Ten Best Backpacking Foods
by Steve Gillman
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 dont 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 isnt
much thats better.
6. Instant coffee. A necessity for caffeine
addicts, and its good to have a stimulant available for
emergencies.
7. Wild edible berries. Learn to identify a few, and
youll 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 doesnt 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 its 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
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