Meal planning for any backpacking trip can be a task. Thru-hikers face the added challenge of planning backpacking food for an extended period of time and resupplying at unfamiliar grocery stores. Backcountry Foodie has tools to relieve your anxiety.
Learn about backpacking meal planning and preparation tips for thru-hikes from a long-distance backpacking dietitian.
It’s crunch time for the Foodie! T-minus 37 days until go time. In this post, I share quick tips for speeding up the meal prep process.
Name another sport where you have to carry the necessary gear in your pack, cover varied terrain, gain and lose elevation, take into account weather changes, and cover great distances on your feet with relatively little rest or outside support day after day. Backpackers are absolutely endurance athletes and should fuel for their adventures accordingly!
You’re not going to tell me Pop-Tarts aren’t ultralight, are you? Actually, that’s exactly what I’m saying. A significant amount of my time over the last year was spent reviewing various blog posts and forums discussing foods typically consumed by thru-hikers.
When buying ultralight gear thru hikers expect high performance for minimal weight. They should have the same performance expectations of food. Thru hikers are known for losing a significant amount of weight ending their trek early.
Let’s get this straight-not all bodies are created equal. But have you ever noticed how nutrition recommendations are a “one size fits all” approach when it comes to backpacking? Furthermore, despite both men and women having similar basic nutrition needs, there is one larger difference to consider for women who hike.
As a result of life in a pandemic, there is a noted focus on health and wellness. This is due to a number of factors. For instance, you may want to have a more positive impact on the environment, save money on groceries, or a stronger immune system to avoid catching COVID-19.
Ever felt your toes tingle, or your calf cramp up when you’re halfway to the top of a mountain peak? Poor blood flow to these areas of the body could be contributing to muscle cramps or a numbness feeling in your toes or fingers.
Post-exercise nutrition is vital for the muscle repair, protein synthesis, prevention of soreness and can increase strength and energy levels the day following an intense day in the backcountry. Building strength and endurance requires stressing the body with specific exercises and then allowing time for recovery and adaptation.
Most meals are built on three main components: carbohydrates, proteins, and fat. While each serves their own purpose, we’ll start with carbohydrates as it generally serves as the foundation for a meal. It’s also the nutrient that plays the most vital role in performing optimally in the backcountry.
Whether you find yourself in a survival situation or just want to try a few backcountry delicacies, expand your outdoor knowledge with this guide exploring some foods that can be foraged, nutrition information, and preparation ideas.
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