Who doesn’t love a good day hike? It is undoubtedly a great way to connect with nature, experience what it feels like to be outside, and learn from your surroundings. But you’ve got a long, fun day ahead of you, and you need to fuel up.
Here are some light backpacking foods to keep you feeling strong and ready to conquer the trail.
Freeze-Dried Meals
Freeze-dried meals are an excellent option for day hiking. They’re lightweight and easy to carry, plus they don’t require any preparation before you eat them; just add hot water!
The main difference between freeze-dried meals and regular freeze-dried foods is that these contain more water than other varieties. It makes them easier to digest, especially if you have an allergy or sensitivity to certain ingredients in your diet.
Lightweight Instant Carbs
Instant oatmeal and rice are both great options for protein and carbs. Instant potatoes, couscous, quinoa, and polenta are good alternatives to trail foods like pasta or grits.
If you are looking for something a little lighter but still highly nutritious, instant meal bars make an excellent addition to your bag!
Energy Gels and Chews
Eating gels and chews is the easiest way to get energy on a long hike. They’re available in many flavours, so pick one that suits your taste. They provide a massive boost of energy. They also come in handy when you need something quick while trailing because they’ll keep hunger pangs at bay for hours.
Nut Butter
These kinds of butter easily add extra nutrients and flavour to your food, especially if you’re hiking for long periods. They can also be made at home without any special equipment or ingredients. All you need is a food processor or a blender and some nuts!
Popular options:
- Peanut butter
- Almond butter
We hope these foods are helpful to you and your adventures. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy yourself!