As each new hiking season comes along, there seems to be more trails and routes on which to take a walk or hike. Whether it be a short walk, a day hike, or an overnighter, one may just step out the door and walk or drive to the Char Creek area, Kootenay Pass, or along Kootenay Lake and go for a hike. There seems to be opportunities to walk or hike just about anywhere one would want to go. Without getting into the issue of hiking poles, foot wear, clothing, rain gear, insect repellants, sleeping bags or tents, let’s just dive into the topic of food.
A common concern about food and hiking is getting the greatest amount of energy for the least amount of energy. Simply put, one would ideally take food that’s suitable to carry, weight-wise, and when eaten at a choice lunch spot will provide the greatest amount of energy for the rest of the journey. Also, one would want food that produces the greatest amount of energy with the least amount of energy used in digesting it. Actually, this is the best way to look at food anywhere, any time, whether one is walking or hiking, active or inactive – in other words, in day-to-day living.
The foods that supply the greatest amount of energy while using the least amount of energy in digestion are plant-based foods; plant based foods and drinks with no or minimal additives are better energy providers. (Some products called ‘food’, with all their additives, are actually non-foods or even ‘toxic waste’).
Animal based foods have been shown, through research by food scientists, to require more energy to digest than plant based foods. (That’s not a matter of opinion). In plant and animal ecology, members of the animal kingdom that consume plants are called ‘first order consumers’. They are once removed from the primary source of energy – the sun – getting their nutrients first hand from plants. Animals that get their nutrients by eating other animals are referred to as ‘second order consumers’, or they may even be third or fourth order consumers. Some humans choose to be ‘first time around consumers’, eating primarily plant based foods. Humans that consume dead animal matter get their nutrients second hand. It all boils down to the fact that a plant-based diet is the most efficient energy provider. (The latest studies show that of those that eat meat, 50% will die of cancer. Ten years ago it was 30 to 40%).
The list of foods to take on walks, hikes, over night trips or whatever contains a wide variety of choices. And each may be used by itself or in combinations with other items for snacks, energy boosts, and even lunches. Common takes are granola bars and what is often called ‘squirrel food’ or trail mix, contents of which can be a “mix and match” according to the taste. These are dry and light in weight. Raisins, whole or chopped dates, almonds, walnuts (with dates), cashews, and dried fruit are also wise choices.
Sandwiches are also easy to pack but often, depending on the content and the season, may need to be eaten on the first day out. Hard-boiled eggs, which are compact and carry well, can be added to the menu. It might be advisable to take a knife along and something besides your fingers to eat it with. Peanut butter-honey sandwiches taste surprisingly good after two or three hours of hiking. Fancier sandwiches may be made up, but they may not carry so well. One might end off with a salad instead of a crisp veggie sandwich unless one uses a snug container, packs it with crumpled wax paper, or wraps it up.
Salad items and fresh vegetables are also easy to carry. Carrot and celery sticks, broccoli pieces and shredded cabbage-raisin salad are good sources of vitamins, which one needs every day. The amount is increased if on an overnight jaunt. Plan the menu in day-length units.
If on a long day hike or overnighter, one may be able to manage a can or two of baked beans or stew. That makes the pack a little heavier, but once eaten one may feel filled and all that needs to be taken back are the empty cans. One may also take dry cereal or granola or dry porridge mixed with powered soymilk or milk already in sealed containers. This eliminates some prep, which is an advantage if the hands are cold; just add water.
Having meals on the trail is quite a bit different than eating the main meals at a base camp where you drive to. With the latter, weight and space are not main concerns. One may not be so particular about the size of containers on a day hike as on an overnighter, where container sizes need to correspond close to the quantity of food taken to conserve space. (I recall one hiker taking a box of cookies). Lids should fit tightly so as not to open or leak. It’s not a nice thought to have a peanut butter- honey-windbreaker sandwich.
So, what would you take on a hike? (I might not want to know). One can go online and get all kinds of smart and handy ideas from experienced hikers. Of course keeping hiking food simple lends to not having to carry any of it back home and also allows more time to enjoy the hike; but it is nice to have a wholesome desert. (Avoid including fresh-baked brownies or meat in your pack; you may end up attracting a bear or your hiking partners).