Hiking... food suggestions

ElaineP

Cathlete
My son(11 yrs old) and husband are going on an overnight hike. They need to bring lunch,dinner, breakfast and snacks with them.
What are some foods that you bring with you?

I've never hiked before and neither has my husband.
We need help.

Thanks,
Elaine
 
Trail mix was made for hiking! Used to be called "gorp" (good old raisins and peanuts). Instead of buying the roasted, salted nut version, make a healthier version on your own. Soak some raw almonds overnight, drain and let dry (soaking activates the enzymes). Add dried fruit like raisins, goji berries (very nutritious, taste like a cross between cranberries and cherries), chopped figs, and other raw unsalted nuts like cashews, and seeds like pumpkin.
 
If you're going to need all 3 meals then I would suggest a jar of PB-shelf and temp stable for a hike this short. They are also going to need concentrated enegry, good carbs, and protein in order to sustain their energy so you might try whole wheat bagels, tortilla wraps/flatbreads (to go with the peanut butter of course:) )
Dried fruit and fruits like apples/bananas/oranges/tomatoes/pears/avocados--things that don't need refrigeration and little prep are great.
Consider dehydrated soups/veggies mixes they have lots of options for these now. If you eat fish there a shelf stable packs of tuna/tuna and crackers that they might also enjoy.
And make sure that they take more water/sports drinks than they think they'll need.
Have fun,
Mattea
 
I suggest you go to your local outdoors store (REI for example) and talk to someone in the Camping department. There are a ton of dried food options that is light and portable.
 
Thank you for all your suggestions.

I had planned on making a trail mix for them. I guess I wasn't thinking about dried food. That is a great idea.
 
PBand J ON bagels - don't pack bread as it will get smooshed.

Hard boiled eggs in a baggie with shells off - salt and pepper them as well.

Trail mix - especially the kind with dried fruit

And of course the dried foods at REI, like others said. I tend to carry something (usually trail mix or wheat thins) in a pocket and munch as we go. I "bonked" one time and that was enough. I always make sure I eat enough.
 
Wow! great ideas.

My son has food allergies, so I am trying to work around them. They have a trip with his Scout Troop to West Point. They will be hiking and sleeping out for two nights. I was agonizing(sp?) over the food, but you all have given me some great ideas.

Thanks
 
Are they bringing a stove? Pasta is pretty easy to make. You can bring a can or jar of sauce and garnish it with sundried tomatoes and cheese. Cheese travels surprising well on a hike, if you don't mind it sweating a bit. They could make cheese sandwiches, though regular bread packs poorly and pita or bagels is far more ideal. Meat and fresh veggies are the things that are hard to bring, but catching fish may be an option. I always bring carrots, and hang a few bananas off the back of my pack for the first day.

Are they hiking in or car camping? Obviously weight is an issue, though I always seem to muster up the strength to bring in a 6-pack or bottle of wine. I can thanks legs+glutes for that. Oh I guess kids are involved in this. Nevermind.
Amy:+
 

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