So, you’re heading out into the wild on a hiking adventure. You know you have to be prepared for every eventuality and will have to carry it all on your back, so it needs careful planning as every single item has to count. Not only will you need a sleeping bag, tent and many other essential items, but one of the questions uppermost in your mind is definitely going to be what you’ll eat.
What, and how, you’re going to keep yourself fuelled for all the energy you’re going to be spending is an important consideration. Here are a few tips and ideas to get you started.
Preparation
The night before you head out, make sure you have a hearty meal with plenty of nutrients. This will help to fuel your first day - making sure you set out on a high. When you opt for wholegrain options, pasta can be a good high-energy, slow-release meal which is favoured by marathon runners, so you know you’re onto a winner!
Carry lightweight fire-starting and cooking items. A lightweight stove is essential, as are reliable lighters and matches – you need to know you can cook food quickly and easily whenever you need it.
Figure out the measurements. Make sure that the food you’re carrying fits into your gear and also isn’t too heavy to carry. If you’re toting a super heavy pack, you’ll spend more energy and need to eat more food, creating a greater chance that you’ll run out of sustenance before you get back to civilisation. Fill your pack up with lightweight, but heavy-duty foods – ones that are packed full of all-important calories, but not heavy to carry.
Good foods to take
- Dehydrated or freeze-dried foods. These are lightweight but pack a punch with the calorie intake and are quick and easy to prepare. Most dehydrated or freeze-dried foods are available in a wide range of flavours and can even be vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or dairy-free if you have dietary restrictions. A staple of thrill-seekers and preppers alike, they can be as simple as a pot noodle or as sophisticated as military-supply emergency food rations. The main feature of this type of food is that it is easy to carry, quick to prepare and contains enough calories to keep you trekking.
- Flapjack, cereal bars, or malt loaf. These are packed with nutritional goodness and aren’t heavy to carry. They can also be squashed into small corners of your pack and yet stay edible. A great snack for an extra calorie boost on the trail or a dessert to follow your pasta pot.
- Dried fruit and nuts. Fresh fruit is always great, but because it is often bulky, heavy and easily squashed, you may only want to take an apple and eat it on the first day. Dried fruit and nuts are lighter to carry and will keep you full for longer.
- Simple to prepare foods. Couscous, dried noodles, instant mashed potato and even microwavable rice are all light to carry, filling to eat and only take minutes to prepare with hot water over your stove. You can always throw in pre-cooked sausages or alternative vegan options, as they only need to be heated through and can be an excellent source of protein to add to your carbs, as well as adding flavour. Pepperoni or shrink-wrapped portions of cheese are ideal and won’t need to be kept chilled.
- Breads. Pittas, flatbreads or wraps are ideal. Already flat, they are easier to squish into a backpack without spoiling the eating experience when you pull them out. These foods are great to bulk out your warming cup-a-soup or pasta pot, filling you up nicely.
- Porridge or cereal. It’s easy to take care of breakfast. These can be bought in portion-sized packages and eaten with a few dried fruits and nuts tossed on top. Taking powdered milk means you can have your morning coffee or cuppa with your breakfast to give your morning the kickstart you enjoy at home.
Food to not take
- Food that needs refrigerating. Unless you’re camping and have space for a cool bag or box, don’t take anything that could go off. The last thing you need while out in the wild is a dose of food poisoning! So, unless you plan on cooking them within the first few hours of your trip, uncooked meats or soft cheeses are a bad idea.
- Anything you wouldn’t eat squashed! Soft fruit will squish in your full backpack and make a mess. Other foods, such as regular bread, are less appealing when squashed flat, so don’t bother.
- Fresh veg. These are heavy and low-calorie, so it’s not worth weighing down your pack with them. Stick to carbs and proteins that will keep you full and energised and just make sure you catch up on your veg and salads when you get back.
Whether you’re heading out for a weekend fresh air fix or going on a more extended hiking trip into the wild you’ll want to make sure that your food requirements are taken care of for the whole time that you’re out. At Preppers Shop, we have many options to help make this planning stage easier. Whether you simply want to purchase a ready-prepared, waterproof, three- or seven-day pack with all you need for the length of your trip, saving you the planning, or want to stock up on survival items to see you through a power outage, we have everything you need.
We stock military army rations for hardened hikers, survival food packs and pouches for the adventurers among you, and bulk buys for those who are addicted to getting out into nature as often as possible. With Preppers Shop, it’s easy to ensure you’re fully prepped for anything. You could even pick up a bug out bag with everything you’ll need already packed, meaning you can just hit the trail, ready for anything.
Check out the wide variety of hiking foods available on our website – we’re confident you’ll find exactly what you need. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our experts for advice to ensure your next hiking trip is as perfect and as fully fuelled as you are.