Backpacking fatigue is usually blamed on a heavy pack, steep inclines, insufficient training, or a poor trail diet. However, a connection almost no one thinks about is iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency affects your thyroid, which dictates how effectively your body uses energy during hill climbs and exertion. Your metabolic “engine” relies heavily on iodine to keep your legs moving forward. When most people think of iodine, they think of salt. However, salty foods do not mean they contain iodine. Backpacking meals — even those high in sodium, including processed food and snacks—do not supply iodine. And hikers making their own trail food […]
Everyone knows meat, eggs, and dairy as a solid source of protein, but many plant-based ingredients, including legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, are also rich in protein and can be added to trail food to meet (or exceed) your dietary needs. An easy way to boost the protein content of backpacking meals is to mix these proteins into already dried and instant foods like oatmeal, mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, and soup mixes. Small additions to each meal make a big difference in boosting your daily protein needs. Whether you follow a plant-based diet entirely or want to diversify protein […]
Our boil-soak pouches are designed for backpackers who need a reliable bag to store dried meals and reconstitute them by adding boiling water. These high-temperature stand-up “cook-in pouches” can withstand temperatures up to 230 degrees Fahrenheit (110 degrees Celsius). With a shorter bowl shape, each pouch can hold up to 4 cups (0.95 liters) of liquid. How to use: Place food in the bag, pour boiling water over it, stir, seal shut with the zipper, and allow the food to reconstitute for several minutes. Below, we demonstrate reconstituting a dried meal mix using the boil-soak pouch with Outdoor Herbivore’s Lemongrass […]
Maintaining digestive health while thru hiking and traveling can be challenging due to changes in your diet, environment, and routine. The microorganisms in your gut continually evolve in response to your environment and the food you eat. Any change to your environment can affect your gut. The last thing you want is to be slowed down on the trail by a bloated and achy stomach. A diverse microbiome is crucial for overall well-being, yet many travelers find their gut health affected while away from home. Western travelers are more affected by travel-related factors because their microbiomes tend to be less […]
Despite many Americans viewing the turkey as a Thanksgiving centerpiece food, the Turkey should earn more respect than this. In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, we’d like to share a few fascinating facts about the Wild Turkey
Introducing our newest backpacking meal just in time for Autumn: No Coop Noodle Soup. Inspired by the classic chicken noodle soup, our version utilizes plant-based proteins, such as chickpeas and yellow peas, along with a variety of vegetables, including freeze-dried organic sweet potatoes, carrots, and herbs, in a savory broth. The fiber-rich carbohydrates and heart-healthy olive oil provide warmth and nourishment, making it perfect on cold days. Not only is this soup delicious, but it is also comforting! Like all of Outdoor Herbivore’s backpacking meals, preparing the No Coop Noodle Soup is quick and simple. Boil water, then add the hot water […]