Surviving the Wilderness: Your Complete 8-Day Backpacking Menu
As an avid backpacker, nothing beats the feeling of heading out into the wilderness and roughing it for a few days. However, one of the biggest challenges any backpacker faces is ensuring that they have enough food to sustain them throughout their journey. A well-planned backpacking menu can make all the difference between a successful and enjoyable trip, and one where you’re relying on your willpower to overcome hunger.
In this article, we’ll be discussing how to plan your backpacking menu for a complete 8-day trip. We’ll walk you through the process of selecting the right food items, calculating the appropriate portions, and packing them for your journey. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Selecting the Right Foods
When selecting foods for your backpacking menu, it’s essential to choose items that are high in calories, easy to prepare, and lightweight. Here are some examples of suitable food items for your backpacking trip:
– Instant oatmeal and dried fruits for breakfast
– Energy bars, nuts, and trail mix for snacking
– Instant noodles and dehydrated soups for lunch and dinner
– Jerky, canned tuna, and powdered eggs for protein
– Instant coffee and tea bags for hot beverages
You should also ensure that you’re packing enough electrolyte replacements in the form of sports drinks or electrolyte tablets. These will help you replenish the salts and minerals that you lose through sweating, and help avoid dehydration.
Step 2: Calculating Portion Sizes
Once you’ve selected your food items, the next step is to calculate your portion sizes. As a general rule, backpackers should aim for around 3,000-4,000 calories per day, depending on their age, weight, and activity levels. Make sure to pack a bit extra just in case you need it, but avoid packing too much since this will only weigh you down.
To calculate how much you need, look at each item’s calorie content and adjust the portions accordingly. Most food items will have the calorie amount listed on their packaging, so make sure to look out for it.
Step 3: Packing Your Food
Now that you have your food items and portion sizes sorted, it’s time to pack them for your backpacking trip. Here are some things to keep in mind:
– Use lightweight and compact containers to store your food.
– Pack items that are easy to access like snacks and water bottles.
– Keep your perishable items like fresh fruits and vegetables in the middle of your backpack, so they’re less likely to get crushed.
– Avoid packing items that will leak or spill like oil or honey.
Conclusion
Planning your backpacking menu might seem daunting, but with the right preparation, it can be an enjoyable experience. By selecting the right food items, calculating your portions, and packing your food correctly, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy a successful 8-day backpacking trip. So, go ahead and plan your backpacking menu, and enjoy the stunning scenery, peace, and tranquility that the wilderness has to offer!
