What do you eat on the trail?

jagwab

Always looking for ideas for the trail. I don't have a dehydrator so I can't do stuff myself.

I always tend to eat processed carbs. Mac and cheese etc.
I don't tend to worry about the dinners but during the day is the rough time for me.
I don't like to eat a bug lunch and tend to graze throughout the day

Any and all ideas are welcome

trail_rnr

I kind of munch all day, too. I like to bring nuts (especially almonds and pistachios), dried fruit (especially dried apples and dried cherries), and Lara bars. If I am going to stop for a more substantial meal, I'll bring some soft flatbread and those little foil packages of tuna. I always have some high GI carbs handy for a little pick me up. I like gummy bears because they are sturdy and ride well in the pocket of my waist belt. I don't eat a lot of them, but when I do eat them they are such a treat!

For dinners I always plan ahead at home and make up the meals before I go. I like this book a lot:

http://www.amazon.com/Lipsmackin-Vegetarian-Backpackin-Christine-Conners/dp/0762725311

(and I'm not a vegetarian!)

For some of the recipes you don't need a dehydrator. But, you know, you can dehydrate things in your oven!

idahopacker

I carry trail mix, jerky and apple wedges on every outing. On long hikes, I usually carry Mountain House freeze-dried foods, whole fruits and bagels.

jagwab

I may carry a piece of fruit or 2 at the beginning of a trip. But when you are having to carry food for 5 and 6 days that gets heavy.

idahopacker

I may carry a piece of fruit or 2 at the beginning of a trip. But when you are having to carry food for 5 and 6 days that gets heavy.

I break out the dehydrator for anything beyond two nights. I don't like to pack with more than 70 pounds on my back. Ray Jardine's books on lightweight backpacking provide some food suggestions and tips on reducing the load.

rmsturdy

Cliff bars, something sweet (usually orange slices or jelly beans) for a quick energy boost, trail mix and some gel packs. Long hikes: add dehydrated meals, coffee (I have a portable press/mug), a water bottle of condensed milk (in place of creamer/sugar), hot cocoa mix, peanut butter, oatmeal and jerky.