Organizing camping food can be hex-tic. To get the most from your food on the trail, balance your calorie intake with the energy it takes to carry the load. Most hikers find dehydrated and condensed foods make the highest calorie-to-weight ratio and so make the best camping foods; however, the repetitive nature of these foods often means a week of the same meals and even a loss of appetite and digestive problems. But while the basic food structure is fairly rigid, there is no reason why you can't vary your flavors and create excellent meals on the trail.
Pasta is the almost universal base for dinners on the trail. Its light weight and high carbohydrate count make it ideal to replenish and refuel your body after a long day of hiking and its complex starches will give you energy to spare for the morning. Use different sauces to add variety to your pasta dishes. Pesto, marinara, cheese and even meat sauces can be purchased or made in dehydrated and concentrated forms and only take water or a dash of oil to reconstitute on the trail. Add dehydrated vegetables, peppers, onions, herbs and spices to give added flavor and texture.
Many trail menus overlook vitamins in favor of high calories contents, but this is not necessary. Dried fruits not only provide the vitamins your body needs to stay healthy during activity but also give a large dose of energizing sugar and carbohydrates. Fill a bag with your favorite dried fruit and add a handful to every meal.
Oatmeal has long been the counterpart to pasta for hikers, and makes an excellent trail breakfast. Flavored instant oakmeal packet make a quick, convenient and energizing way to start your day on the trail. Purchase a variety pack to avoid morning gruel fatigue, or substitute granola, which although heavier than oatmeal, provide more carbohydrates and fats.
Pasta is the almost universal base for dinners on the trail. Its light weight and high carbohydrate count make it ideal to replenish and refuel your body after a long day of hiking and its complex starches will give you energy to spare for the morning. Use different sauces to add variety to your pasta dishes. Pesto, marinara, cheese and even meat sauces can be purchased or made in dehydrated and concentrated forms and only take water or a dash of oil to reconstitute on the trail. Add dehydrated vegetables, peppers, onions, herbs and spices to give added flavor and texture.
Many trail menus overlook vitamins in favor of high calories contents, but this is not necessary. Dried fruits not only provide the vitamins your body needs to stay healthy during activity but also give a large dose of energizing sugar and carbohydrates. Fill a bag with your favorite dried fruit and add a handful to every meal.
Oatmeal has long been the counterpart to pasta for hikers, and makes an excellent trail breakfast. Flavored instant oakmeal packet make a quick, convenient and energizing way to start your day on the trail. Purchase a variety pack to avoid morning gruel fatigue, or substitute granola, which although heavier than oatmeal, provide more carbohydrates and fats.
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