Food To Bring On A Backpacking Trip

Optimum nutrition is crucial on backpacking trips, especially if they are long, strenuous and when weather conditions are severe, says June Flemming in "The Well-Fed Backpacker." Consuming the right foods is not only essential for stamina, but it's also beneficial for preventing illness and injury.

Significance

A poorly fed backpacker, says Flemming, is more susceptible to fatigue, as well as hypothermia, frostbite and other harmful conditions. Prevention depends, in large part, to eating the right foods. In addition, your snacks and meals need to be nonperishable, easy to prepare and light when your pack is full of equipment and apparel.

Nutrition

Depending on the weight of your pack, the terrain you're covering and the weather, backpacking may entail vigorous activity and exposure to extreme conditions. You may need to consume 2,000 to 3,000 more calories per day than usual, half of which should come from carbohydrates, one-quarter from fats and the rest from proteins. Carbohydrates are rapidly digested and provide immediate energy boosts. Energy from protein and fats are steadily absorbed and supply your body with fuel over longer periods of time.

Food to Bring

According to Backpacking-Guide, for an on-the-go energy boost, carbohydrate-rich snacks such as breads, crackers, candy bars and dried fruits and vegetables are effective. Potatoes, rice and pasta are also efficient sources of carbohydrates and may be included in main meals. For long-term energy, protein and fats can from foods such as canned meat, jerky, cheddar cheese, nuts and chocolate. Freeze-dried meals are a suitable option as they are high in nutrients and light in weight. For extra flavor, pack seasoning and spices to add to meals.

Planning

When preparing for your trip, plan your meals according to a daily schedule. Then, pack your food into bags labeled for each meal. This will enable you to accurately measure the necessary quantities of food each day and help you locate meals easily.

Considerations

It is important to remember that because foods rich in protein and fat take longer to digest, eating too large a quantity of either food group during, or just before, activity may increase the risk of indigestion and cramping. Eat small quantities of fat and protein with breakfast and lunch, and save larger amounts for dinner or meals before extended rest periods. Eat plenty of carbohydrate-rich snacks between meals. The only exception to this rule is when it's cold, you may consume additional fat and protein as they generate more body heat than carbohydrates when metabolized.