ANSWERS: 1
  • Hiking food should be lightweight, nonperishable, easily packed and nutritious. You can plan to bring food that meets all these requirements if you do a little thinking ahead. Also remember to plan options for members of the hiking party that may have food allergies or special diets, and always bring plenty of water when hiking. Figure on bringing about two pounds of food per person per day.

    Day Hiking

    You have plenty of options when day hiking, since you can bring food that is not long-term stable but does fine for a day. Hard-boiled eggs, firm cheeses and deli meat sandwiches are good choices for most day hikes, but don't add dairy products like mayonnaise or cream cheese, and don't bring packaged milk to drink. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches also are a good choice for those who don't eat meat. For packability, use whole wheat or other firm bread, like pitas, instead of soft white bread that will end up squished. Firm-skinned fruit like apples and oranges is a good, filling snack, as are cut vegetables like carrots, celery and broccoli.

    Weekend Trips

    Assuming that you bring a camp stove to cook dinner on at the end of the day when taking an overnight hike, you have plenty of options for good hiking food. Lean toward fiber and protein instead of junk food, since you'll be burning lots of energy during your hike. Bagels, granola and cereal are good options for breakfast, while lunch can be nuts, hard cheese, smoked or preserved meats like salami and jerky, peanut butter and crackers or pita sandwiches. Firm-skinned fruit will stay good through a weekend in all but the hottest climates. Canned hash or soup is a satisfying camp stove dinner, but it does weigh more than other packaged foods. Boxed macaroni and cheese or pasta are good lightweight choices, as are ramen noodles and instant potatoes and rice.

    Long Trips

    For longer trips, focus on weight and nutrition. The instant pasta, rice, potatoes and soups are still a good idea, but also look into freeze-dried foods, which are the lightest around and only require you to add water for dinner or lunch. You can add vegetables back in to your hiking diet with freeze-dried packages, and a wide variety are available. Take along packets of Parmesan cheese, dried herbs and other spices, and salt and pepper to vary the fare even more and add flavor to bland dishes. On long hikes, avoid any canned or bottled foods, as they weigh too much to be hauling around with everything else you need. If you need to, repack such foods in light plastic bags or containers.

    Source:

    GORP

    Hiking Trip Planner

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