Billy Brown
Outdoor enthusiasts are active, and replacing the calories expended by a full day in the outdoors isn't always easy. Backpacking food has a tall order to fill. It needs to be calorie-dense enough to satisfy an appetite charged by an active day but light enough to bring with you in your pack. When you're looking for food to bring on your trip, look for foods that pack lots of calories (and taste) into small packages.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is a classic backpacking food. It's calorie-rich, tasty, lasts long and can be fairly cheap if you make it yourself. It can be bought pre-packaged, but if you mix it yourself, you can customize it any way you'd like. Start with a base of nuts, then add dried fruits for flavor and a sugar boost. Try raisins, dried mangoes and dried apricots. Throw in some M&Ms or chocolate chips if you've got a sweet tooth.
Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is a great snack when you're backpacking. The protein will keep you full longer than starches, you don't have to worry about crushing it in a pack or spilling it, and it never goes bad. Oberto's and Pemmican jerky have great texture, and come in several flavors, but they can be pricey. If price is an issue, look for cheaper bulk bags.
Freeze-Dried Meals
Freeze-dried foods might take longer to prepare than a handful of nuts, but after a day of hiking in the snow, few things are more satisfying than a warm meal. Mountain House has a variety of meals, including breakfasts, entrees, vegetables and desserts that cost about $10 or less as of 2009.
About The Author
Billy Brown is an outdoor sports writer living in Northern California.
An avid rock climber and trail runner, he's been writing about outdoor activities, fitness and gear for 5 years. He regularly contributes to The Record Searchlight, uncooped.com, and trails.com as well as other print and online publications. He has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Simpson University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer.
