HOW TO CALCULATE CALORIES FOR ANY BACKCOUNTRY HUNT | 🎙️ EP. 5

Fueling right can be the difference between tagging out—or tapping out.

In this episode of the Backbone Unlimited Podcast, Matt Hartsky breaks down the exact calorie formulas, rules of thumb, and real-world strategies every backcountry hunter needs to stay in the fight.

Whether you're chasing elk deep in the Rockies or grinding out high-mileage days in remote terrain, understanding how to calculate your daily calorie needs is a critical edge. No more guessing. No more crashing. Just the math, the method, and the mission-ready meal planning that supports true mountain grit.

🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation

• How to estimate calories burned per hour while backpack hunting

• What your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) really is during a hard hunt

• A fast and effective rule-of-thumb for caloric needs based on your bodyweight

• The best calorie-dense foods for long hunts (nuts, jerky, oil additives, more)

• Smart hydration and electrolyte strategies that prevent bonking and cramping

• Why testing your backcountry food system ahead of time is non-negotiable

🗻 Whether you're a first-time DIY hunter or a seasoned grinder looking to level up your nutrition game, this episode delivers a field-tested system to fuel your body, sharpen your mind, and carry your mission to the finish.

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