gram, meaning calories cost weight in your pack. Investing in the right caloric source means finding the delicate balance between what your system needs and what it costs to carry it. 

• Protein is the main supplier of amino acids. While amino acids are more often associated with muscle protein synthesis, they support multiple processes throughout the body, including hormone and neurotransmitter synthesis and immune support. (4 Calories/ gram)
• Carbohydrates supply “quick” energy. Complex carbohydrates like oats have a lower glycemic index score, meaning they are not going to cause big swings in energy levels. Simple carbs like fruit leathers are great for snacking and support carbohydrate stores and performance throughout the day. (4 Calories/ gram)
• Fat is easily the most calorically efficient macronutrient. Fat provides a constant source of energy without any swings. That also means that it does not support fast bursts of energy. (9 Calories/ gram) 

Pro Tip: Protein is important but fat and carbohydrates are going to be crucial for backcountry success. Really lean into these caloric sources during the hunt with about 80 to 90% of caloric intake coming from these sources. 

Hydration

Proper hydration is crucial for a successful hunt. Dehydration can hinder both physical and mental performance. A successful hunt requires both. 

It has been suggested that about 500ml per hour of work is enough to support a hydrated state. This, of course, is going to be extremely individualized depending on your sweat rate and when and where the hunt is happening.  

For added support, add electrolytes and carbohydrates to your water source. They work synergistically to promote optimal hydration. 

Pro Tip: Sip water throughout the hunt, don’t wait until you are thirsty.

Supplements

For the most part, supplements are one trick ponies and very seldom support caloric needs. This makes them extremely inefficient in the “benefit-to-weight-in-the-pack” ratio. Nonetheless, there are a few that still make the cut. 

Caffeine/Energy: Caffeine has been shown to promote cognitive and physical performance. A successful hunt relies heavily on both. Consuming caffeine can give the edge needed to maintain optimal performance throughout the hunt. 

Vitamins: Every physiological process in your body requires vitamins for support. Gaps in your diet can lead to gaps in performance. By supporting these physiological processes, you support your performance in the backcountry. 

Sleep Support: Nothing sets the stage for tomorrow’s performance like sleep quality the night before. Sleeping in the backcountry can be almost as hard as the day’s trek. Ingredients like melatonin can help promote sleep performance, setting the stage for optimal performance the following day.

Adaptogenic Blends: Adaptogens help the body adapt to stressful environments and the high-altitude backcountry might be one of the most stressful environments you can place yourself in. Nevertheless, performance is still paramount. Ingredients like Rhodiola Rosea have been shown to promote aerobic performance and help reduce perceived effort, which can pay huge dividends in the hunt for that big trophy.   

Remember, these are SUPPLEMENTS. That means they fill the gaps in your diet. If you feel like your food is going to provide enough support or can make it without them for the duration of the hunt. Leave them at home. Enjoy that shaved weight in the pack. 

Pro Tip: Do not take the whole container with you. Divvy out your supplements by the day. Only take what you need.  

Timing 

Everyone has their own dietary practices in the backcountry. Strategic fueling can help promote optimal performance over the course of the day. 

Here is a sample fueling strategy for success in the field: 

Breakfast: Protein + Complex Carbs + Supplements

Set the stage for your day. Load up on energy and amino acids to help support muscle mass and performance.

Snacks:

While glassing/stationary: Simple Carbs+ Fats + Protein

On the move: Simple Carbs + Fats

Graze. Refuel every 1 to 2 hours. 

Dinner: A lot of Protein + Carbs + Fats + Supplements

Treat dinner like a full refuel session. Anything you might have missed or need to make up for, pack it in here. 


Pro Tip: Eat foods you know. The backcountry is not the place to experiment. If you haven’t already tried it, don’t pack it.

Hunting the backcountry is hard. Give yourself every edge possible with proper fueling.