Hitting the trail with a backpack full of gear and the promise of stunning vistas is an incredible feeling. But fueling your adventure properly is just as important as having the right equipment.
Nobody wants to run out of energy halfway up a mountain or deal with a rumbling stomach while trying to enjoy a peaceful sunset. So, let's talk about the best nutritional foods to pack for your backpacking trips, especially keeping in mind the needs of us more mature adventurers.
Lightweight and Nutritious
The key to backpacking food is finding the sweet spot between lightweight and nutritious. We want to carry enough food to keep us going, but we don't want our pack to weigh us down.
One way to approach this is in terms of calories per ounce. Generally speaking, the higher the calorie density, the lighter our total food weight will be.
Dehydrated meals are a backpacker's best friend. They're lightweight, easy to prepare (just add water!), and come in a variety of flavors. These have come a long way since the early days of backpacking food. You can find some truly delicious options these days. Or, my favorite method, is to make my own dehydrated meals. Be sure to check out this video for some menu ideas.
Protein Power
Protein is essential for muscle recovery and keeping you feeling full. Consider packing things like jerky (beef, turkey, fish, or even plant-based options), nuts and seeds, peanut butter (the squeeze packs are great!), green peas, and dehydrated beans. These are all good sources of protein that are relatively lightweight and pack well.
Carbohydrate Champions
Carbs are your primary source of energy on the trail. Oatmeal is a fantastic option for breakfast or in energy bars. Healthy carbs can also be found in some trail mixes, granola bars, dried fruit, and even some dark chocolate for a little treat. These will give you a quick energy boost when you need it.
Healthy Fats
Don't forget about healthy fats! They play an important role in energy production and overall health. Nuts, seeds, avocados (if you're feeling adventurous and want to pack them carefully), and olive oil (you can find it in small packets) are all good sources of healthy fats.
Electrolytes and Hydration
Staying hydrated is crucial, and electrolytes play a key role in keeping your body functioning properly. Consider packing electrolyte tablets or powder to add to your water. This is especially important on longer and more strenuous hikes.
Planning Your Meals
A little planning goes a long way when it comes to backpacking food. Think about how many days you'll be on the trail and plan your meals accordingly. Pre-portion your snacks into individual bags to make it easier to grab and go. And don't forget to pack a little extra food in case your trip takes longer than expected. It's always better to have too much than not enough.
A Few of My Favorites
Personally, I'm a big fan of my homemade dehydrated dinners, energy and breakfast bars I make from oatmeal and other ingredients, dried fruit and nuts, and jerky for a protein boost. What are some of your favorite backpacking food items? Share them in the comments below!
By choosing the right foods and planning your meals carefully, you can ensure that you're well-fueled and energized for your next backpacking adventure. So, get out there, explore, and happy trails!