With summer around the corner it is time to start thinking about what to pack when you go hiking. You have probably heard that it’s always best to pack plenty of water and a first aid kit because you never know what will happen while out in nature. There are some simple things you should always carry with you to ensure you are prepared for any situation you may encounter. The key is to feed yourself well and have a good snack to power you through the day on your way to the next camp site or trail. Following the food tips below which will keep you energized, hydrated, and help you keep fit to complete your hike properly, safely, and efficiently to end your adventure successfully.
If you are going to be staying at one of the larger outdoor campsites, have a full day planned ahead of time when you want to pack a lunch. The first thing you need to do is to stop at a gas station or camping store that has a refrigerator in case you need to stock up on drinks, coffee, or snacks before you start hiking toward your campsite. The main meal of the day should consist of a hearty breakfast of breads, fruit, cereal, eggs, or a bagel and milk for an energy boost. If you are hiking into areas where lunch may be scarce or expensive, it is wise to take a packed lunch that has some of your essential food items along with it. That way you will be prepared and will not waste time trying to find something to eat at the site of your choice.
Another food tip to follow is to pack snacks for your on the go lifestyle. Hiking long distance can make your stomach growl so make sure to bring energy boosting snacks that can give you a short burst of energy to get you through your hikes. For example, potato chips and peanut butter for energy and snack time. Also, don’t forget to have a handful of trail mix to munch on during your meals. Trail mix is packed with calories and carbs that can keep you motivated and up for your hikes but remember to keep your backpack light! There are now a good selection of freeze dried foods which are packaged in light packaging and easy to carry and make!
Something else to remember about packing food for long distance hikes is to stay hydrated! Dehydration can become a big problem during your hikes if you don’t have a steady stream of water to sip. Water is great to drink while hiking because it will keep your body functioning properly. It will also give you extra energy to hike even when you have been hiking for a while. If you don’t have access to water, make sure you pack plenty of fresh drinking water to refill yourself between hikes.
One last food tip for long day hikes is to eat lots of snacks! The snacks you choose to take with you will vary depending on what you are hiking to accomplish. For instance, if you are looking to get some exercise, you may want to buy a sugar-free energy bar to fuel you up throughout your hike. If you are just looking to buy some food for a picnic, you can grab a granola bars or honey bars as your snacking options.
If you are serious about packing food for a long hike, you need to start learning how to pack the right foods for your trip. Don’t forget to pack a healthy lunch that has plenty of fruits, vegetables and protein. Don’t forget your sunscreen! And make sure to pack a bottle of water regularly to keep yourself hydrated and energized throughout the day. These simple tips can help make long days out in the woods more fun.
