Thanks for watching! I get asked all the time, “How do you know how much backpacking food to bring for trip like this?” In this video, I'll share with you my resupply strategy and how I meal planned for my 250-mile section hike along the PCT here in Washington this summer. I’ll also share with you all of the backpacking food I brought with me for this trip including a breakdown of all the backpacking meals I ate for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. I’ll also show you all of the backpacking gear I used in both water filtration system and cooking system for this trip and talk about what I used to store my backpacking food in, both while hiking during the day and when camping at night along with how I packed out all of my trash. Hope you find this video helpful when planning your own PCT hike!
I think the idea of taking a big deli sandwich the day you leave town sounds great! A big substantial turkey sandwich, fully decorated would be a fantastic out of town lunch.
You can make yogurt AND cheese on the trail with powdered milk👍. All that’s needed is a thermos to keep it warm(and a yogurt starter) and a paper towel etc. to strain the leftover yogurt. Awesome with dried fruit, herbs, or even on crackers or mixed in pastas. No refrigeration needed. Use it fresh…happy hiking😊
I didn’t think about zip lock bags. Thanks! It’s on my list now. I’ll definitely add fruit snacks and gold fish! I won’t be backpacking, I might be homeless in April. Thanks for the tip on the hard cheese! Hopefully Target will have it! I also like it with pepperoni. Also, Lunchables are a good quick option too. I’ll definitely get those larger ones and snack packs.
The secret to a fun and successful backpacking trip is always proper planning and preparation. Once you get your system down, then it's just rinse and repeat!
I love soup. I buy all kinds of powder soup in individual serving packets. I add dried veggie, ramen, zatarain rice to make a meal. Mixed nuts and dried fruits are my snacks. Drinks I bring tea bags, instant coffee, and 3-in-1 coffee packets. 3-in-1 is great with oats as breakfast. I use dried black bean that cooks fast and tasty. If it’s day hike or a couple of days I bring well aged Parmesan cheese as reward. I find that I prefer savoy than sugary when hiking/backpacking, probably because I am slow paced.
I love soups too! I've been experimenting with a few new soup recipes and dehydrating them for the trail. I have a couple winners so far and will be making videos featuring their recipes and my dehydrating process soon.
Thank you! Yes, typically with resupply boxes, you want to prepare them and mail them prior to your trip. That way they are more likely to be there waiting for you by the time you hike into town.
Some amazingly delicious backpacking meals, in biodegradable/compostable/recyclable packaging, are made by a women-owned small company, here in Durango, CO. Farm to Summit meals. They would be more of a luxury item, as they are not inexpensive, by any means. But they are so yummy! And made with local "ugly" veggies that don't make the cut for market. I am not affiliated with them, but I am a big fan, and would love to see their company really take off, while hikers and backpackers get to enjoy really, really good food with a good mission. Just a suggestion that I think you and your viewers might enjoy.
I've actually out together a whole backpacking trip planning masterclass that can help you find specific trails to visit based off of location and trail features. Click here for more info: the-hungry-hiker.thinkific.com/courses/the-hungry-hiker-backpacking-trip-planning-masterclass
Section hiker here. First rule is know yourself. Many people (really most everyone I talk to) first starting out on a through hike or even for an entire section hike definitely don't have hiker hunger. Quite the opposite, you're tired and don't feel like eating all that much. So especially starting out and shorter section hikes emphasize pack what you will want to eat, not things you are dubious of, but are doing just for calories. Probably don't go crazy with amounts to start. You will figure out what youneed, but I'm a decent sized guy and I find about 1.5 lbs of food a day is a good yard stick for that first stretch or two or section. Think quality and calories over bulk and do your best to get some fruits and veggies in the mix. If you are re-supplying there will be enough stretches where you have to live on Cliff Bars and ramen bombs. Do what you can to supplement those stretches with pack from home and resupply boxes. One suggestion is bias resupply boxes to homemade veggie heavy healthier meals and grocery store items you may not find at a quick stop type resupply. Trust that you can get Knorrs, mac and cheese, standard candy, snacks and ramen everywhere. Finally, always carry at least one extra no-cook meal. I usually do an extra lunch. There will probably be at least one meal in a 3-4 day stretch where you were planning to, but either don't want to or weather forces you not to cook.
Awesome! Good luck on your hike. If you haven't seen this one, my video on the gear I used for my PCT section hike might be helpful too: ruclips.net/video/Cq3wzCbF_A8/видео.html
That was a great video Kathleen, and those spreadsheets looked awesome with weight, calorie counts, etc. I absolutely love dill pickles too and buy mine at Costco; they’re fresh & very dilly. Have you ever tried PB Fit to add to your meals? It is so delicious; just need to reconstitute with approx. 1 tbsp water and can easily add it to your other foods. The fat has been removed; so there’s that light weight factor. Thanks for sharing. I always find your videos to be informative and very helpful. Stay well.
Thanks for watching and happy you found this video helpful! I have heard of PB Fit and have used it as a peanut butter replacement for some of my previous trips and have even featured it in some of my previous backpacking food videos. I love that stuff! I also LOVE pickles. They're just so incredibly delicious when out on trail.
Glad you enjoyed this one and found it useful for your upcoming hikes! Rim 2 Rim is one of my all-time favorite hikes! There is something really special about the Grand Canyon that keeps pulling me back year after year. The Arizona Trail is also on my hiking list as well.
Well organized. We used to wilderness canoe and did similar as you by laying out all items. In retrospect I think we should have put each day's food in a separate bag and labeled them Day 1 Day 2 and so on.
Thank you! If thru-hiking and long distance backpacking has taught me anything, it's to be organized. I tried dividing my food up into separate bags for each day, but I kept finding myself digging into other bags to switch out meals and snacks I was craving when out on trail. Now, everything just goes into one food bag so I can choose each day based on whatever I'm craving at that moment.
The only dessert I have is pudding. I mix 1 package of "No Sugar" pudding mix in pint freezer bag plus 1/3 cup NIDO. On trail, add 10-12oz cold water and shake for 3 minutes then stir to make sure no lumps. Pudding will set up in 10 minutes. Eat out of the bag.
@@miken7629 Ah, gotcha. Thank you for clarifying. I’m allergic to most sugar substitutes. So I was wondering if there was another reason besides needing it to be sugar free. Interesting that it’s lighter.
Thank you for another great informative video. Finding out I am gluten intolerant, was a bummer for backpacking. The up side is I eat better now. It definitely takes more planning now. I purchased my last backpack because I can carry a BV 500 horizontally inside. I definitely prefer the Ursack though, were a non bear canister is allowed. Pickles have the electrolytes your body needs during summer activities or work outside. That electrolyte drink mix is absolutely worth it, even though it is pricey. Thank you again for taking the time to create this video.
Anything perishable, I always eat first, at the beginning of the trip. Since I sent myself resupply boxes along the trail, I only had the cream cheese with me for the first section of my hike. Then I switched up my breakfasts to dry cereal with powdered milk.
Awesome! Glad you found this video helpful. You'll probably find my new video for next week helpful too. I'll talk about all of the backpacking gear I brought with me for this trip and why. If you're planning a trip on the PCT, make sure you check out my free PCT Trip Planning masterclass on December 7th. Click here for details: mailchi.mp/9b4f64da83d4/december-pct-trip-planning-masterclass
No holy moly breakfast bars? I'm shocked! Great video as always. I'm planning to attempt the Foothills Trail again in May and I've never been to Trader Joe's. I guess I'll need to go check them out before I head out. I'm still so proud of you!
Maggi, I know!! Hahahaha!! Food fatigue hits me hard and I even get sick of my beloved Holy Molé Breakfast Bars from time to time as well so I'm always changing up my food for my trips. Plus, I didn't have a whole lot of time in-between my thru-hike on the JMT and my section hike along the PCT this summer. I lot of food I got for this trip was store bought instead of my normal dehydrated meals. PS: I LOVE Trader Joes. If you haven't seen this one yet, make sure you check it out: ruclips.net/video/egjhqZKGCJs/видео.html
@@TheHungryHiker Traider Joe's is around 120 miles round trip for us. We do it a couple times a year though. We have a cooler for the frozen food. At least we have a Whole Foods and a Sprout's market near home now. Aldi's has some good choices too.
My son ran around telling everyone he was trash for a month cuz of that amazing forky toy behind you lmao. Also great video! I usually turn to your videos for good food ideas.
That’s hilarious! As someone who proudly claims herself as “Hiker Trash”, Forky hold a very special place in my heart and on my bookshelf, right across from Lucky Lukla the Yak. 😊
I really love your channel! It's so sad to say but I think you're so brave being a woman and backpacking as far as you do by yourself and I really wish I could do that! I love nature but I just don't know if I feel comfortable going that far out by myself. However that being said I absolutely love all the videos you do about the way you pack food for your trip and the medical kit that you made it's amazing! I actually started watching it to good ideas about low weight high calorie foods and a medical kit in case of an emergency and we're displaced from our home for days or weeks. I have two young kids and after it snowed here in Texas and shut everything down i have been trying to make sure that we're not only safe and have a backup supply of food that can be easily cooked over a simple flame but also some things already packed in a bag in case we have to leave considering I'm the only one that's capable of carrying it
Thanks for watching and glad you have been enjoying my videos! Super happy to hear they've been giving you some good ideas for stocking up your own emergency supply at home. Always be prepared for the worst case scenario. :) Honestly, it doesn't matter if you're a man or woman, solo backpacking anywhere in the backcountry can be scary for anyone. It has taken a lot of me having to face my own fears and get out of my own way to be able to feel comfortable being out on trail by myself. I certainly wasn't an overnight success! It has taken me a LOT of practice and even with all of the 100s of miles under my feet, I still get scared out there sometimes when I'm by myself. The rewards and incredible confidence booster far outweigh any of the fears though and keep me coming back for solo backpacking over and over again. If you want something bad enough, you'll figure out how to make it happen. And sometimes having a coach to help show you the way and having a supportive community standing with you and rooting you on can be the difference of achieving a big goal or not. This is a HUGE reason why I decided to create my an online backpacking program for women, The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System.
With God as my witness, may I never hike without pickles ever again! This is really good info! Thank you so much! I found your channel last night and you've inspired me to explore food options other than freeze dried all the time. Love the Peak Refuel alfredo chicken! And Trailtopia makes some amazing desserts!!! But again, I'll try some of your ideas. Any plans of hiking the east coast?
Pickles are my favorite snack when out on trail. I'll never hike without them again. No plans for hiking on the east coast this year, but maybe sometime in the future.
I've done this section going both NoBo and SoBo now. I like going in both directions for different reasons. This year, I loved heading SoBo because I was walking against the crowd, but after Trout Lake, I started to hit the massive NoBo bubble. That meant there was more people on trail and I had to share the tentsites each night with a number of PCT thru-hikers. Not terrible, but if you're looking for the solitary experience, I'd probably head SoBo in this section at the end of July.
I always get great ideas from your videos so thanks. I'm changing up breakfast and in the past and this video you mentioned cream cheese so what's the secret for keeping it on trail. Thanks.
The secret to bringing cream cheese when out on trail is to, A - Make sure you consume the cream cheese first (just like with any perishable item in your food bag) because it won't last forever out there and B - Get it in a squeezable tube or small single serving containers (like you'd find in a restaurant with a to-go order) if you can. This way they will pack easier within your food bag and won't make a big mess. Hope that helps!
I really struggle with total loss of appetite on trail. For my last 6 day trip, I hiked an average of 14 miles per day and each day I progressively ate less and didn't even want to eat at all on days 5 & 6. Is that unusual? On normal days I absolutely love to eat, especially after a hard day of physical activity, but for some reason on trail I just really don't feel hungry even when I try to make myself eat
I've struggled with a loss of appetite out on trail myself. I always think I'm going to be so much hungrier than I really am. I don't think this is unusual at all and happens to a lot of hikers and backpackers. For me, I think it's partly nerves and excitment for starting off my trip, especially when I head out there solo.
@@hayleyversailles6946 That totally makes sense! It's definitely an adjustment period for me when I first start a big trip. My appetite is always effected in some way.
For this trip, I was able to coordinate a ride to the trailhead from my friends and then after my trip, was picked up by another friend who then took me on a weeklong road trip. Depending on where you start and finish your hike, there could be public transportation, shuttles or even trail angels in the area available to give you rides to and from the trailhead. You'll want to include this as part of your research when planning your trip. Good luck!
@@mehchocolate1257 Steal food? Hah! That's silly! Why would I ever want to carry more than I need to when out in the backcountry? That means I have to actually carry it.
What do you do with the freezer bag that you prepared your food in? Do you throw it away? Wash it? Many youtubers show using the bags but none ever say what they do with them when the meal is done.
It depends on how long I'm out on trail and what kind of trip I'm on. If I'm out backpacking for a short amount of time and coming home right after my backpacking trip, I'll save all of my used Ziplock bags and wash/reuse the bags for a few more times. Usually after three uses the bags are pretty much done. If I'm on a long-distance backpacking trip or thru-hiking and won't be coming home for a long, extended amount of time, I'll turn my used Ziplock bags into trash bags that I use on trail. Then once I get into town, I throw them away in the trash, just like I showed in my video. :)
No, I don't carry a solar charger. In my experience, solar chargers aren't super effective for me since I don't always hike in areas that have direct sunlight. I created a whole video on all of the backpacking gear I brought with me for my PCT section hike (same trip that's featured in this video.) I also talk about what I use to charge my electronics out on trail. Check out the backpacking gear video here: ruclips.net/video/Cq3wzCbF_A8/видео.html
Not sure where you are located, but I'm here in Washington State and was able to find them at QFC. You can also order the snack packs (along with pickle juice, which I also highly recommend) through their website at: suckerpunchgourmet.com Tell them their super fan (ME!) sent you! :)
I used the Jetboil Stash stove for this trip: alnk.to/aLBTOdz Check out my PCT Section Hike Backpacking Gear List on LighterPack.com for more details. Everything on this list is organized by system. All of my gear is linked on my list so you can find it easily: lighterpack.com/r/gcwddb PS: My video next week will feature ALL of the backpacking gear I used for my 17-Day PCT section hike here in Washington this summer. Stay tuned!
Great question! I cover all of the gear I brought with me for this trip in detail in this video, including my base weight: ruclips.net/video/Cq3wzCbF_A8/видео.html
I hike all over and I’d say there are bears probably in all of those places, but I rarely see one, unless I’m hiking over in the Olympics. There I see bears all of the time. For my section hike along the PCT, I didn’t see any bears, but you still want to be Bear Aware. 🐻 😀
Useful stuff, but that's a lot of plastic you're going through. A cold soak jar is pretty easy to clean up, just put some water in it and shake it out and you don't waste a whole bag for every meal.
Just make sure you’re properly disposing of your food scraps when out in the backcountry and dispersing your dirty water far from the tentsite, trail and a water source. 😀
Nope. I've had to do with long, waterless stretches and heavy water carries, but haven't come across anyone intentionally water fasting out on trail. At least not that I know of. Water fasting sounds dangerous.
Good video but I disagree with packing out toilet paper, at least for number two. Yuck! For those who think this is not LNT friendly, consider what toilet paper is made from: That's right, TREES. It will decompose at the same rate as any dead plant will. Of course, one must dig a proper cathole and cover it properly. I like to give the decomposition a head start by pouring water on the used TP before backfilling the soil on top. If there are large stones nearby I like to put one or more on top of the filled cathole to discourage small animals from digging it up. Since I am male I do not use TP after urination. I do think it's probably better to pack out TP after number one if you use it for that. Not so much of a hygiene issue compared to number 2. I would never suggest just leaving TP on the surface. A Backcountry Bidet can help minimize the amount of TP used. I try to do my business well away from campsites unless there is an outhouse present.
We can agree to disagree. One of the great things about backpacking is that we all do things a little different. I know toilet paper is a hotly debate topic in the backpacking. Here's my reason on why I don't use toilet paper in the backpacountry and what I use instead: ruclips.net/video/QTTu6ZhS_tg/видео.html
Yes, true, but that doesn’t mean you should sleep with your food or even that it’s safe to do so. I woke up to two mice in my tent running through my hair at 1am once. That was the last time I ever had food near my tent. Never again.
The problem is not that people are finding your used tp and baby wipes. It's that animals dig your crap up and eat it or drag it around the area, leaving whatever you left behind, exposed. Don't be part of the problem. Be part of the solution. :)
you use so many extra and repetitive words lol you don't have to say "backpacking food" all the time, we know you're talking about backpacking food, just say food holy moly
@@TheHungryHiker i guess you're right - but i definitely know what i'm willing to watch on youtube, and 5-8 minutes worth of content dragged out for almost 15 minutes are not in that category. best of luck
You think the content of this video is dragged out because I say “backpacking food” too many times? I’d say this “backpacking food” video is thorough. 😀 This video not only covers “backpacking food” but also covers how to put together a resupply strategy, how to meal plan and gear to use for important systems like cooking and water filtration…all of these topics important in a “backpacking food” video because backpackers looking to plan a trip like this ask me these questions all the time. With over 47K subscribers and now over 3,000+ views on this video just this week, I’d say this video is doing just fine. I know my content isn’t for everybody. RUclips has a ton of content and I’m confident you’ll have no problems finding something else that suits you better. Thank you for engaging with my video through the comments. You’re helping this one to rank even higher in the algorithm. #winning
I don't carry pickles for the calorie count. I carry them because they make me happy and bring me joy when I'm out on trail. I consider pickles one of my "luxury" items. Plus, sometimes you need a good dose of salt when you're out sweating in the heat when carrying a heavy pack. Pickles satisfy that quench for me.
I didn't weigh my food for this trip because I had multiple resupply boxes. As for gear, I put together a whole video showing the gear I packed for this trip and included my base weight. You can check out that video here: ruclips.net/video/Cq3wzCbF_A8/видео.html I also have the link in the video description, but in case you missed it, here was my gear list for this trip (along with links to all of the gear on the list): lighterpack.com/r/gcwddb For 30 days, you won't be able to carry all of your food. I hope you have resupply stops built into your itinerary. Otherwise, that's going to be a really heavy food carry. Good luck!
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Thanks for watching! I get asked all the time, “How do you know how much backpacking food to bring for trip like this?” In this video, I'll share with you my resupply strategy and how I meal planned for my 250-mile section hike along the PCT here in Washington this summer. I’ll also share with you all of the backpacking food I brought with me for this trip including a breakdown of all the backpacking meals I ate for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
I’ll also show you all of the backpacking gear I used in both water filtration system and cooking system for this trip and talk about what I used to store my backpacking food in, both while hiking during the day and when camping at night along with how I packed out all of my trash. Hope you find this video helpful when planning your own PCT hike!
You should carry True Lime and crushed nuts to jazz up yoir trail Pad Thai. The desicated lime is incredible!
Since creating this video, I have started using True Lime out on trail. :)
I think the idea of taking a big deli sandwich the day you leave town sounds great! A big substantial turkey sandwich, fully decorated would be a fantastic out of town lunch.
One of my all-time favorite town meals to pack out for the trail. 😀
You can make yogurt AND cheese on the trail with powdered milk👍. All that’s needed is a thermos to keep it warm(and a yogurt starter) and a paper towel etc. to strain the leftover yogurt. Awesome with dried fruit, herbs, or even on crackers or mixed in pastas. No refrigeration needed. Use it fresh…happy hiking😊
Great idea!!
I’m so excited to start planning my longer backpacking trip on the PCT, this is perfect!
Yay! Glad you found this video helpful Chevelle!!
I didn’t think about zip lock bags. Thanks! It’s on my list now. I’ll definitely add fruit snacks and gold fish! I won’t be backpacking, I might be homeless in April. Thanks for the tip on the hard cheese! Hopefully Target will have it! I also like it with pepperoni. Also, Lunchables are a good quick option too. I’ll definitely get those larger ones and snack packs.
I love Lunchables too!!!
Absolutely amazing how you could accomplish so much with simple planning and preparation.
The secret to a fun and successful backpacking trip is always proper planning and preparation. Once you get your system down, then it's just rinse and repeat!
I love soup. I buy all kinds of powder soup in individual serving packets. I add dried veggie, ramen, zatarain rice to make a meal. Mixed nuts and dried fruits are my snacks. Drinks I bring tea bags, instant coffee, and 3-in-1 coffee packets. 3-in-1 is great with oats as breakfast. I use dried black bean that cooks fast and tasty. If it’s day hike or a couple of days I bring well aged Parmesan cheese as reward. I find that I prefer savoy than sugary when hiking/backpacking, probably because I am slow paced.
I love soups too! I've been experimenting with a few new soup recipes and dehydrating them for the trail. I have a couple winners so far and will be making videos featuring their recipes and my dehydrating process soon.
Your video was very informative. That was a smart move mailing restock before your trip. 👍
Thank you! Yes, typically with resupply boxes, you want to prepare them and mail them prior to your trip. That way they are more likely to be there waiting for you by the time you hike into town.
Some amazingly delicious backpacking meals, in biodegradable/compostable/recyclable packaging, are made by a women-owned small company, here in Durango, CO. Farm to Summit meals. They would be more of a luxury item, as they are not inexpensive, by any means. But they are so yummy! And made with local "ugly" veggies that don't make the cut for market. I am not affiliated with them, but I am a big fan, and would love to see their company really take off, while hikers and backpackers get to enjoy really, really good food with a good mission. Just a suggestion that I think you and your viewers might enjoy.
Thanks for the awesome suggestion!
Your Holy Mole bars are a regular favorite for me (at home, work, or hikes). In fact, I have them on my kitchen counter, right now! I LOVE THEM!
That's awesome! Glad you love the Holy Molé Breakfast Bars so much. Still one of my all-time favorite on-trail breakfasts!
@@TheHungryHiker I am eating one, as I type.
I love it! 😀
Can anyone give a recommendation on a multi-day (3-4 days) trail/loop that allows dogs? From Midwest, Michigan dont mind traveling. Thanks
I've actually out together a whole backpacking trip planning masterclass that can help you find specific trails to visit based off of location and trail features. Click here for more info: the-hungry-hiker.thinkific.com/courses/the-hungry-hiker-backpacking-trip-planning-masterclass
@@TheHungryHiker Thank you
Section hiker here. First rule is know yourself. Many people (really most everyone I talk to) first starting out on a through hike or even for an entire section hike definitely don't have hiker hunger. Quite the opposite, you're tired and don't feel like eating all that much. So especially starting out and shorter section hikes emphasize pack what you will want to eat, not things you are dubious of, but are doing just for calories. Probably don't go crazy with amounts to start. You will figure out what youneed, but I'm a decent sized guy and I find about 1.5 lbs of food a day is a good yard stick for that first stretch or two or section. Think quality and calories over bulk and do your best to get some fruits and veggies in the mix.
If you are re-supplying there will be enough stretches where you have to live on Cliff Bars and ramen bombs. Do what you can to supplement those stretches with pack from home and resupply boxes. One suggestion is bias resupply boxes to homemade veggie heavy healthier meals and grocery store items you may not find at a quick stop type resupply. Trust that you can get Knorrs, mac and cheese, standard candy, snacks and ramen everywhere.
Finally, always carry at least one extra no-cook meal. I usually do an extra lunch. There will probably be at least one meal in a 3-4 day stretch where you were planning to, but either don't want to or weather forces you not to cook.
Great advice!
Currently planning my first thru hike. Thanks for the tips!
Awesome! Good luck on your hike. If you haven't seen this one, my video on the gear I used for my PCT section hike might be helpful too: ruclips.net/video/Cq3wzCbF_A8/видео.html
That was a great video Kathleen, and those spreadsheets looked awesome with weight, calorie counts, etc. I absolutely love dill pickles too and buy mine at Costco; they’re fresh & very dilly. Have you ever tried PB Fit to add to your meals? It is so delicious; just need to reconstitute with approx. 1 tbsp water and can easily add it to your other foods. The fat has been removed; so there’s that light weight factor. Thanks for sharing. I always find your videos to be informative and very helpful. Stay well.
Thanks for watching and happy you found this video helpful! I have heard of PB Fit and have used it as a peanut butter replacement for some of my previous trips and have even featured it in some of my previous backpacking food videos. I love that stuff! I also LOVE pickles. They're just so incredibly delicious when out on trail.
Wonderful information! Thanks Kathleen!
Thanks for watching Maureen!
Love this....My next hike will be Rim 2 Rim but in 1 day. However the next plan is the AZ trail in segments....This is all so useful..
Glad you enjoyed this one and found it useful for your upcoming hikes! Rim 2 Rim is one of my all-time favorite hikes! There is something really special about the Grand Canyon that keeps pulling me back year after year. The Arizona Trail is also on my hiking list as well.
This video was great! Thanks so much, Cathleen! ☺️
Glad you liked it!!
wow!! very good info. thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Well organized. We used to wilderness canoe and did similar as you by laying out all items. In retrospect I think we should have put each day's food in a separate bag and labeled them Day 1 Day 2 and so on.
Thank you! If thru-hiking and long distance backpacking has taught me anything, it's to be organized. I tried dividing my food up into separate bags for each day, but I kept finding myself digging into other bags to switch out meals and snacks I was craving when out on trail. Now, everything just goes into one food bag so I can choose each day based on whatever I'm craving at that moment.
The only dessert I have is pudding. I mix 1 package of "No Sugar" pudding mix in pint freezer bag plus 1/3 cup NIDO. On trail, add 10-12oz cold water and shake for 3 minutes then stir to make sure no lumps. Pudding will set up in 10 minutes. Eat out of the bag.
Sounds yummy!
Curious, why no sugar? Does it set up better?
@@thisbeem2714 The "No Sugar" is lighter weight plus I got type 2 diabetes so I had to cut out sugar.
@@miken7629 Ah, gotcha. Thank you for clarifying. I’m allergic to most sugar substitutes. So I was wondering if there was another reason besides needing it to be sugar free. Interesting that it’s lighter.
Thank you for another great informative video. Finding out I am gluten intolerant, was a bummer for backpacking. The up side is I eat better now. It definitely takes more planning now. I purchased my last backpack because I can carry a BV 500 horizontally inside. I definitely prefer the Ursack though, were a non bear canister is allowed. Pickles have the electrolytes your body needs during summer activities or work outside. That electrolyte drink mix is absolutely worth it, even though it is pricey. Thank you again for taking the time to create this video.
Glad you enjoyed this video. Thanks for watching!
Very helpful packing info, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
I love the cream cheese idea! You can really jazz more meals up! Did you eat the cream cheese for 8 days, or did you eat it in the first few days?
Anything perishable, I always eat first, at the beginning of the trip. Since I sent myself resupply boxes along the trail, I only had the cream cheese with me for the first section of my hike. Then I switched up my breakfasts to dry cereal with powdered milk.
Well-rounded 🙌✨
Thank you!
Your insight will help me with my next backpack camping trip, next year. Thanks again!
Awesome! Glad you found this video helpful. You'll probably find my new video for next week helpful too. I'll talk about all of the backpacking gear I brought with me for this trip and why.
If you're planning a trip on the PCT, make sure you check out my free PCT Trip Planning masterclass on December 7th. Click here for details: mailchi.mp/9b4f64da83d4/december-pct-trip-planning-masterclass
No holy moly breakfast bars? I'm shocked!
Great video as always. I'm planning to attempt the Foothills Trail again in May and I've never been to Trader Joe's. I guess I'll need to go check them out before I head out. I'm still so proud of you!
Maggi, I know!! Hahahaha!! Food fatigue hits me hard and I even get sick of my beloved Holy Molé Breakfast Bars from time to time as well so I'm always changing up my food for my trips. Plus, I didn't have a whole lot of time in-between my thru-hike on the JMT and my section hike along the PCT this summer. I lot of food I got for this trip was store bought instead of my normal dehydrated meals.
PS: I LOVE Trader Joes. If you haven't seen this one yet, make sure you check it out: ruclips.net/video/egjhqZKGCJs/видео.html
@@TheHungryHiker Traider Joe's is around 120 miles round trip for us. We do it a couple times a year though. We have a cooler for the frozen food. At least we have a Whole Foods and a Sprout's market near home now. Aldi's has some good choices too.
My son ran around telling everyone he was trash for a month cuz of that amazing forky toy behind you lmao. Also great video! I usually turn to your videos for good food ideas.
That’s hilarious! As someone who proudly claims herself as “Hiker Trash”, Forky hold a very special place in my heart and on my bookshelf, right across from Lucky Lukla the Yak. 😊
I really love your channel! It's so sad to say but I think you're so brave being a woman and backpacking as far as you do by yourself and I really wish I could do that! I love nature but I just don't know if I feel comfortable going that far out by myself. However that being said I absolutely love all the videos you do about the way you pack food for your trip and the medical kit that you made it's amazing! I actually started watching it to good ideas about low weight high calorie foods and a medical kit in case of an emergency and we're displaced from our home for days or weeks. I have two young kids and after it snowed here in Texas and shut everything down i have been trying to make sure that we're not only safe and have a backup supply of food that can be easily cooked over a simple flame but also some things already packed in a bag in case we have to leave considering I'm the only one that's capable of carrying it
Thanks for watching and glad you have been enjoying my videos! Super happy to hear they've been giving you some good ideas for stocking up your own emergency supply at home. Always be prepared for the worst case scenario. :)
Honestly, it doesn't matter if you're a man or woman, solo backpacking anywhere in the backcountry can be scary for anyone. It has taken a lot of me having to face my own fears and get out of my own way to be able to feel comfortable being out on trail by myself. I certainly wasn't an overnight success! It has taken me a LOT of practice and even with all of the 100s of miles under my feet, I still get scared out there sometimes when I'm by myself. The rewards and incredible confidence booster far outweigh any of the fears though and keep me coming back for solo backpacking over and over again. If you want something bad enough, you'll figure out how to make it happen. And sometimes having a coach to help show you the way and having a supportive community standing with you and rooting you on can be the difference of achieving a big goal or not. This is a HUGE reason why I decided to create my an online backpacking program for women, The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System.
With God as my witness, may I never hike without pickles ever again!
This is really good info! Thank you so much! I found your channel last night and you've inspired me to explore food options other than freeze dried all the time. Love the Peak Refuel alfredo chicken! And Trailtopia makes some amazing desserts!!! But again, I'll try some of your ideas.
Any plans of hiking the east coast?
Pickles are my favorite snack when out on trail. I'll never hike without them again. No plans for hiking on the east coast this year, but maybe sometime in the future.
Thanks nice information.
Glad you enjoyed the video!
Great video! Considering SOBO or NOBO from Snoqualmie in late Aug. ‘23. Do you have a preferred/favorite direction to recommend? TY!
I've done this section going both NoBo and SoBo now. I like going in both directions for different reasons. This year, I loved heading SoBo because I was walking against the crowd, but after Trout Lake, I started to hit the massive NoBo bubble. That meant there was more people on trail and I had to share the tentsites each night with a number of PCT thru-hikers. Not terrible, but if you're looking for the solitary experience, I'd probably head SoBo in this section at the end of July.
I always get great ideas from your videos so thanks. I'm changing up breakfast and in the past and this video you mentioned cream cheese so what's the secret for keeping it on trail.
Thanks.
The secret to bringing cream cheese when out on trail is to, A - Make sure you consume the cream cheese first (just like with any perishable item in your food bag) because it won't last forever out there and B - Get it in a squeezable tube or small single serving containers (like you'd find in a restaurant with a to-go order) if you can. This way they will pack easier within your food bag and won't make a big mess. Hope that helps!
I really struggle with total loss of appetite on trail. For my last 6 day trip, I hiked an average of 14 miles per day and each day I progressively ate less and didn't even want to eat at all on days 5 & 6. Is that unusual? On normal days I absolutely love to eat, especially after a hard day of physical activity, but for some reason on trail I just really don't feel hungry even when I try to make myself eat
I've struggled with a loss of appetite out on trail myself. I always think I'm going to be so much hungrier than I really am. I don't think this is unusual at all and happens to a lot of hikers and backpackers. For me, I think it's partly nerves and excitment for starting off my trip, especially when I head out there solo.
I also struggle wanting to eat while on a long hike. I don't think it's uncommon at all.
I think it’s like the initial shock to your body that causes this. I have this happen but usually settle into being hungry after a week or so
@@hayleyversailles6946 That totally makes sense! It's definitely an adjustment period for me when I first start a big trip. My appetite is always effected in some way.
Thank you thank you. Great information
Glad you enjoyed this one and found it helpful. Tomorrow's video will feature all of the backpacking gear I brought with me and used for this trip. :)
Great info - how did you manage travel? Did someone pick you up / drop you off?
For this trip, I was able to coordinate a ride to the trailhead from my friends and then after my trip, was picked up by another friend who then took me on a weeklong road trip. Depending on where you start and finish your hike, there could be public transportation, shuttles or even trail angels in the area available to give you rides to and from the trailhead. You'll want to include this as part of your research when planning your trip. Good luck!
You will have to try stowaway gourmet meals super good
Thanks for the suggestion!
@@TheHungryHiker steals food 😂😂😂😂
@@mehchocolate1257 Steal food? Hah! That's silly! Why would I ever want to carry more than I need to when out in the backcountry? That means I have to actually carry it.
So helpful thank you so much!
What do you do with the freezer bag that you prepared your food in? Do you throw it away? Wash it? Many youtubers show using the bags but none ever say what they do with them when the meal is done.
It depends on how long I'm out on trail and what kind of trip I'm on. If I'm out backpacking for a short amount of time and coming home right after my backpacking trip, I'll save all of my used Ziplock bags and wash/reuse the bags for a few more times. Usually after three uses the bags are pretty much done.
If I'm on a long-distance backpacking trip or thru-hiking and won't be coming home for a long, extended amount of time, I'll turn my used Ziplock bags into trash bags that I use on trail. Then once I get into town, I throw them away in the trash, just like I showed in my video. :)
Well done
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video!
I know someone has had to ask this, but do you carry like solar panel or something to charge your devices or how do you keep them charged?
No, I don't carry a solar charger. In my experience, solar chargers aren't super effective for me since I don't always hike in areas that have direct sunlight. I created a whole video on all of the backpacking gear I brought with me for my PCT section hike (same trip that's featured in this video.) I also talk about what I use to charge my electronics out on trail. Check out the backpacking gear video here: ruclips.net/video/Cq3wzCbF_A8/видео.html
@@TheHungryHiker your awesome.
I’ll check that out now. I’m looking at doing my own big hike here in the Midwest.
Yay!! 😀
I love pickles, what grocery store were you able to find these at?
Not sure where you are located, but I'm here in Washington State and was able to find them at QFC. You can also order the snack packs (along with pickle juice, which I also highly recommend) through their website at: suckerpunchgourmet.com
Tell them their super fan (ME!) sent you! :)
Was that a Jetboil Mini-Mo? Or Stash?
I used the Jetboil Stash stove for this trip: alnk.to/aLBTOdz
Check out my PCT Section Hike Backpacking Gear List on LighterPack.com for more details. Everything on this list is organized by system. All of my gear is linked on my list so you can find it easily: lighterpack.com/r/gcwddb
PS: My video next week will feature ALL of the backpacking gear I used for my 17-Day PCT section hike here in Washington this summer. Stay tuned!
what is the weight of your backpack
Great question! I cover all of the gear I brought with me for this trip in detail in this video, including my base weight: ruclips.net/video/Cq3wzCbF_A8/видео.html
Do you have suggestions for a lactose intolerant diet?
I don't follow a lactose intolerant diet nor is that my area of expertise so I wouldn't have any good suggestions for you.
Hey Thanks Love it
Yay! Glad you enjoyed the video!
I am way too old and fat to hike anywhere...however, I love your videos! Using some of your food ideas on a "around the country train trip".
That's awesome that you're able to use some of my food ideas for your upcoming train trip. Love it. Sounds fun!
Please tell me about the shirt you’re wearing in this video!!!
This is my PCT Town Shirt: www.townshirt.co/products/pacific-crest-trail?variant=40873213329594
I need those pickles 😋
They’re so good!!
Are there bears where you hike?
I hike all over and I’d say there are bears probably in all of those places, but I rarely see one, unless I’m hiking over in the Olympics. There I see bears all of the time. For my section hike along the PCT, I didn’t see any bears, but you still want to be Bear Aware. 🐻 😀
How many weight of food your carry in 6days?
No clue! I didn’t weigh my food for this trip. Just my gear.
Useful stuff, but that's a lot of plastic you're going through. A cold soak jar is pretty easy to clean up, just put some water in it and shake it out and you don't waste a whole bag for every meal.
Just make sure you’re properly disposing of your food scraps when out in the backcountry and dispersing your dirty water far from the tentsite, trail and a water source. 😀
Just curious have you ever met a hiker that water fasts while on trail? Is that even possible?
Nope. I've had to do with long, waterless stretches and heavy water carries, but haven't come across anyone intentionally water fasting out on trail. At least not that I know of. Water fasting sounds dangerous.
@@TheHungryHiker Probably for the trail.
why in the world would anyone ever do that? sounds like a great way to die
i wonder, how many of us hikers take food from nature, along the way ?
I don't do any foraging on my hikes other than pick and eat blueberries and huckleberries when they're around.
Good video but I disagree with packing out toilet paper, at least for number two. Yuck! For those who think this is not LNT friendly, consider what toilet paper is made from: That's right, TREES. It will decompose at the same rate as any dead plant will. Of course, one must dig a proper cathole and cover it properly. I like to give the decomposition a head start by pouring water on the used TP before backfilling the soil on top. If there are large stones nearby I like to put one or more on top of the filled cathole to discourage small animals from digging it up. Since I am male I do not use TP after urination. I do think it's probably better to pack out TP after number one if you use it for that. Not so much of a hygiene issue compared to number 2. I would never suggest just leaving TP on the surface. A Backcountry Bidet can help minimize the amount of TP used. I try to do my business well away from campsites unless there is an outhouse present.
We can agree to disagree. One of the great things about backpacking is that we all do things a little different.
I know toilet paper is a hotly debate topic in the backpacking. Here's my reason on why I don't use toilet paper in the backpacountry and what I use instead: ruclips.net/video/QTTu6ZhS_tg/видео.html
literally every thru hiker sleeps with their food except where you need a canister
Yes, true, but that doesn’t mean you should sleep with your food or even that it’s safe to do so. I woke up to two mice in my tent running through my hair at 1am once. That was the last time I ever had food near my tent. Never again.
i will never pack out used toilet paper or baby wipes there getting buried in the cat hole . try to find them 🙂
The problem is not that people are finding your used tp and baby wipes. It's that animals dig your crap up and eat it or drag it around the area, leaving whatever you left behind, exposed. Don't be part of the problem. Be part of the solution. :)
That’s irresponsible for sure. Don’t go if you can’t respect the outdoors.
Why can't you bury used toilet paper?
you use so many extra and repetitive words lol
you don't have to say "backpacking food" all the time, we know you're talking about backpacking food, just say food holy moly
Clearly you don’t know how SEO and the RUclips algorithm works. 🙃
@@TheHungryHiker i guess you're right - but i definitely know what i'm willing to watch on youtube, and 5-8 minutes worth of content dragged out for almost 15 minutes are not in that category. best of luck
You think the content of this video is dragged out because I say “backpacking food” too many times? I’d say this “backpacking food” video is thorough. 😀 This video not only covers “backpacking food” but also covers how to put together a resupply strategy, how to meal plan and gear to use for important systems like cooking and water filtration…all of these topics important in a “backpacking food” video because backpackers looking to plan a trip like this ask me these questions all the time. With over 47K subscribers and now over 3,000+ views on this video just this week, I’d say this video is doing just fine. I know my content isn’t for everybody. RUclips has a ton of content and I’m confident you’ll have no problems finding something else that suits you better. Thank you for engaging with my video through the comments. You’re helping this one to rank even higher in the algorithm. #winning
@@TheHungryHiker whoa. you're a lot. just fyi i was subbed but no longer.
Then go find you something much less. 😀
You are definitely a “live to eat” NOT an “eat to live” person, why else would you carry pickles which have virtually no calories?
I don't carry pickles for the calorie count. I carry them because they make me happy and bring me joy when I'm out on trail. I consider pickles one of my "luxury" items. Plus, sometimes you need a good dose of salt when you're out sweating in the heat when carrying a heavy pack. Pickles satisfy that quench for me.
What did your 17 day backpacking food weigh? How heavy was your pack? I want to carry for 30 days. I'm estimating it will weigh 40 pounds for 30 days?
I didn't weigh my food for this trip because I had multiple resupply boxes. As for gear, I put together a whole video showing the gear I packed for this trip and included my base weight. You can check out that video here: ruclips.net/video/Cq3wzCbF_A8/видео.html
I also have the link in the video description, but in case you missed it, here was my gear list for this trip (along with links to all of the gear on the list): lighterpack.com/r/gcwddb
For 30 days, you won't be able to carry all of your food. I hope you have resupply stops built into your itinerary. Otherwise, that's going to be a really heavy food carry. Good luck!