The Ultimate Long Distance Hiker's Guide to Meal Planning

Planning meals for a long distance hike can be daunting, but it's essential to ensure you have the energy to go the distance. This comprehensive guide will help you plan and prepare meals that are nutritious, lightweight, and easy to prepare on the trail.

The Hungry Spork: A Long Distance Hiker's Guide to Meal Planning

by Inga Aksamit

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	34190 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	212 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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1. Planning Your Meals

The first step in meal planning for a long distance hike is to determine your daily calorie needs. This will vary depending on your age, weight, height, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to aim for 2,500 to 3,500 calories per day.

Once you know your calorie needs, you can start to plan your meals. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Variety: Eating a variety of foods is important for getting the nutrients you need. Make sure your meals include a mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
• Calorie density: The calorie density of a food is the number of calories it contains per gram. When choosing foods for your hike, aim for foods that are high in calorie density. This will help you save weight and space.
• Shelf life: Some foods have a longer shelf life than others. When planning your meals, try to choose foods that will stay fresh for several days.
• Ease of preparation: You'll be tired after a long day of hiking, so it's important to choose meals that are easy to prepare. Avoid recipes that require a lot of cooking or preparation time.

2. Food Choices

Here are some popular food choices for long distance hikers:

• Breakfast: Oatmeal, granola, breakfast bars, fruit, yogurt
• Lunch: Sandwiches, wraps, trail mix, energy bars, fruit, vegetables
• Dinner: Freeze-dried meals, pasta dishes, rice dishes, stew, soup
• Snacks: Nuts, seeds, fruit, energy gels, candy

3. Packing Your Food

Once you've planned your meals, it's time to pack your food. Here are a few tips:

• Use lightweight containers: Every ounce counts when you're backpacking, so choose lightweight containers for your food.
• Pack food in small portions: This will make it easier to eat on the trail.
• Keep food organized: Use ziploc bags, food storage containers, or mesh bags to keep your food organized and easy to find.

4. Cooking on the Trail

If you're planning on cooking on the trail, you'll need to bring a stove and fuel. Here are a few tips for cooking on the trail:

• Choose a fuel that is efficient and easy to use.
• Bring a pot and utensils that are lightweight and easy to clean.
• Keep your cooking area clean. This will help to prevent food from spoiling.

5. Eating on the Trail

Eating on the trail is different than eating at home. Here are a few tips for eating on the trail:

• Eat regularly. Don't wait until you're starving to eat. Eat small snacks throughout the day to keep your energy levels up.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and headaches.
• Take breaks to eat. Don't try to eat while you're hiking. Take breaks to sit down and eat your meals.

Meal planning for a long distance hike is essential to ensure you have the energy to go the distance. By following the tips in this guide, you can plan and prepare meals that are nutritious, lightweight, and easy to prepare on the trail.

The Hungry Spork: A Long Distance Hiker's Guide to Meal Planning

by Inga Aksamit

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	34190 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	212 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE