You may use the following table as a general guideline for deciding how much food to pack. Portions given are per person. Of course, there is no way to give a standard amount that will suit everyone. Overall, expect to pack between 1.5 and 2 pounds of food per person per day, more in winter. This figure includes all trail food and snacks as well as meals.
Food Item | Imperial | Metric |
Dehydrated Main Courses
(Portions assume that you are eating a “starch” accompaniment, unless specified) |
Chili | 1 cup | 250 ml |
| 2/3 to ¾ cup | 150 to 200 ml |
| ½ to ¾ cup | 125 to 200 ml |
Spaghetti Sauce | 2/3 cup | 150 ml |
| 1 cup | 250 ml |
These recipes include the starch component (pasta, ...) |
| 2 cups | 500 ml |
| 1 ½ cups | 375 ml |
| 2 cups | 500 ml |
| 2 cups | 500 ml |
| 1 ½ cups | 375 ml |
| 2 cups | 500 ml |
| 1 ½ cups | 375 ml |
Main Course Accompaniments |
| 1 cup | 200 to 250 ml |
| ½ cup | 125 ml |
Kraft Dinner (as accompaniment) | ½ pkg | |
Kraft Dinner (eaten alone) | 2/3 to 1 pkg. | |
| Stove-Top Stuffing | 1/2 pkg | |
| ½ to ¾ cup | 125 to 200 ml |
Quick Pastas (as accompaniment) | ½ pkg | (1 pkg if eaten alone) |
Breakfasts |
Bagels | 1 to 1 ½ | |
Instant Oatmeal (Commercial) | 1 to 2 pkgs | (3 for oinkers) |
| 3 to 4 Tablespoons | |
| 1 Square | |
| 2 pucks | |
