Maybe your favorite backpacking food is a freeze-dried turkey dinner. There really is no "best" backpacking food. There are reasons to bring certain foods, though. Here are ten foods, and the reasons you might want to consider them.
1. Nuts. This is one of the most calorie-packed foods you can take. That means less weight to carry. With lots of protein and other nutritonal benefits, nuts are one of the best backpacking foods.
2. Olive oil. Add a little to your soups or dip bread in it. The best of the oils health-wise, you can eat it before sleeping, to stay warm, because fats generate heat when digested.
3. Trail mixes. Any mix with raisins and nuts is great for backpacking. Vitamins, minerals, protein, and the best reason - convenience.
4. Corn products. Tortilla chips or corn nuts are convenient, and they don't seem to cause the tiredness that potato chips and other simple carbohydrates can cause.
5. Ramen noodles. When you need a hot meal fast, there isn't much that's better.
6. Instant coffee. A necessity for caffeine addicts, and it's good to have a stimulant available for emergencies.
7. Wild edible berries. Learn to identify a few, and you'll have a nutricious excuse for a break along the trail.
8. Instant sports drinks. Pour a little in your water bottle and shake. Replacing electrolytes doesn't get more convenient.
9. Instant refried beans. When you want sustained energy, eat beans.
10. Your favorites. Having your favorite foods can help salvage a rainy backpacking trip spent in the tent.
Always consider the nature of the trip when you choose your backpacking food. Hot meals are much more important in cold climates, and convenience is king, if you want to make miles. A bottle of rum might even be appropriate, if it's a trip wih friends.
Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of ultralight backpacking. His advice and stories can be found at http://www.TheBackpackingSite.com
We think that Cape Town has some of the best... Read More
Which is the best African safari company for my safari... Read More
My favorite outdoor related quote comes from John Muir, the... Read More
To get the most out of a wildebeest migration safari... Read More
Western Australia ? South-West Coast driving holiday. Great Australian Road... Read More
Mt. Washington Valley Trails & Mt Washington - NHThe highest... Read More
On Lake Michigan, at the end of the Stonington Peninsula,... Read More
With so many different designs, packing a backpack will vary... Read More
Most people, who go on a family beach vacation, take... Read More
Ask about perfect wildlife destinations and a Tanzania safari will... Read More
The islands of Samoa are emerging as an exciting new... Read More
1st day : Airport / Amman, O/N Our representative will... Read More
How many of you take the time to just relax... Read More
The Udzungwa Mountains National park was created primarily for the... Read More
One afternoon during a trip across the country in our... Read More
Mount Sunflower, Kansas. Ebright Azimuth, Delaware. Hawkeye Point, Iowa. Hoosier... Read More
A river cruise in Bangkok gives an insight to the... Read More
If anyplace on earth is a natural paradise, Plitvice Lakes... Read More
If you've been dreaming of traveling the highways in your... Read More
For the 92nd time, the Tour de France has started.... Read More
Camping for fun is a great way to enjoy the... Read More
Barnegat Light, NJ is the home to "Old Barney" a... Read More
This truly beautiful country at the southern tip of dark... Read More
Paul Scott Mower once said, "There is nothing like walking... Read More
White Water on the Comal river in Central Texas is... Read More
Campgrounds are a perfect Pigeon Forge lodging option for visitors... Read More
Have you ever had a backpacking trip that was a... Read More
There are so many selections available when it comes to... Read More
Mount Rainier National Park is the most popular park in... Read More
Backpacking is a great way to escape the rat race... Read More
Hiking shoes versus hiking boots? Hiking shoes win. Okay, next... Read More
Ultralight backpackers want to give up weight, not comfort. Sleeping... Read More
Isn't it time you stepped out of the concrete jungle... Read More
In a previous article, I wrote primarily about box ovens.... Read More
Some people have fought many years of their lives to... Read More
It was the end of my first year as a... Read More
The thing with enjoying the great outdoors is seeing aspects... Read More
Ask me which Pacific island has the most to offer... Read More
As the weather cools in late summer and the days... Read More
Drive along one of South Africa's scenic strips and you... Read More
With so many different designs, packing a backpack will vary... Read More
The first recorded mapping of what is now Koombana Bay... Read More
Mt. Washington Valley Trails & Mt Washington - NHThe highest... Read More
White Water on the Comal river in Central Texas is... Read More
The most famous Egyptian pyramids to be built are the... Read More
If you are on a tight budget and can't afford... Read More
A Botswana safari is an excellent trip to undertake because... Read More
When it comes to birding, Acadia National Park is a... Read More
For the 92nd time, the Tour de France has started.... Read More
Every year around 40 million visitors come to Florida for... Read More
|