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Can Foodies And Hiking Go Together . . . You Betcha’

If you’re a bit of a culinary snob, you might just turn your nose up at the traditional hiking trip ”campfire food” – pre-packed freeze dried food, beans and hot dogs might not be your style and you’re sure to want something tasty and filling after a long day hiking along the trail . . . but fear not, there are ways in which a die hard foody can still prepare something scrumptious, just as good as they’d eat at home, with a little menu preparation and planning.

Although you will have to come up against some possible challenges which are never an issue in your microwave at home (like keeping the fire going), hiking food does not have to be bland, it does not have to be boring . . . yes, it can be tasty and once your hiking pals have tasted such excellent cuisine you’re sure to be their favorite hiking partner for future excursions . . . and you should be able to secure a positive trail name too . . . . Peppa’ Potts!

Cooking Up Tasty Meals While Hiking

Don’t let a full days hiking mean that you have to suffer something bland and tasteless at the end of the day. Follow these simple strategies and you really can have something scrumptious and mouthwatering to look forward to.

Organize Your Hiking Menu

Plan all of the meals which you will be cooking on your trip. Prep as many of the ingredients as you can before you set off. The big question here is how much food you can realistically carry and keep cool in your backpack. If you’re driving to a hiking site then your options will be much wider . . . . use your imagination.  If you’re not realistically able to carry a load of pre-chopped, chilled or frozen meat and veggies then why not stock up on a range of dried fruits and veggies. Dehydrated mushrooms can add a different dimension to many dishes, as can dried fruits which are great for snacking on and can also be added to soups, stews, curries . . . . just about anything really.

Keep It Light . . . With A Few Essentials

When you’re hiking it’s essential that you keep your backpack as light as possible, but when we’re talking about food there are just one or two essentials which you should always make room for (or pop into your partners backpack).

1. Olive Oil – it can make a real difference to the flavor of your foods so don’t skimp on it. Of course, you don’t have to carry the whole liter glass bottle with you, just add some to a small container for a little added flavor.
2. Dried seeds, nuts and fruits. They’re light, they’re compact, they’re readily available, they have a long shelf life and they can make a real difference to your hiking cuisine.
3. Salts and spices . . . . again don’t bring the whole jar, just add a few to some specially designed plastic containers which will add maximum flavor to your food whilst taking up minimum space in your backpack.

Hiking Food – Keep It Simple

Tasty food doesn’t have to be complicated, which is a real bonus whilst you’re out hiking. Choose recipes which can be cooked in one pot (a great advantage), don’t need lots of equipment and can be thrown together (I mean assembled) with the least amount of fuss and bother. With a little forward thinking, imagination and innovation you really can enjoy some wonderfully tasty treats whilst hiking . . . no bother at all! Bon Appetite!

Check out this camping checklist for your hiking adventures.

You can find outdoor cooking gadgets at outdoor stores like REI and Cabela’s.

Now that’s what you call an organized hiker!

He’s got some great money saving tips don’t you think? Awesome, thanks dude!