Facing the Cold

Traveling in the Arctic or other extremely cold regions burns more energy than hiking on a mild summer trail. Your body works harder just to maintain core temperature, and heavy gear adds to the effort. Calculating calorie requirements ensures you pack enough food for the journey without overloading your sled or backpack.

The Calorie Model

An approximate formula factors in distance, pack weight, and outside temperature. Let $D$ be miles walked per day, $W$ the weight carried in pounds, and $T$ the average Fahrenheit temperature. Daily calories $C$ can be estimated as:

$$C=2500+100\times D+5\times W+(32-T)\times 20$$

This simplified equation assumes more miles, heavier packs, and lower temperatures all raise calorie needs. It starts with a 2,500 calorie baseline appropriate for active adults and adds increments for each factor.

Sample Calculation

Suppose you trek 12 miles daily with a 55 lb pack at -10 °F. Plugging into the formula:

$$2500+100\times 12+5\times 55+(32--10)\times 20=2500+1200+275+840=4815$$ calories.

Food Planning Tips

High-fat foods like nuts and freeze-dried meals deliver the most calories for their weight. Keep items you eat during the day in easily accessible pockets so you can snack without removing gloves. Hydration is critical in cold climates; melt snow or carry an insulated bottle to prevent freezing.

Table of Example Needs

Distance (mi)	Pack (lb)	Temp (°F)	Calories
8	40	20	3700
15	60	-5	5200

Beyond the Math

Individual metabolism, wind chill, and altitude can push requirements higher or lower. Keep a food journal on training hikes to see how your body responds. On long expeditions, plan for at least one extra day’s rations in case of storms or slower progress.

Why It Matters

Underestimating calorie needs leads to fatigue and impaired decision making—a dangerous combination in remote areas. Using this planner helps you stay energized and safe while exploring some of the most breathtaking yet unforgiving landscapes on the planet.