Food on the Trail, a Beginner’s Guide
Hiking practice
Where to begin?
My wife once told me that she’s third on the list of my favourite things with food being number one! Now I won’t get into that argument, I know better, but food is very important to me, not just from a survival perspective but because I really do enjoy it. Now this preoccupation with food is not just me. When we first start hiking apart from the myriad of equipment choices that we are presented with there is also the question of what do we eat on the trail, how do we carry it and how do we prepare it?The aim of this article is to take some of the angst out of mealtimes for new hikers by providingan overview for quick and easy food options on the trail that doesn’t require much preparation or thought. By keeping food selection simple at the start this will allow you to focus on everything else that is going on.
In future articles we will discuss more complex meal choices including dehydration, cooking and meal preparation on the trail to help widen your menu.
Types of hiking, a broad overview
When talking about food for hiking we first need to consider what types of hiking we are talking about. Day, overnight or multi-day/multi-week hikes each have their own unique challenges and the type of food that you carry will vary for each. Lets look at why.
Day Hikes
Many of us started hiking with simple easier day walks before progressing on to overnight and longer trips and this makes the meal decisions much simpler. When you are hiking for just a single day the sky’s the limit (almost) in what food you can take with you. You still have to carry it but given that you usually aren’t carrying tents and other overnight gear, weight and pack space tends not to be an issue.Unless your are day hiking in very cold conditions cooking is usually not on the cards so the food that you tend to carry can be thrown together at home.
Overnight Hike
If were doing an overnight hike we now have the added burden of our camping equipment as such our pack weight has increased. In most cases for an weekend overnight trip we may have four or maybe five meals to cater for as well as snacks. This is still not a lot of food by any means. On overnight trips you can choose to keep it really simple and bring some pretty fancy food for your nighttime meal. You can also choose to carry some form of camping stove so that you can rehydrate food and to make a hot drink of some sort.
Multiday/multiweek Hikes
This is where it can become difficult. Carrying food for anything up to ten days at a time on the trail is not just a matter of taking one day and multiplying. On extended hikes there are four main considerations:
- Food weight
- For multi-day hikes food is often the biggest individual weight impost and when you carry 7-10 days of food at a time you really want to consider each and every item because the weight adds up. My typical food allotment which I have whittled down over the past 4 years for 10 days weights in around 5.6 kg (12.4 pounds) or 560 grams (dry weight) a day. The food you eat needs to provide the calories to keep you going but not be excessively heavy. Thankfully you will reduce this weight each day as you eat
- Food perishability
- If you are hiking for an extended period whatever food you bring with you must be able to survive being dragged in and out of the pack as well and ensuring that it doesn’t go off. While you may be able to carry perishables for the first day or two that’s about the limit. A good example here is bananas or peaches which will often end up squashed by the time you get around to eating them as well a fresh cheese
- Desirability
- On an extended multi-week trip I go through very defined periods of what I like to eat. A good example here is nuts and as much as I love nuts in my normal day to day life I just can’t handle them on the trail preferring macadamias, pistachios, and cashews. On long trips food gains in importance so its more critical that you enjoy what you eat. Life’s to short to eat food you don’t enjoy so you need to have variety in your hikingdiet
- Calories
- For most of us in our normal day to day life we keep an eye out on how much we eat. In our normal lives the benchmark figure for an adult is around 2000 calories (8700 kilojoules). On an average hiking days where I walk around 13-30 km I use around 4000 calories however on big days I can burn up to 8,000 calories. On my 5 week 2018 Biibulmun track walk I averaged loosing 3kg( 6.6 pounds)/week in weight. This is due to being super active, not having access to junk food and loss of appetite on the trail. What this means for me is that I need to carry food that is calorie dense. The higher the calorie content with good examples being calorie dense food such as macadamia and cashew nuts or nut butters
This photo was our food (for two people) from our 14 day Larapinta Trail hike. Everybody over caters on the Larapinta Trail including us! We’ve learnt since then
Food hygiene
Handling food on the trail is really no different to how you deal with it at home. For some reason though we seem to be willing to take bigger risks and the ‘5 second rule’ becomes the ‘I’ll just pick it up, brush it off and continue eating it rule’. Somehow most of us are still alive so it can’t be all bad. What level of risk you take with food becomes a personal choice but here are some common things to consider.
Mould
Mould is only likely to be an issue on long trips. In researching for this article I came across a number of hiking blogs that discuss mould, particularly in relation to cheese. Food experts will usually advise that it is acceptable to ‘just cut off the mouldy bit’ when we are talking about dryish hard cheese but in doing so recommend that you allow a couple of centimetres on top of the obvious mouldy area just to be sure.Food such as the hard salamis can just have the mould scrubbed of the surface.In relation to other food that is soft and high in moisture e.g. jam, peanut butter and bread, it should be thrown out.
What not to take
Avoid carrying food such as raw meat, particularly chicken unless you have it adequately cooled which usually means a cooler and lots of ice. Not really an option for most hiking scenarios. As previously mentioned avoid soft food such as peaches andbananas. Even apples tend to get bruised on a trip past the first day.
Wash your hands
Washing your hands prior to preparing food is common practice and preparing on the trail is no different. But sometimes its just not possible to wash your hands with water and soap and we have to rely on hand sanitiser instead. Do the best job you can particularly if you are preparing food for others and use utensils where you can rather than your hands.
Don’t share
One habit to avoid is sharing trail mix as you never know how well others have washed their hands. Sharing food is fine but keep everyones hands away from what goes in your mouth.
Hand sanitiser should form part of every hikers kit
The following are some quick and easy options for meals on the trail that don’t rely on cooking and dehydrating meals at home but rather making use of commercially prepared freeze dried meals as well as food options available in most supermarkets. Commercially prepared meals aren’t cheap but they are very easy to prepare and save time. While there needs to be a balance,time saving is my main consideration. As much as I love food, I don’t like cooking on the trail. For me hydrating with cold/hot water is my main form of cooking.
The following are quick, easy to prepare, and simple meals options set out by meal times
Breakfast
Commercially Manufactured cereal (40grams)
- 2.5 Weetbix + 2 tablespoons of powdered milk + water + sugar to taste
- All Bran+ 2 tablespoons of powdered milk + water+ sugar to taste
Overnight Oates
- Tropical Overnight Oates
- Peanut Butter Overnight Oates
I will vary these four options over a multi week trip
Tropical Overnight Oats
Lunch
Wraps
Bread wraps are a quick and easy meal choice
- Wrap with Peanut Butter
- Wrap with Nutella
- Wrap with cheese on shorter hikes
- Wraps with such as Hummus, Black Bean or Broad Bean Dips (or just eat the dip by itself)
Rehydrated Couscous
Couscous is a product that can be rehydrated with either hot or cold water. Here are two options that make lunch nice and easy.
- Pearl Couscous with Vegetables
- Orange and Pistachio Couscous
Fish
Most of the larger supermarkets will sell salmon in foil pouches and these have become very popular with many hikers as both a lunch and dinner option. Campers Pantry now offer Freeze dried options
Foil packed salmon
Peanut Butter has loads of calories. I usually bring a 375gram jar on a 5-7 day hike
Bread wraps
Dinner
As mentioned freeze dried meals are not cheap but they are convenient. Many hikers won’t use them preferring to make their own meals at home and cook/rehydrate on the trail. I am quite happy to use the commercially prepared meals. I like the taste, they are easy to prepare, and they don’t take up time that I don’t have to make. Don’t get me wrong there are times when I will make my own food. When you first start out use the commercial meals until you know what you like.
At the time of writing this article here are my top 10 freeze dried meal choices that are readily available on the market. These ten meals are those Gill and I both like but they may not suit everyones tastes.
Freeze dried meals are a good option for dinners on the trail. Everyone has unique tastes so choose something that you like
Snacks
There are a huge amount of snacks on the market and this is one of those food options where each of us knows what they like:
Sweet Treats
- Dried fruit
- Nuts
- Trail mix
- Chocolate
- Muslei bars are all good options
For a full write up of my current sweet snack selection go here
Savoury Treats
- Cheese
- Choose a hard cheese that is low in moisture and wrap in a cloth
- Parmesan, Grana Padano, Swiss Gruyere, Cheddar, Gouda and Mozzarella are all good choices
- Processed cheese may not taste as good but it’s great for longer trips
- Find out more about cheese for hiking here
- Salami
- Choose hard and dry varieties but eat within about three days
Cheese options on the trail
Kooee Jerky. This product is not cheap however this is the best jerky that I have come across to date
Drinks
Tea, herbal tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cups of soup are all options for hot hiking drinks. I tend to stick with hot chocolate and herbal teas with the occasional cup of soup thrown in
Hot Chocolate comes in small sachets
Last words
We hope this overview has helped, particularly if you are new to hiking. As you become hooked on hiking and camping your meal repertoire will expand as you gain in skill and learn what you do or don’t like. What it comes down to in the end is if you don’t like it you will struggle to eat it so only bring food that you enjoy.
Related articles
Australian Hiker Newsletter
All comments will be moderated prior to publishing
2 responses to “Food on the Trail, a Beginner’s Guide”
melanoma says:
September 14, 2022 at 2:53 pm
Ԍood рost. I will be goіng throuɡh some of these іssues
as well..Reply
(Video) Hiking for beginners | 6 things to know to get started hiking!Tim Savage says:
September 18, 2022 at 6:51 am
🙂
Reply
Leave a Reply
FAQs
What is the most common mistakes first time hikers make? ›
- Planning a Hike That's Too Ambitious.
- Not Checking the Weather Before a Hike.
- Wearing the Wrong Clothing.
- Assuming Getting Help or Amenities Will Be Easy.
- Not Bringing Enough Food and Water.
- Not Learning How to Use Important Gear.
You'll want to know where you are and where you're going at all times, but you will also want to know where all the campsites, emergency exits, water sources and rest areas are located. The American Hiking Society recommends bringing along a map or compass — even if you have a GPS as a backup.
What are the basic skills in hiking? ›- Plan your Trip. As with many things, the devil is in the detail when it comes to walking; as the saying goes, if you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail! ...
- Be Equipped. ...
- Check the Conditions. ...
- Pick your Shoes and Socks Wisely. ...
- Pace Yourself. ...
- Leave No Trace.
- The Classic. Tomato paste (buy it in a trail-friendly tube) Pepperoni. Manchego (or other hard cheese)
- The Ocean's Bounty. 6.5-oz. tuna pouch (makes two wraps) Cheddar cheese. ...
- The Veggie. 3oz. hummus. Sliced peppers.
The best thing you can do when hiking is to remember the “golden rule”: treat others the way you would want to be treated. Here are some main points of hiking etiquette. Hikers coming uphill have the right of way. If you're descending the trail, step aside and give space to the people climbing up.
What should you not do while hiking? ›- Never go off the trail. ...
- Never play loud music. ...
- Never wear headphones while walking. ...
- Never drink alcohol while hiking. ...
- Never eat wild fruits. ...
- Never litter. ...
- Never attend nature's call near the stream. ...
- Never ignore any medical condition.
- Tip #1 – Get the gear. Reduce the risk of injury by having good gear and being properly prepared for the hike. ...
- Tip #2 – Map it out. ...
- Tip #3 – Hydrate. ...
- Tip #4 – Extra layers. ...
- Tip #5 – The buddy system. ...
- Tip #6 – Don't light fires on any mountain. ...
- Tip #7 – Never underestimate.
If you're just starting out, pick a hike under 5 miles with minimal climbing. If you want to do a longer hike, make a training plan in advance. Do an extra mile or two each week and build up to your target distance.
What 4 essential checklists are needed when hiking? ›- Base Layer. Underwear: cotton underwear can absorb sweat and leave you soaked, so opt for a pair of synthetic, moisture-wicking underwear to stay dry on your day hike. ...
- Footwear. ...
- Rainy Weather Clothing. ...
- Cold Weather Clothing. ...
- Food and Water. ...
- Health and Safety Items. ...
- Hiking Accessories.
Strength Training
Build up your strength by regularly taking part in resistance training a couple of times a week. Concentrate on increasing the strength in your legs, glutes and core muscles. Exercises such as calf raises, squats and lunges are a fantastic way of preparing your muscles for a mountain hike.
Should I put Vaseline on my feet before a hike? ›
Consider a Quality Lubricant
If you're prone to chafing, rub your feet and between your toes with Vaseline, A&D or Aquaphor before putting your socks on to help deter hot spots from forming. “One thing every marathoner will tell you is to use Vaseline, whether you're running or hiking,” Dr. Dobrusin said.
In fact, you should always leave it at home. Why? Because deodorant does more than banish odors; it smells sweet and attracts bugs and other wildlife, including bears. After a few days without deodorant, you'll get accustomed to your new, “natural” odor.
What is the best food to take hiking? ›- Trail mix.
- Nuts, seeds, nut-based bars or nut butter packs.
- Fresh, whole fruit that doesn't require refrigeration such as apples, bananas and oranges.
- Dried or freeze-dried fruits and veggies.
- Energy bars, chews or gels.
- Granola or granola bars.
- Ready-made tuna salad pouches.
- Whole-grain tortillas.
Banana-blaze (verb) – To follow a man down the trail out of romantic interests, usually done by a woman.
What should you not forget on a hiking trip? ›- Hiking backpack.
- Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)
- Hiking boots or shoes.
- Plenty of food.
- Plenty of water.
- Navigation tools such as a map and compass.
- First-aid kit.
- Knife or multi-tool.
Most people will plan to hike 3-10 miles per day, depending on what shape you're in and how much elevation gain there is.
Should you drink water during a hike? ›Water is your most essential necessity on a hike. It's a vital ingredient to life and you should consume it in plenty when you're doing something active like hiking. But staying hydrated on the trail poses some issues that we don't often encounter in our modern everyday water drinking.
Is it OK to wear shorts on a hike? ›Shorts give you ultimate freedom and are also cooler than pants, so if you're going on a low-altitude summer hike, you'll most likely be in good shape.
What is yellow blazing? ›Yellow Blazing — Similar to “blue blazing” (above), yellow blazing is when Appalachian Trail hikers “cheat” by getting driven further up the trail. Zero Day — Often referred to as “taking a zero,” this applies to rest days on long hikes where zero miles are covered.
What happens to your body if you hike everyday? ›Like most cardio exercises, hiking helps reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even some cancers. Hiking is a weight-bearing exercise, which builds muscle mass and helps prevent osteoporosis.
Why do uphill hikers have the right of way? ›
Right of way for hikers
When you're going downhill, yield to those going uphill. This is a courtesy to uphill hikers, since it takes much more energy to go uphill than down. Although mountain bikers are technically supposed to yield to hikers, it's better to be safe than right.
- Run/Walk.
- Start Weight Training.
- Try Hill Intervals.
- Increase Your Exercise Frequency.
- Work on Your Breathing Technique.
- Build Mental Toughness.
Stronger legs and core muscles will better support the load in your pack and help you hike harder, longer. Build endurance in those same muscle groups, as well as the shoulders and lower back, because hiking can be an all-day activity.
Can you lose weight hiking? ›In general, hiking burns more calories than walking because it utilizes steeper paths. Yet, per half an hour, hiking burns fewer calories than running. This form of outdoor exercise offers several benefits, including improvements in weight loss, mental health, and lower body strength.
How far can a beginner hike in a day? ›As a beginner, you should plan on a max of 8-10 miles in a single day. Your body is not used to hiking those distances, especially if you are carrying a fully loaded backpack.
Which item is not considered essential to bring on a hike? ›- Entire Guide Books. What is this? ...
- An Extra Set of Clothes. Layers are great on the trail, and being prepared for inclement weather is definitely a good idea. ...
- Sock Liners. ...
- Brand New Hiking Boots. ...
- A Full First Aid Kit. ...
- A Book. ...
- Expensive Camera Gear. ...
- Pack Covers.
- Hiking Boots or Athletic Shoes. Make sure to choose footwear that will keep you safe on the trail. ...
- Water. Always carry water with you while hiking. ...
- Navigation. ...
- Food. ...
- Sunscreen and Insect Repellent. ...
- Rain Gear and Extra Clothing. ...
- First Aid Kit. ...
- Headlamp or Flashlight.
4. Take a shower before going hiking (see #3 for what not to use in the shower). 5. It appears from research that mosquitoes see dark objects more easily than light ones.
What to talk about during hiking? ›- Would You Rather — Backpacking Edition. ...
- Most Memorable Camping Experience. ...
- National Parks. ...
- One Backpacking Item You Couldn't Live Without. ...
- Zombie Apocolypse Survival Strategies. ...
- Favorite Food to Eat After a Long Hike. ...
- Two Truths and a Lie. ...
- Where Would You Go?
2 of the best exercises for hiking are running up hills and stairs. For non-runners, brisk walking to the top is still useful. Running hills or stair climbing builds strength and stamina to tackle the steepest parts of your hike. Any hill or staircase will do the trick.
How often should you eat while hiking? ›
Eat Small and Often
Snacking regularly (every one to two hours), as opposed to three big set meals a day, is conducive to a more efficient hiking approach. You are not as weighed down with a full stomach, your muscles won't be as stiff because your breaks aren't as long and it's better for your digestive system.
Hiking can help most people build leg muscle. If you're an advanced weightlifter or athlete, hiking won't increase muscle hypertrophy, but you can still improve your endurance and cardiovascular system.
Should you wear two socks when hiking? ›Wearing two pairs of socks while hiking can help to prevent blisters, keep odors under control, keep your feet warm, and aid in wicking away moisture from your feet. On the other hand, doubling up on socks may be too tight, make your feet too warm, or may not fit in your hiking boots or shoes.
What should I do the night before a hike? ›The night before a hike, eat a meal full of complex carbohydrates, like those found in starchy foods including whole grain pasta, rice, sweet potatoes and beans. Complex carbs are important for hiking because your body digests them more slowly than simple carbs, like in fruit.
Should you hike with two pairs of socks? ›When you're hiking in hot weather, or if the trail is physically demanding, usually two pairs of socks will make your feet sweat much quicker. It might still be manageable, but you'll have to stop more often to switch to dry pairs while the other ones dry out if you want to avoid blisters.
What colors should you not wear hiking? ›Because of that concept, some campers believe that dark colors aren't a good idea to wear while hiking. At the bare minimum, you should have some kind of bright clothing item within easy reach. Dark colors make it more difficult for would-be rescuers to find you if an accident occurs.
What shoes not to wear while hiking? ›Flimsy Shoes
When you're hiking, shoes are the most crucial thing to consider. Avoid wearing shoes that are: Flimsy: Proper foot placement on rocks or along rivers won't be easy. Uncomfortable: Shoes that don't fit right may cause blisters or make walking difficult.
While leggings generally perform well on shorter hikes in pleasant conditions and on well-groomed trails, hiking pants are ideal for multi-day backpacking trips and technical hikes, as durability and moisture-wicking properties become essential.
Is it good to eat a banana before a hike? ›Pre-workout meals
Bananas also famously contain potassium, which helps your muscles work properly. These benefits make them a great healthy snack to eat for energy before a hike, during a break in your day, or when you're cooling down.
Bananas are another perfect food to eat before a hike as they provide healthy carbohydrates and are rich in potassium and vitamin B6. Bananas may even be as effective as a carbohydrate drink for delivering energy during endurance workouts.
What drinks are good for hiking? ›
- Before beginning, you should drink one or two cups of water, juice, or a sport drink.
- Limit the amount of caffeine drinks such as coffee and colas because caffeine increases fluid loss.
- Hiking backpack.
- Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)
- Hiking boots or shoes.
- Plenty of food.
- Plenty of water.
- Navigation tools such as a map and compass.
- First-aid kit.
- Knife or multi-tool.
"Exercise can also improve blood circulation, reduce or prevent high blood pressure, improve heart function and decrease the risk of developing diabetes," he continues. "Moderate to high intensity aerobic activity can increase the benefit and this might include hiking uphill or carrying a heavy backpack."
At what age should you stop hiking? ›If you're worried about being “too old” to hike, don't. Many people enjoy hiking well into their 60s, 70s, and even 80s. You don't have to take the steepest, most challenging path. A simple stroll around your neighborhood can be a great way to enjoy a hike.
What is the best hiking food? ›- Trail mix.
- Nuts, seeds, nut-based bars or nut butter packs.
- Fresh, whole fruit that doesn't require refrigeration such as apples, bananas and oranges.
- Dried or freeze-dried fruits and veggies.
- Energy bars, chews or gels.
- Granola or granola bars.
- Ready-made tuna salad pouches.
- Whole-grain tortillas.
Yes, hiking can help you lose belly fat. While you can't spot-reduce fat, you can engage in physical activity that burns fat all over your body, including your belly. Hiking is a type of exercise that can include aerobic exercise (cardio, to strengthen heart and lungs) and anaerobic (to build muscle mass).
What are hiker legs? ›Long-distance hikers often talk about getting their trail legs, the superhero-like state where their leg muscles adapt to the callousing daily mileage and recover in time to rinse and repeat each day. Turns out there's a physiological reason for this called neuromuscular adaptation.
What are the disadvantages of hiking? ›Other Disadvantages Of Hiking
You fall in love with hiking so much that you then hate that you don't have enough time to do other things. You start to want to explore more trails but can't find the time. Your ability to hike may be limited to your actual location. Some of your favorite trails may be extremely busy.