How much trail mix should I take hiking?

A good rule of thumb is 50-75g of trail mix per snack serving, with 2-4 servings per day depending on your activity level. For a full day hike, plan on 150-300g per person. Trail mix provides roughly 4.5-5.5 kcal per gram, making it one of the most calorie-dense snack options.

What is the best ratio for trail mix?

A classic ratio is 40% nuts, 30% dried fruit, 20% chocolate or sweets, and 10% seeds. Adjust based on your preferences and dietary needs. More nuts and seeds for higher fat and protein; more dried fruit for quick energy. Avoid excessive chocolate in hot weather as it will melt.

What are the most calorie-dense trail mix ingredients?

Macadamia nuts lead at about 7.2 kcal/g, followed by pecans (6.9), Brazil nuts (6.6), and walnuts (6.5). Chocolate chips provide about 5.5 kcal/g. Dried fruit is lower at 3-4 kcal/g but provides quick-release energy from natural sugars.

How should I store trail mix on a hike?

Keep trail mix in resealable bags or small containers. In bear country, store in a bear canister with your other food. Portion into daily servings to avoid eating it all on day one. In hot weather, skip chocolate and use yoghurt-coated alternatives or extra nuts instead.

CampCalcs

Trail Mix Calculator

Calculate trail mix quantities by ingredient with calorie and weight breakdowns.

Number of People

Trip Days

Servings per Day

Serving Size

Nuts %

Dried Fruit %

Chocolate %

Seeds %

How We Calculate This

Weight Calculation

Total weight = People x Days x Servings/day x Serving size (g)

Each ingredient weight is calculated from its percentage of the total.

Calorie Estimates

Nuts: ~6 kcal/g, Dried fruit: ~3.5 kcal/g, Chocolate: ~5.5 kcal/g, Seeds: ~5.8 kcal/g

Note: Ingredient percentages must total exactly 100%.

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify conditions and use proper safety equipment outdoors.