Backpacking Expedition Food

The food you pack into the back country is going to be your main source of nutrients that keeps your blood pumping for the duration of your trip and you want to make sure that it is full of protein, carbs, and vitamins. When you are hiking up hills and down vast Vally's it is essential that your body get the full amount of nutrients needed. So I am going to tell you what I bring on my trips. Why I bring them and what they provide for the body. Also I am going to tell you some recipes that can be whipped up off of a Back country stove.

If you like to mix it up a little bit and are tired of frieze dried meals in a bag then this menu is perfect for you.

BREAKFAST 

A very nice addition to any camping/hiking trip is a well rounded meal. Some of us need the extra boost in the morning and some of us don't. If you are a person who does need a nice meal early then we have the best one for you. The meal consists of oatmeal grains and some dried nuts. you heat a pan up so that it is more than hot to the touch and pour in some butter. Make sure it is melted and then add in some brown sugar. White sugar can also work. Next you will to add in the oatmeal grains, granola grains and the nuts. After theses have cooked up you can throw in some raisins, Mellon, mango, or what ever you like. Serve hot or cold.
Fruit!!!!
 Remember that when you are on the trail staying hydrated is very important! If the fruit you are going to use is dried make sure you soak them in water first so that they have a little time to rehydrate. The juice from the water is good to drink after hydration. Doing this does a number of thing like help with digestion and prevent the dried fruit from draining water that is in your system. Also if you are eating dried fruit drink alot of water!!



LUNCH   


                when on the trail most don't like to stop to cook and eat a meal. For this fact I have chosen a snack that  many can relate to and one that will be fast and convenient . Trail mix is a very popular item that many bring with them but one that can have a variety of mixtures. The one that I prefer to most is one that will offer the protein, carbs, and nutritional balance that is needing during a long hike. To get protein you should add peanuts, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, or any other nut that will offer the nice protein boost. Now getting your fix of carbs can be easy or hard. You can add some dried crackers or add some crutons.  The nutrients all come from fruit's! Dried apples, mango's, pears, strawberry's, Orange's, etc. But what it really comes down to is you finding what you like to eat and mixing it up to give you a well balanced trail snack. Just remember that your body is a well oiled machine and requires a well balanced fuel.







DINNER


Back Country Pizza



Nutrition on the Trail (important for your survival)

The amount of food you pack on your trip is going to depend on your personal needs and caloric consumption. Not all of us are built the same therefore we will not all consume or burn the same amount of calories. This is not a topic to sweat about but one that should be at the front of your mind so that you can have a healthier, safer trip into the backcountry. There are many meals that offer pre-quota calorie amounts but rarely go by body size or metabolism. Here at Tough Gear we want you to eat good and healthy while in the backcountry! So we are going to break down backcountry nutrition by applying the Tough Gear Challenge to multiple kinds of trail food. This is a first so let us know what you think.

If you are not familiar with The Tough Gear Challenge it is a set criteria for testing backcountry and front country gear. It includes Durability, Affordability, Packability, and Versatility. We are now going to apply this to some trail foods that we have used and enjoyed on the trail! We are going to call it The Tough Gear Food Challenge!!

The Most important thing you can put into your body while on the trail is carbohydrates and fats. They both are filled with calories that will keep you going and will last longer than basic sugars. However a balance in your nutritional diet is very important. Sugars will give you the fast fix of energy that is needed to get going in the morning and a nice amount of carbs, and fats offer endurance energy so you will be able to keep going on those long days of bushwhacking. No matter how you choose to ration you trail food always having the best and most vital nutritional needs is key to a successful trip. Having the best food does not always mean the most expensive!! Remember this when it comes to buying pre-packaged foods. You can often find good inexpensive trail mixes at your local Whole foods and can pack your rations on personal preference. Our First Test is coming Soon!!