What I like about your vids is that you just give me information and ideas without being a cockie know-it-all like some of the other backpacking content on RUclips. It’s the main reason your channel is my first stop for info. Keep up the great job!
A cheap alternative to the Mountain House meals is the Knorr Pasta sides. You can get them for a dollar at Walmart, and they are super light weight. Mix with a tuna/chicken pack and they actually aren't THAT bad. Plenty of carbs and calories too.
i agree just make sure the water is boiling hot before u add the potatoes because if u try and add the potatoes while the water is still cool it will create a nasty burnt uncookable mess.
An idea I’ve had is trailside alfredo. Take a knorr alfredo packet, 1 serving of dehydrated milk and butter(both easily found on amazon, you can also use coconut milk if that’s your thing), and a chicken packet(or tuna if you want) and mix those up. All fairly lightweight, high in calories and pretty tasty.
Mate, don't apologise for the video "lacking content" ... I found it very useful and enjoyed it cause you just explained these things without all the rubbish and pretending to know everything. So glad I subscribed bro
I agree with 10 liters. I take 10 liters even on weekend trips. That way, I can not only hang up my food, but also throw in my cookset and any other items that have scent. All of it fits nicely and it's one bag to carry and hang.
Making your own beef jerky is a good idea. The store bought stuff is loaded with sugar and other stuff that makes it enjoyable as a snack but useless as anything else. If you make your own, you can add it to soups and couscous for some added protein and good flavor.
I love that backpacking food is such a complex discussion. I think we over complicate it sometimes. I gained a lot of knowledge when I learned how the NOLS bulk ration system works. I don't use it to a T when I am out solo, but the general idea makes it easy to plan good meals that aren't revolved around hydrating food in a bag. Great video!
My FIRST backpacking trip, easy peasy @ only 3 miles to the campsite at a state park, I brought a bunch of canned food. Learned my lesson fast. lol Now I'm all about dehydrating.
I'm a fan of bringing peanut and almond butter. Put a dab on your morning oatmeal, or use it for a quick lunch. You might want to consider buying the Justin's peanut or almond butter.. they come in small tear open squeeze packets which are really easy to eat while walking if you don't want to stop, or get a early start, and the crush down to nothing (as opposed to the plastic Jiff cups you are using.
Always interesting to see different takes on hiking "nutrition." Basically, as much as we like to try to keep things healthy, the basic approach to eating during extended hikes is calories, carbs and salt. Or, everything an average person basically wants to minimize if he wants to eat healthy.
Here's a couple of suggestions...but some meat cut for stirfry, put in oven at its lowest temp possible, beef takes about 7 - 8 hours, you can marinate in your own mix beforehand,output is jerky...also, GORP, mix equal amounts of raisins, peanuts,and whatever for on-trail snacking. Just be advised keep it in a zip lock bag or you will find every mouse in a 50 mile area around you...haha
Hello my outdoors friend, I just came across one of your previous videos. Great video, you did a fine job in presenting the information. All the best of good things for you.
I've switched over to just buying the Granola and Blueberry Mountain House meals. They're generally the cheapest, they have the most calories of any other M.H., and they're mixed with cold water...saving prep time.
We find that mac n cheese and tuna tastes better than couscous and tuna :) but personal preference of course! Also, we are not a big fan of oatmeal in the morning, so we either have granola with powdered milk, or sometimes we will pack freeze dried eggs, and cooked bacon(cooked bacon lasts about a week on the trail!). And of course, we wrap all our meals in tortillas to make them more filling! It really helps with the weight to calories ratio. Also tortillas are universal for everything from sweet to savory. Tortilla wrap with Nutella, peanut butter, banana chips, chocolate chips, you name it!
trout, miner's lettuce, ladies purse, Dandy lions, wild onion, raspberries, grey squirrel, mule deer, pine nuts, fennel (depending on elevation)... That is the stuff you should be eating!
I dehydrate my own chillies and pastas for dinners. Breakfast I use oatmeal too. lunch is something quick like nuts and bars. I don't drink coffee. I bring tea bags.
Great video series. Good information and not to complex. I like to add some pop tarts as a quick breakfast or a desert. I hike in colder weather so snickers bars are also a nice high calorie treat.
A great tip for the instant oatmeal is adding a pack of instant hot coco. It sweetens it, adds a few calories and gives it a nice flavor boost. Light weight and very little space taken. Just something I do in the woods.
@outdooradventures Just came off a 50 mile hike in NJ. Our dailys look almost identical. Tuna packs with the tortias Dark chocolate m&m's with mixed nuts Nestlé instant coffee Mountain House dinner Or instant mash potatoes with Real bacon bits for dinner Cliff bars 3 liters of water a day minimum I also use 2 propel packets for my electrolyte's a day Breakfast oatmeal same flavor Mixed with raisins All the best
My favorite, cheap meals for backpacking are Ramen noodles, instant mashed potatoes, and cliff bars. Although Cliff bars are quite heavy, they have enough protein to keep you going and the wrappers are very small
Aluminum foil filed with potatoes, onions, green peppers, carrots, Montreal steak seasoning, and butter. then I take Smoked suasges( pre cooked ones) kinda like hotdogs but better, skewer these suckers over the fire and put the foil packet right in the coals(1hour)
Darryl Hopper I think that's very realistic for hiking. But, then, I bake cakes on the trail for supper. My first night supper is ALWAYS corned-beef hash in foil. I carried a 150 lb rucksack for 11 years, I'm not a prissy, "Oh My God! My pack weighs 28 lbs! I'd better cut the handle off of my toothbrush" kind of hiker/camper. I ditch extra clothes and a tent, but I will NEVER eat Mountain House crap to save weight. Yes, my breakfasts are pretty predictable, two packs of oatmeal (yes, my fave is apple spice) and a fruit cup. Lunches are normally sausage, crackers and cheese, but my evening meals meals are never boring. I once baked a chicken dinner in my backpack (but, admittedly, it was on a canoe trip) so that might give you an idea that I think an extra pound is bearable. Then, again, I don't run on the trail.
What I like for the morning before heading out is cooking a little bannock for the trail. I also make peanut butter protein bars. For breakfast I like to make a bit of custard with some dried apple and/ or other dried fruit cooked into it. a minute before eating I add a package of instant oatmeal. Tons of calories, very yummy.
small block of hard cheese like cheddar or Colby jack is light weight, it won't go bad in fall or winter and it will last a while in spring and summer. nutritious and tasty snack. and a mio energy squeeze is a must.
Carnation Instant breakfasts are an option as well, slim fast if you want to watch the sugar intake, muscle milk, each of these can be made with water or throw in some powdered milk for extra protein. Remember protein provides a fair amount of calories too. I am sure GNC has a ton of meal replacement type shakes with more nutrients than your body knows what to do with, if you feel like spending the money there. I wouldn't suggest a flat whey protein shake as they, many times just have the protein; the items I listed above also have vitamins and minerals too.
This was very good informative and gave me a ton of ideas. One thing I will do is vacuum seal my portions and make them into a complete entree .. sort of like NASA does for the meal service they send up to the ISS .. thank you for posting
Try looking around at a bulk food store, they have a dried bean and pea soup at Bulk Barn for $1.20/kg. It takes a long time to cook, but it is very light and quite healthy. Rice is another good option if you don't mind the wait for it too cook. Dried mango slices are great on the trail and can also be used as sweetener. Anything freeze dried is a good choice and you can build your own freeze drier for about $500. Some pre-mixed flour for making bread is pretty good too.
For an electrolyte pick me up, I also like Zipp Fizz, orange and grape being my favorite flavors. It's a nice addition to freshly filtered cold water for a fizzy flavorful drink. I've also heard good things about Nuun tablets, though I've never tried them myself. I like mixing mixed nuts, fancy mixed nuts from Trader Joes being my favorite, with peanut m and m's and sometimes some crystallized ginger. At 180 calories per ounce, nothing tops it for energy density combined with taste. I also highly recommend Fantastic Foods dehydrated refried beans, tastes better than the stuff you buy in cans. To 1/3 box, I add 2 oz. cheddar cheese, 1 tbsp. oil, and hot sauce, and it is yummy. For a special treat, add a couple of handfuls of corn chips after you rehydrate it, and you have nachos at about 1,000 calories. You can also use them in tortillas for a burrito if you like. I second peanut butter, though I typically just eat it with a spoon for a little pick me up at lunch time. No need to pack the bread delivery system. :-) I also enjoy salami/pepperoni and cheddar cheese either in a tortilla or just eating it by itself. Via coffee by Starbucks is the closest to real coffee that I have tasted. Finally, I make a vanilla shake for breakfast out of dehydrated whole milk (like Nido) and vanilla protein powder. With the whole milk and protein powder, I get a quick breakfast that has a decent number of calories, 280 to 340 depending on the brand of protein powder, and a good shot of 20+ grams of protein to get my day started.Personally, I do not like Mountain House meals, way more expensive than my refried bean concoctions, mashed potato meals, or lipton sides, and they provide less nutrition and calories with way too much sodium, even if I am sweating most of the day.Pretty good videos you're doing here.
10 Mountain House meals and you could pay for a good food dehydrator. Then you can make good food to your liking at low cost. Takes a little more planning, but if you make a pot of spaghetti, chili, curry, ect. for dinner and dehydrate a couple servings for the trail, freeze them, in no time you'll have enough meals for your trip.
rice,eggs,spam,ramen, mash potatoes,soft taco shells, powder gravy, stuffing,bacon bits,tuna,noodles,soup/soup mix,pizza sauce,trail mix,drink mix, slime jims, oatmeal,tea,suger, hot chocolate, granola bars,freeze dried cranberries, hot sauce, that would be a list of light weight stuff to carry
How about trail mix no chocolate (dried fruit & nuts & seeds)around 4000 calories per kg if you want to keep it simple ,this for me is unbeatable + no cooking needed. best calorie efficient, healthy,value,
I actually eat all of what you mentioned, but I try to alternate meals when I can, and I usually have some sorta energy bar as a snack too. Some other things I like... Pop tarts, cheap, high calorie, carbs, readily available in field, packs well, and I eat while walking for breakfast (the broken tarts do not bother me).I do not hang at camp in the morning. I prepare the night before, and when I wake I pack up and go. My oatmeal is often my lunch. I break then quite a bit if I can. Knorr noodle packs, cheap, high calorie, carbs, readily available in field, pack well, and ofc I check to make sure it is a just add water flavor (some ask for milk, and I skip those.) Annie Chun's cheap(ish), VERY high calorie, carbs, taste great. Big draw backs is NOT readily available, DOES NOT pack well ( as is but can be easily fixed) Also, not sure what size your M.H. was but I make sure they are the larger 2.5 serving ones. I have a big dinner :) I shoot for about 2500 calories a day, heavy in complex carbs
summer sausage, Mac n cheese, loaded mashed potatoes, Pepperoni's, spam, pasta sides, if I feel like carrying the cans I'll bring Vienna(sp?) sausage. love the packet gourmet meals especially the Texas chili.... now I'm hungry lol
Your selection mirrors what we get in our IMP (individual meal pack) in the Canadian Forces. we have tortillas, oatmeal, candy (usually reases pieces or a mars bar). every meal pack comes with peanut butter and jam. a pack of matches, spoon , gum. That's just the extra stuff. there's also a main course and a desert. You have done a good job making a hiking meal. You have high carbs and sugars. But...You are missing the fats. (you will get some in the peanut butter)
I haven't used freeze dry packaged meals (or MREs) since i graduated from Boy Scouts. Here's a plan for a several day trip: 1. Breakfast (everyday) muesli, powdered milk and cowboy coffee. (Hot water in the muesli for a hot breakfast, cold for a cold one.) Bring good coffee grounds and make it carefully. 2. Lunch & snacks. Early in the trip black bread or pumpernickel with cheese and italian dry salami. Later in the trip, pilot bread or similar crackers and biscuits. Peanut butter. Fresh fruit, more perishable fruit early in the trip like peaches (1st day) followed by nectarines, avocados, pears, apples, oranges (last several days and still good even if smashed up a bit, just suck out the juice before opening them up to eat the flesh) After that, dried fruit. Nuts. Chocolate. Clip bars, etc. 3. Dinners. Day 1 Steak sandwich - cook the steak directly on the campfire. If you can't have a fire, do something else. Coq au vin can be good -- put some chicken in a bottle with wine since you won't have refrigeration. Bring a bottle of wine to drink with it. Day 2. Spaghetti with Italian salami, garlic, onion, green peppers and tomato sauce. Sun dried tomatoes are good here. Drink the rest of the wine Day 3. Quick brown rice with instant sour cream, onions and packaged beef (can or retort) (aka Beef Stroganoff) Day 4. Bacon and beans. Soak some lentils in a bottle during the day and cook them up with garlic, onion, green peppers, carrots (these veggies keep will without refrigeration) Day 5. Instant mashed potatoes with retort or canned beef stew Day 6. Tuna Delight. Mac and cheese with some tuna stirred in. Supplements: any of several packaged soup mixes Deserts: Instant cheese cake, fruit cake with cream cheese, apple sauce Drinks: 151 rum, wild turkey added to anything emergency rations: ramen
So I dunno if this is gonna gross you out or not and it’s only loosely associated with back packing. I used to drive for work starting very early in the morning. Too early to make breakfast, wasn’t a fan of most fast food breakfast (too much egg, fried potato, or sugary cinnamon drivel) so I started keeping boxes of instant oatmeal in my vehicle and using a cup of gas station coffee to rehydrate it. I’m not even much of a regular coffee drinker but the taste of Coffee flavored oatmeal rally hit it off with me so it’s something I continue to do when camping , travel and even at home
Instant mashed potatoes, instant cocoa mix (with or without marshmallows), Spanish rice (great with flour tortillas), Bakers German Chocolate, Aunt Martha's Country Cornbread (beats bannock by a mile), REAL coffee, honey, olive oil
Great video..I prefer the Packit Gourmet meals over the Mountain House meals. They have a big selection and in my opinion they taste better though they may cost a little more. Try the Dottie's chicken and dumplings!
Jack Links makes a really good beef and cheese snack pack that works great on the trail...my trail mix is usually 1/3 cup each of raisins, peanuts, and M&Ms in a ziploc snack bag, gets a little sticky sometimes but gives you a good balance of protein and carbs...for breakfast I'm thinking about trying some Wheaties in a ziploc bag with a measure of powdered milk, just add water and instant cereal and mik...
I have to agree with the comment below about healthy food vs crap. As an older hiker, I don't eat much of the freeze dried stuff because it is loaded with sodium and not really nutritious at all. I am much more into your idea of the cous cous with the package of tuna--that is on a much better track. Foil packs of tuna or chicken and rice/quick cooking pastas and some sort of veggie are delciious and better for you. Also, if you don't mind my sayig, the packets of Quaker instant oatmeal are crap food. get the big cardboard can of regular unflavored oatmeal, it cooks just the same with hot water (even though it says to cook it a bit more) an d tastes great and doesn't have all those added ingredients, plus you can pour it in any quantities into ziplocks. I do appreciate the video, though, it has some good ideas!
There's basically 2 go-to types of meals I bring on my hikes. 1) Civilian MRE's. You can buy a pack of 12 for $90, which is $7.50/meal. I use the MRE's almost strictly for dinner as they are pretty filling and heavy on protein/carbs, so you can veg out in the evening with a full belly and let your body replenish energy stores and use the protein to heal muscles as you sleep. 2) I fill the large ziplock baggies with everything I need for each meal, all rationed and portioned beforehand. This saves me time when I make my meals. Whatever you can pack that doesn't need to stay cold and has a good balance of protein, carbs, and fiber (important for the poo), throw it in the baggies. You can get pretty dang creative in the boxed food aisle of the grocery store.
Have you considered using a dehydrator to make your own meals? Using freezer bags for the "just add boiling water" meals can save on having to clean up cookware, especially oatmeal.
Yep, I buy produce as it comes into season at my local farmer's market, dehydrate, bag up individual foods and store them in my freezer. I don't mix actual meals until just before a trip. I dehydrate meats year 'round as I catch them on sale. All this allows me to control the salt and additives while avoiding chemicals. Check out backpacking.chef for instructions and amazing recipes. He also sends out great recipes in his newsletters without spamming. (P.S. Sometimes I supplement with cans of dehydrated foods from Mountain House and such if I'm missing an ingredient or it's just a pain or too expensive to dehydrate. :-) )
Yes, I use Ziploc freezer bags (better than store brand in my opinion) and make sure to push all the air out before sealing. I prefer using a vacuum seal system, but my appliance died and I've not gotten around to replacing it. You can make any size bag you want, the plastic is much thicker, and you can just reseal the bag smaller and smaller as you remove food. Storing each food separately is just like having a pantry of individual foods on hand to make up recipes as you need them.
Well, I just made a big ol' answer that was not at all related to your question, duh!! I read it wrong. haha Leaving it in case it helps someone else. But to answer YOU, yes I generally rehydrate in freezer bags. I figure if I hate to clean the kitchen at home, even with a dishwasher, I'm sure as heck not going to do dishes on the trail.
Look into frontier soups. Very lightweight dehydrated, not freeze dried so no chemicals. And each packed weighs just a few ounces but can feed 2-3 people. I love the chicken soup. I usual add just a few slices of onion and a small cut up Yukon gold potato (yes I know fresh stuff, but it’s worth the weight) and will use bisquick instant biscuit mix and make dumplings for the soup. You do have to add a billion cube, but that end up making a half gallon of soup. It fed 3 of us who are 26 year old fit guys and there was still some left over. Once for ounce frontier soups will feed more people than most stuff (also their chili is superb, not the Cincinnati chili, the CLASSIC chili is good, the Cincinnati is super bitter and I was not a fan!. You can find these on amazon or in sprouts/other organic type grocery
Something to note: There are quite a bit of food items we refrigerate but don't need to. Relish, jam, kraft singles, butter, and even (debated) mayo. Also....eggs. Especially if you buy from fresh from a neighbor that has chickens.
Good video. I was looking for some new ideas, I generally go with the pasta sides and just being a baggie of powdered milk for the ones that call for butter and milk to help the taste, throw in some tuna or bagged chicken and your good to go. I need to get a dehydrator to get a little healthier, but I am slow to change. :)
I am just getting started in hiking. And I have hiked some very short 2.5 mile and smaller trails. I am looking at a 6.5 mile trail next. Of course it's not going to be a over night trail I hope lol, but other than water of course what would be good to carry to eat. I am 46 yrs old and not the fastest hiker around. Thanks
Good thought about the M&M's. They don't melt! I need to put those in the trail mix. Try Packit Gourmet! Great stuff! Starbucks has really good small coffee packets. Instead of Jiff try the Justine's peanut butter packets. Kind Bars, Stingerz candy. Blah blah!!
It always worth trying some of the militgyary ration packs as well by adding a teaspoon of curry powder even corned beef can tst good it just takes some imagination
Just for health sake I would cut way back on the sugar and zero-fiber flour products. Raisins instead of chocolate and substititue cous cous, oatmeal whole grain type things and mashed potatoes for white flour.
I don’t do any Mt. House meal or anything like that there is so much add water meals the tuna is great some chicken like the tuna I like can beans I have no problem finding great food to take without the big price Great video thanks for sharing
Learn how to hang your food via the PCT style hang. And be vocal during your hike in area bears could be around. I had one bluff charge me but never had any real trouble. Black bears are kinda like deer when out in the woods. They get spooked and run away.
I did my first over nighter and did 6 miles the first day and 6 the next day and took wayyyyy too much food and water, i had enough food for like 3 or 4 days. Only one way to learn, i still had fun though
Glad you got out and did your first over nighter! You'll learn what food you need based on your mileage the more you do it. It's best to over pack and have some left than under pack and be tired during the day and hungry. Hope you have many more trips!
I use U.S. Military MREs. I got use to them when I was in the service and I liked them. THOUGH buying them as a civilian you get GOUGED by the sellers compared to what they cost if you were in the service.
I would say the OP Sack is odor resistant at best but definitely better than nothing. They have been tested against dogs and failed. Bears have a better sense of smell than dogs.
Peanut butter gurnola bars lots of freeze dried soups and dinners I go with my dad and cousin we are on the trail right now we're setup the tent ⛺️ we're having freeze dried carabue stem 3 packs of it is 16.50 we buy a bulk of 50 for 225.78
I should have a food video coming out this week on what im packing for the JMT. I leave Sunday for California and start on the 24th. I encourage anyone to go check it out. Should be up by Thursday this week. The food i'm bringing on that trip is a little different than a normal weekend styled hike. Its almost 2500 calories a day. For my mornings, rather than having two doses of outmeal, I pair it with a hunny bun. Really cheap and light but switches it up with something sweet and easy in the morning. Also, 4 oreos are about 240 calories. Not nutritious, but impressive for a calorie count to add with a tuna wrap for lunch. My last tip would be to check out packet gourmet. On their website they sell cook bags. This allows you to cook ramen, those rice side meals, and anything else that needs rehydrating, in a more efficient, easier way than using zip locks. They are super cheap as well.
Nice video!!! Can you make a video where you only pack food that you can eat straight out the package? Like an MRE. I usually go on a 10 miles hike and I never carry a stove. I have package tuna but that gets boring. Thanks brother.
cool kayak the MRE works but be away they are heavy so open the packets and dump the contents, like do you really need the spoon that comes in each one ECT, also look up bridgford sandwiches or first strike rations
I want to add: if you love mountain house meals... check out amazon #10 cans. It's typically 10 servings around $20. Where a typical pouch is 2 - 2.5 servings at $7.50 - $14 @ REI. Chicken teriyaki is classic.
Oh! I did not know that... I assumed putting it in a ziplock bag would work, but I'm guessing you have only a few weeks once opened as opposed to 40 years before opening.
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What I like about your vids is that you just give me information and ideas without being a cockie know-it-all like some of the other backpacking content on RUclips. It’s the main reason your channel is my first stop for info. Keep up the great job!
The biscuits and gravy is probably the best MH meal out there IMO.
A cheap alternative to the Mountain House meals is the Knorr Pasta sides. You can get them for a dollar at Walmart, and they are super light weight. Mix with a tuna/chicken pack and they actually aren't THAT bad. Plenty of carbs and calories too.
I've just packed 5 of the Aussie equivalent for an upcoming trip - plus some dry parmasam cheese lol.
Levi Davis mmm I love those
The Idahoan mashed potato kits are also cheap, easy, and pretty darn good. Lots of flavors. Just add water, of course.
i agree just make sure the water is boiling hot before u add the potatoes because if u try and add the potatoes while the water is still cool it will create a nasty burnt uncookable mess.
Good tip, Max. I should have said add BOILING HOT water. Otherwise, you do have a disgusting mess.
An idea I’ve had is trailside alfredo. Take a knorr alfredo packet, 1 serving of dehydrated milk and butter(both easily found on amazon, you can also use coconut milk if that’s your thing), and a chicken packet(or tuna if you want) and mix those up. All fairly lightweight, high in calories and pretty tasty.
Mate, don't apologise for the video "lacking content" ... I found it very useful and enjoyed it cause you just explained these things without all the rubbish and pretending to know everything. So glad I subscribed bro
I agree with 10 liters. I take 10 liters even on weekend trips. That way, I can not only hang up my food, but also throw in my cookset and any other items that have scent. All of it fits nicely and it's one bag to carry and hang.
Great video - if you have time dehydrating your own meals is another option and really opens up your meal options.
Making your own beef jerky is a good idea. The store bought stuff is loaded with sugar and other stuff that makes it enjoyable as a snack but useless as anything else. If you make your own, you can add it to soups and couscous for some added protein and good flavor.
Lipton dinners! 2 cups of water light and packable. Thanks for the ideas!
Like your "system." You casually covered a lot of info in a short time. Thanks, Mate!
My pleasure!
I love that backpacking food is such a complex discussion. I think we over complicate it sometimes.
I gained a lot of knowledge when I learned how the NOLS bulk ration system works. I don't use it to a T when I am out solo, but the general idea makes it easy to plan good meals that aren't revolved around hydrating food in a bag.
Great video!
NOLS?
My FIRST backpacking trip, easy peasy @ only 3 miles to the campsite at a state park, I brought a bunch of canned food. Learned my lesson fast. lol
Now I'm all about dehydrating.
Great food video for beginners, thanks for all the great outdoor content!
I'm a fan of bringing peanut and almond butter. Put a dab on your morning oatmeal, or use it for a quick lunch. You might want to consider buying the Justin's peanut or almond butter.. they come in small tear open squeeze packets which are really easy to eat while walking if you don't want to stop, or get a early start, and the crush down to nothing (as opposed to the plastic Jiff cups you are using.
Always interesting to see different takes on hiking "nutrition." Basically, as much as we like to try to keep things healthy, the basic approach to eating during extended hikes is calories, carbs and salt. Or, everything an average person basically wants to minimize if he wants to eat healthy.
This was good. I'm with you; keep it simple. And you gave me some good ideas to keep keeping it simple. Thanks, Jason.
Here's a couple of suggestions...but some meat cut for stirfry, put in oven at its lowest temp possible, beef takes about 7 - 8 hours, you can marinate in your own mix beforehand,output is jerky...also, GORP, mix equal amounts of raisins, peanuts,and whatever for on-trail snacking. Just be advised keep it in a zip lock bag or you will find every mouse in a 50 mile area around you...haha
"It becomes one big giant glob of chocolate at the end of the day." ....I fail to see the issue here. :P
My guess would be just, the mess it can create in the pack.
Don’t really want chocolate all over your hands every time you reach for a snack.
Excellent. I love your "Beginner" series. Giving me some great ideas and tips.
"seasoned backpackers" GET IT, SEASONED! He didnt even know he was making a pun
Hello my outdoors friend, I just came across one of your previous videos. Great video, you did a fine job in presenting the information. All the best of good things for you.
Just getting started in backpacking myself. Appreciate the information.
I've switched over to just buying the Granola and Blueberry Mountain House meals. They're generally the cheapest, they have the most calories of any other M.H., and they're mixed with cold water...saving prep time.
We find that mac n cheese and tuna tastes better than couscous and tuna :) but personal preference of course!
Also, we are not a big fan of oatmeal in the morning, so we either have granola with powdered milk, or sometimes we will pack freeze dried eggs, and cooked bacon(cooked bacon lasts about a week on the trail!).
And of course, we wrap all our meals in tortillas to make them more filling! It really helps with the weight to calories ratio. Also tortillas are universal for everything from sweet to savory. Tortilla wrap with Nutella, peanut butter, banana chips, chocolate chips, you name it!
trout, miner's lettuce, ladies purse, Dandy lions, wild onion, raspberries, grey squirrel, mule deer, pine nuts, fennel (depending on elevation)... That is the stuff you should be eating!
I'm a beef jerky guy, I love bringing it with me. I'm not a sweets kinds dude, but munching on jerky while hiking around is blizz =)
I dehydrate my own chillies and pastas for dinners. Breakfast I use oatmeal too. lunch is something quick like nuts and bars.
I don't drink coffee. I bring tea bags.
Scott Wright
Wow! That's awesome, a great idea. : )
Scott Wright
What dehydrater system do you use for your chilis and pasta?
Great video series. Good information and not to complex. I like to add some pop tarts as a quick breakfast or a desert. I hike in colder weather so snickers bars are also a nice high calorie treat.
A great tip for the instant oatmeal is adding a pack of instant hot coco. It sweetens it, adds a few calories and gives it a nice flavor boost. Light weight and very little space taken. Just something I do in the woods.
@outdooradventures
Just came off a 50 mile hike in NJ.
Our dailys look almost identical.
Tuna packs with the tortias
Dark chocolate m&m's with mixed nuts
Nestlé instant coffee
Mountain House dinner
Or
instant mash potatoes with Real bacon bits for dinner
Cliff bars
3 liters of water a day minimum
I also use 2 propel packets for my electrolyte's a day
Breakfast oatmeal same flavor
Mixed with raisins
All the best
My favorite, cheap meals for backpacking are Ramen noodles, instant mashed potatoes, and cliff bars. Although Cliff bars are quite heavy, they have enough protein to keep you going and the wrappers are very small
Really good video, little things like trail mix may melt, and m&ms wont, really help before going out on a hike. Thanks for the videos.
Aluminum foil filed with potatoes, onions, green peppers, carrots, Montreal steak seasoning, and butter. then I take Smoked suasges( pre cooked ones) kinda like hotdogs but better, skewer these suckers over the fire and put the foil packet right in the coals(1hour)
Darryl Hopper I think that's very realistic for hiking. But, then, I bake cakes on the trail for supper. My first night supper is ALWAYS corned-beef hash in foil. I carried a 150 lb rucksack for 11 years, I'm not a prissy, "Oh My God! My pack weighs 28 lbs! I'd better cut the handle off of my toothbrush" kind of hiker/camper. I ditch extra clothes and a tent, but I will NEVER eat Mountain House crap to save weight. Yes, my breakfasts are pretty predictable, two packs of oatmeal (yes, my fave is apple spice) and a fruit cup. Lunches are normally sausage, crackers and cheese, but my evening meals meals are never boring. I once baked a chicken dinner in my backpack (but, admittedly, it was on a canoe trip) so that might give you an idea that I think an extra pound is bearable. Then, again, I don't run on the trail.
What I like for the morning before heading out is cooking a little bannock for the trail. I also make peanut butter protein bars. For breakfast I like to make a bit of custard with some dried apple and/ or other dried fruit cooked into it. a minute before eating I add a package of instant oatmeal. Tons of calories, very yummy.
Got to love the Mountain House.
small block of hard cheese like cheddar or Colby jack is light weight, it won't go bad in fall or winter and it will last a while in spring and summer. nutritious and tasty snack. and a mio energy squeeze is a must.
Just found your chanel. Great info. Try just adding water right in your oatmeal packets. Super easy clean-up. Thanks for the great video
I do that now it's been great!
Carnation Instant breakfasts are an option as well, slim fast if you want to watch the sugar intake, muscle milk, each of these can be made with water or throw in some powdered milk for extra protein. Remember protein provides a fair amount of calories too. I am sure GNC has a ton of meal replacement type shakes with more nutrients than your body knows what to do with, if you feel like spending the money there. I wouldn't suggest a flat whey protein shake as they, many times just have the protein; the items I listed above also have vitamins and minerals too.
This was very good informative and gave me a ton of ideas. One thing I will do is vacuum seal my portions and make them into a complete entree .. sort of like NASA does for the meal service they send up to the ISS .. thank you for posting
Try looking around at a bulk food store, they have a dried bean and pea soup at Bulk Barn for $1.20/kg. It takes a long time to cook, but it is very light and quite healthy. Rice is another good option if you don't mind the wait for it too cook. Dried mango slices are great on the trail and can also be used as sweetener. Anything freeze dried is a good choice and you can build your own freeze drier for about $500. Some pre-mixed flour for making bread is pretty good too.
Friend: bring this stuff
Me: brings bacon haha
I enjoy the mountain house....and reuse the bags for water storage on our trips. cheers
For an electrolyte pick me up, I also like Zipp Fizz, orange and grape being my favorite flavors. It's a nice addition to freshly filtered cold water for a fizzy flavorful drink. I've also heard good things about Nuun tablets, though I've never tried them myself. I like mixing mixed nuts, fancy mixed nuts from Trader Joes being my favorite, with peanut m and m's and sometimes some crystallized ginger. At 180 calories per ounce, nothing tops it for energy density combined with taste. I also highly recommend Fantastic Foods dehydrated refried beans, tastes better than the stuff you buy in cans. To 1/3 box, I add 2 oz. cheddar cheese, 1 tbsp. oil, and hot sauce, and it is yummy. For a special treat, add a couple of handfuls of corn chips after you rehydrate it, and you have nachos at about 1,000 calories. You can also use them in tortillas for a burrito if you like. I second peanut butter, though I typically just eat it with a spoon for a little pick me up at lunch time. No need to pack the bread delivery system. :-) I also enjoy salami/pepperoni and cheddar cheese either in a tortilla or just eating it by itself. Via coffee by Starbucks is the closest to real coffee that I have tasted. Finally, I make a vanilla shake for breakfast out of dehydrated whole milk (like Nido) and vanilla protein powder. With the whole milk and protein powder, I get a quick breakfast that has a decent number of calories, 280 to 340 depending on the brand of protein powder, and a good shot of 20+ grams of protein to get my day started.Personally, I do not like Mountain House meals, way more expensive than my refried bean concoctions, mashed potato meals, or lipton sides, and they provide less nutrition and calories with way too much sodium, even if I am sweating most of the day.Pretty good videos you're doing here.
Great stuff!! Just found your videos, awesome info!
10 Mountain House meals and you could pay for a good food dehydrator. Then you can make good food to your liking at low cost. Takes a little more planning, but if you make a pot of spaghetti, chili, curry, ect. for dinner and dehydrate a couple servings for the trail, freeze them, in no time you'll have enough meals for your trip.
rice,eggs,spam,ramen, mash potatoes,soft taco shells, powder gravy, stuffing,bacon bits,tuna,noodles,soup/soup mix,pizza sauce,trail mix,drink mix, slime jims, oatmeal,tea,suger, hot chocolate, granola bars,freeze dried cranberries, hot sauce, that would be a list of light weight stuff to carry
How about trail mix no chocolate (dried fruit & nuts & seeds)around 4000 calories per kg if you want to keep it simple ,this for me is unbeatable + no cooking needed. best calorie efficient, healthy,value,
+Rob Duncan sounds great!
I actually eat all of what you mentioned, but I try to alternate meals when I can, and I usually have some sorta energy bar as a snack too.
Some other things I like...
Pop tarts, cheap, high calorie, carbs, readily available in field, packs well, and I eat while walking for breakfast (the broken tarts do not bother me).I do not hang at camp in the morning. I prepare the night before, and when I wake I pack up and go. My oatmeal is often my lunch. I break then quite a bit if I can.
Knorr noodle packs, cheap, high calorie, carbs, readily available in field, pack well, and ofc I check to make sure it is a just add water flavor (some ask for milk, and I skip those.)
Annie Chun's cheap(ish), VERY high calorie, carbs, taste great. Big draw backs is NOT readily available, DOES NOT pack well ( as is but can be easily fixed)
Also, not sure what size your M.H. was but I make sure they are the larger 2.5 serving ones. I have a big dinner :) I shoot for about 2500 calories a day, heavy in complex carbs
summer sausage, Mac n cheese, loaded mashed potatoes, Pepperoni's, spam, pasta sides, if I feel like carrying the cans I'll bring Vienna(sp?) sausage. love the packet gourmet meals especially the Texas chili.... now I'm hungry lol
Your selection mirrors what we get in our IMP (individual meal pack) in the Canadian Forces.
we have tortillas, oatmeal, candy (usually reases pieces or a mars bar). every meal pack comes with peanut butter and jam. a pack of matches, spoon , gum.
That's just the extra stuff. there's also a main course and a desert.
You have done a good job making a hiking meal. You have high carbs and sugars. But...You are missing the fats. (you will get some in the peanut butter)
That looks like a Saints jersey in the background, I approve :-D
Penguins jersey!
Outdoor Adventures go pens! cup in sight....
3 more wins!
Macadamia nuts for snacks.
Really high in fats with some protein for the weight.
No sugar rush or insulin spike.
Honey coated if you want the sugars.
I haven't used freeze dry packaged meals (or MREs) since i graduated from Boy Scouts. Here's a plan for a several day trip:
1. Breakfast (everyday) muesli, powdered milk and cowboy coffee. (Hot water in the muesli for a hot breakfast, cold for a cold one.) Bring good coffee grounds and make it carefully.
2. Lunch & snacks. Early in the trip black bread or pumpernickel with cheese and italian dry salami. Later in the trip, pilot bread or similar crackers and biscuits. Peanut butter. Fresh fruit, more perishable fruit early in the trip like peaches (1st day) followed by nectarines, avocados, pears, apples, oranges (last several days and still good even if smashed up a bit, just suck out the juice before opening them up to eat the flesh) After that, dried fruit. Nuts. Chocolate. Clip bars, etc.
3. Dinners. Day 1 Steak sandwich - cook the steak directly on the campfire. If you can't have a fire, do something else. Coq au vin can be good -- put some chicken in a bottle with wine since you won't have refrigeration. Bring a bottle of wine to drink with it.
Day 2. Spaghetti with Italian salami, garlic, onion, green peppers and tomato sauce. Sun dried tomatoes are good here. Drink the rest of the wine
Day 3. Quick brown rice with instant sour cream, onions and packaged beef (can or retort) (aka Beef Stroganoff)
Day 4. Bacon and beans. Soak some lentils in a bottle during the day and cook them up with garlic, onion, green peppers, carrots (these veggies keep will without refrigeration)
Day 5. Instant mashed potatoes with retort or canned beef stew
Day 6. Tuna Delight. Mac and cheese with some tuna stirred in.
Supplements: any of several packaged soup mixes
Deserts: Instant cheese cake, fruit cake with cream cheese, apple sauce
Drinks: 151 rum, wild turkey added to anything
emergency rations: ramen
ok so I really want to hike with you!!! Love the food and drink choices
Shrimp ramen with a package of tuna, or add a handful of jerky to the water when making instant potatoes.
So I dunno if this is gonna gross you out or not and it’s only loosely associated with back packing. I used to drive for work starting very early in the morning. Too early to make breakfast, wasn’t a fan of most fast food breakfast (too much egg, fried potato, or sugary cinnamon drivel) so I started keeping boxes of instant oatmeal in my vehicle and using a cup of gas station coffee to rehydrate it. I’m not even much of a regular coffee drinker but the taste of Coffee flavored oatmeal rally hit it off with me so it’s something I continue to do when camping , travel and even at home
Instant mashed potatoes, instant cocoa mix (with or without marshmallows), Spanish rice (great with flour tortillas), Bakers German Chocolate, Aunt Martha's Country Cornbread (beats bannock by a mile), REAL coffee, honey, olive oil
It's called a fucking flour wrap! ;)
Bob Hunt I
The tuna packs are often on special and they have a long shelf life so when they are on special you should stock up
Great video..I prefer the Packit Gourmet meals over the Mountain House meals. They have a big selection and in my opinion they taste better though they may cost a little more. Try the Dottie's chicken and dumplings!
Jack Links makes a really good beef and cheese snack pack that works great on the trail...my trail mix is usually 1/3 cup each of raisins, peanuts, and M&Ms in a ziploc snack bag, gets a little sticky sometimes but gives you a good balance of protein and carbs...for breakfast I'm thinking about trying some Wheaties in a ziploc bag with a measure of powdered milk, just add water and instant cereal and mik...
I have to agree with the comment below about healthy food vs crap. As an older hiker, I don't eat much of the freeze dried stuff because it is loaded with sodium and not really nutritious at all. I am much more into your idea of the cous cous with the package of tuna--that is on a much better track. Foil packs of tuna or chicken and rice/quick cooking pastas and some sort of veggie are delciious and better for you. Also, if you don't mind my sayig, the packets of Quaker instant oatmeal are crap food. get the big cardboard can of regular unflavored oatmeal, it cooks just the same with hot water (even though it says to cook it a bit more) an d tastes great and doesn't have all those added ingredients, plus you can pour it in any quantities into ziplocks. I do appreciate the video, though, it has some good ideas!
There's basically 2 go-to types of meals I bring on my hikes.
1) Civilian MRE's. You can buy a pack of 12 for $90, which is $7.50/meal. I use the MRE's almost strictly for dinner as they are pretty filling and heavy on protein/carbs, so you can veg out in the evening with a full belly and let your body replenish energy stores and use the protein to heal muscles as you sleep.
2) I fill the large ziplock baggies with everything I need for each meal, all rationed and portioned beforehand. This saves me time when I make my meals. Whatever you can pack that doesn't need to stay cold and has a good balance of protein, carbs, and fiber (important for the poo), throw it in the baggies. You can get pretty dang creative in the boxed food aisle of the grocery store.
Idahoan instant mashed potatoes, spam singles for the oat meal and add beef jerky to your ramen to ramp it up. Cheers!
I love instant potatoes with cut up dried salami, a nice sharp cheese added and some hot sauce. So good!
Have you considered using a dehydrator to make your own meals? Using freezer bags for the "just add boiling water" meals can save on having to clean up cookware, especially oatmeal.
I have thought about it and I'll probably start researching that for next year.
Yep, I buy produce as it comes into season at my local farmer's market, dehydrate, bag up individual foods and store them in my freezer. I don't mix actual meals until just before a trip. I dehydrate meats year 'round as I catch them on sale. All this allows me to control the salt and additives while avoiding chemicals. Check out backpacking.chef for instructions and amazing recipes. He also sends out great recipes in his newsletters without spamming. (P.S. Sometimes I supplement with cans of dehydrated foods from Mountain House and such if I'm missing an ingredient or it's just a pain or too expensive to dehydrate. :-) )
That's awesome! Do you rehydrate in freezer bags for easy cleanup?
Yes, I use Ziploc freezer bags (better than store brand in my opinion) and make sure to push all the air out before sealing. I prefer using a vacuum seal system, but my appliance died and I've not gotten around to replacing it. You can make any size bag you want, the plastic is much thicker, and you can just reseal the bag smaller and smaller as you remove food. Storing each food separately is just like having a pantry of individual foods on hand to make up recipes as you need them.
Well, I just made a big ol' answer that was not at all related to your question, duh!! I read it wrong. haha Leaving it in case it helps someone else. But to answer YOU, yes I generally rehydrate in freezer bags. I figure if I hate to clean the kitchen at home, even with a dishwasher, I'm sure as heck not going to do dishes on the trail.
I am on keto, I have a meal twice a day: after 3pm and after 7pm; I take raw nuts, raw seeds, butter, cheese. Maybe boiled eggs. Easy ;)
Tins of sardines are great. Don't need can opener and very filling.
Gary Feldman hit then you gotta carry the tin! Hope bears dont smell it!
I like to mix dried shitake mushrooms to mix in my Ramen noodles, any flavor, gives a little substance to plain old Ramen
Look into frontier soups. Very lightweight dehydrated, not freeze dried so no chemicals. And each packed weighs just a few ounces but can feed 2-3 people. I love the chicken soup. I usual add just a few slices of onion and a small cut up Yukon gold potato (yes I know fresh stuff, but it’s worth the weight) and will use bisquick instant biscuit mix and make dumplings for the soup. You do have to add a billion cube, but that end up making a half gallon of soup. It fed 3 of us who are 26 year old fit guys and there was still some left over. Once for ounce frontier soups will feed more people than most stuff (also their chili is superb, not the Cincinnati chili, the CLASSIC chili is good, the Cincinnati is super bitter and I was not a fan!. You can find these on amazon or in sprouts/other organic type grocery
Something to note: There are quite a bit of food items we refrigerate but don't need to. Relish, jam, kraft singles, butter, and even (debated) mayo. Also....eggs. Especially if you buy from fresh from a neighbor that has chickens.
Hope by now you've tried the "Packet Gourmet" meals. Taste sure beats Mountain House!!
Yes I have, however they are pretty expensive for what they are.
Good video. I was looking for some new ideas, I generally go with the pasta sides and just being a baggie of powdered milk for the ones that call for butter and milk to help the taste, throw in some tuna or bagged chicken and your good to go. I need to get a dehydrator to get a little healthier, but I am slow to change. :)
Great video thanks for sharing.
I am just getting started in hiking. And I have hiked some very short 2.5 mile and smaller trails. I am looking at a 6.5 mile trail next. Of course it's not going to be a over night trail I hope lol, but other than water of course what would be good to carry to eat. I am 46 yrs old and not the fastest hiker around. Thanks
good stuff man , a friend of mine keeps asking me for tips so i just link him ur channel lol
I take a bag of dates and nuts to snack on. Great for energy and it doesn't melt.
Good thought about the M&M's. They don't melt! I need to put those in the trail mix. Try Packit Gourmet! Great stuff! Starbucks has really good small coffee packets. Instead of Jiff try the Justine's peanut butter packets. Kind Bars, Stingerz candy. Blah blah!!
Peanut M&Ms hell yeah dude
It always worth trying some of the militgyary ration packs as well by adding a teaspoon of curry powder even corned beef can tst good it just takes some imagination
Just for health sake I would cut way back on the sugar and zero-fiber flour products.
Raisins instead of chocolate and substititue cous cous, oatmeal whole grain type things and mashed potatoes for white flour.
a breakfeast skillet WRAP
mountain house is the bomb
Try a tortilla wrap with nutella and nacho chips for the crunch.. discovered this beauty while hiking the AT near Mt.Rogers, Virginia
Good video. How many peanut M&Ms do you bring per day?
love the mashed potatoes with butter...
Try buckwheat with your tuna meal.
I don’t do any Mt. House meal or anything like that there is so much add water meals the tuna is great some chicken like the tuna I like can beans I have no problem finding great food to take without the big price
Great video thanks for sharing
Have you ever been bothered by a bear? Got any tips for going out and steering clear of bears? How to keep beard away from tent at night?
Learn how to hang your food via the PCT style hang. And be vocal during your hike in area bears could be around. I had one bluff charge me but never had any real trouble. Black bears are kinda like deer when out in the woods. They get spooked and run away.
When I went for a short 3 mile trip I brought instant mashed potatoes!✌🏻️
Make bread on a stick around the diameter of a hotdog, and then stuff a cooked hotdog in it.
I did my first over nighter and did 6 miles the first day and 6 the next day and took wayyyyy too much food and water, i had enough food for like 3 or 4 days. Only one way to learn, i still had fun though
Glad you got out and did your first over nighter! You'll learn what food you need based on your mileage the more you do it. It's best to over pack and have some left than under pack and be tired during the day and hungry. Hope you have many more trips!
I use U.S. Military MREs. I got use to them when I was in the service and I liked them. THOUGH buying them as a civilian you get GOUGED by the sellers compared to what they cost if you were in the service.
ova easy eggs.. each package is a dozen eggs so it can be split and its cheaper than Mt house eggs. breakfast burritos. with mcds salsa..
I would toast the tortilla and spread peanut butter on that, then roll it up and eat for breakfast or a snack
Love mountain house when I taste it...four hours later my digestion says “what the hell?”
Lol
I would say the OP Sack is odor resistant at best but definitely better than nothing. They have been tested against dogs and failed. Bears have a better sense of smell than dogs.
Yea a lot better than dogs. Still better than nothing like you said.
Thanks for the vid! Will you use that green bag over a bear can?
Mountain house chicken salad is pretty damn good to nice quick lunch just needs cold water
thanx for the tips !
Peanut butter gurnola bars lots of freeze dried soups and dinners I go with my dad and cousin we are on the trail right now we're setup the tent ⛺️ we're having freeze dried carabue stem 3 packs of it is 16.50 we buy a bulk of 50 for 225.78
I should have a food video coming out this week on what im packing for the JMT. I leave Sunday for California and start on the 24th. I encourage anyone to go check it out. Should be up by Thursday this week. The food i'm bringing on that trip is a little different than a normal weekend styled hike. Its almost 2500 calories a day.
For my mornings, rather than having two doses of outmeal, I pair it with a hunny bun. Really cheap and light but switches it up with something sweet and easy in the morning.
Also, 4 oreos are about 240 calories. Not nutritious, but impressive for a calorie count to add with a tuna wrap for lunch.
My last tip would be to check out packet gourmet. On their website they sell cook bags. This allows you to cook ramen, those rice side meals, and anything else that needs rehydrating, in a more efficient, easier way than using zip locks. They are super cheap as well.
Nice video!!! Can you make a video where you only pack food that you can eat straight out the package? Like an MRE. I usually go on a 10 miles hike and I never carry a stove. I have package tuna but that gets boring. Thanks brother.
cool kayak the MRE works but be away they are heavy so open the packets and dump the contents, like do you really need the spoon that comes in each one ECT, also look up bridgford sandwiches or first strike rations
IntoTheForge thanks brother
I want to add: if you love mountain house meals... check out amazon #10 cans. It's typically 10 servings around $20. Where a typical pouch is 2 - 2.5 servings at $7.50 - $14 @ REI. Chicken teriyaki is classic.
+lifeisgood070 once the cans are open the food goes bad within a certain time period though. Good idea for longer trips though.
Oh! I did not know that... I assumed putting it in a ziplock bag would work, but I'm guessing you have only a few weeks once opened as opposed to 40 years before opening.
lifeisgood070 most of the cans have 6 months to a year after being opened provided you keep cool and very dry