1. What is Calories Per Gram?

Calories per gram is a measure of energy density in food, indicating how many calories are contained in each gram of food. This metric is particularly important for hikers who need to maximize energy while minimizing pack weight.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses a simple formula:

Where:

• Calories — Total energy content of the food
• Weight — Mass of the food in grams

Explanation: The higher the calories per gram ratio, the more energy-dense the food is, making it more efficient for hiking and backpacking.

3. Importance for Hiking

Details: When hiking, especially on long trips, every gram counts. High calorie-per-gram foods allow hikers to carry less weight while maintaining energy levels.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total calories and weight in grams from the food's nutrition label. The calculator will determine the energy density.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are good calories-per-gram values for hiking?
A: Aim for foods with 4+ cal/g. Fats (9 cal/g) are most energy-dense, while carbs and proteins are 4 cal/g.

Q2: Should I only eat high calorie-per-gram foods?
A: Balance is important. While energy density matters, also consider nutrition, taste, and digestive comfort.

Q3: How does water content affect this calculation?
A: Foods with high water content (like fresh fruit) have lower cal/g ratios. Dehydrated foods score higher.

Q4: What are some high cal/g hiking foods?
A: Nuts, nut butters, olive oil, chocolate, dried meats, and trail mixes are excellent options.

Q5: Does packaging weight affect this calculation?
A: This calculator uses food weight only. For true trail weight efficiency, consider packaging weight separately.