So you have some outdoor adventures coming up this summer?! …
Have you thought about what you will do for food??
Too often this question is left unanswered, until you’re packing to leave. The default is a drop in at the grocery store on your way out of town for a handful of protein bars, trail mix, Gatorade and maybe a bag of chips for the ride. Sub-par nutrition for the activity you about to embark on.
With this food approach, at the minimum you are gone half a day hiking moderate terrain in moderate conditions and it’s no big deal; other times you are gone for one or more days of high exertion in variable weather and find yourself dehydrated, fatigued, and in the long run malnourished or sick in the days to follow.
My advice is to BE PREPARED for all outdoor adventure occasions with nourishing food to maximize your experience and come back home refreshed from the experience.
Here are some tips on where to start. Also check out my past article Camping Fare for more ideas.
Day adventures
Outdoor activity is best fueled with low fiber, high nutrient and energy dense food with adequate water content. Preparing your own food is the best way to accomplish this.
Example meals/snacks
- boiled eggs
- ants on a log (celery and peanut butter with raisins)
- nut butter and banana sandwich, maybe with some honey?!
- cheese sandwich
- smoked salmon wrap
- homemade energy bites or granola bars
- dried fruit
- nut mix
Camping adventures
Camping for multiple days of daily activity, with a cold food storage available to you.
Prep ahead
- Cut veggies and fruit
- Cut cheese or meats into slices
- Put bulk items into smaller containers: nuts/seeds, crackers, granola, jerky, cheese, hummus, condiments, etc.
Make ahead, with option to freeze in advance (and double as ice packs in the cooler!) These heat up great as one pot meals on stove top or over fire.
- Examples:
- Chili, stews, soups
- Pasta and sauce
- Pancakes/waffles
- Burritos
- Rice and beans
- Sausage and potatoes (add veggies for stir-fry in camp)
- Tuna/salmon/egg salad or dip
- Lasagna
- Enchiladas
- Casseroles
Fluids!
Bring plenty; carry more than you think you will need when you are out and about, or know there is an alternative source available to you.
Know before you go:
- Is there somewhere to fill up drinkable water? At your camp? On the trail?
- Should you carry a water filter or iodine tablets when away from camp?
- How will you carry water during activity?
Best rule is to drink water every 20 minutes, with food every hour
Fluid sources besides water:
- Cooked meals
- Fruits and veggies
- Coffee or tea
- (dry bars and trim mixes will require more fluid intake)
