Chia seeds offer extensive value for the lightweight backpacker. Here’s why: Tiny and lightweight with a storage life of up to 5 years. Require no cooking. Chia seeds are great for making cold-soaked pudding, cereal, or smoothies. Chia Seed High Energy Content: 140 Calories per 1.0 oz (28.35 g) or 2 TB. Have a good nutrient profile with omega-3 fat, dietary fiber, phosphorous, and calcium. How to Eat Chia You can eat chia seeds by cold soaking them in water, sprinkling them on oats and other meals, or sprouting them. To hydrate the seeds to make a pudding, add 1 […]
Camp Tips
66 posts
It is sensible to carry a foldable paper map as a reliable backup to your GPS device when hiking in an unfamiliar wilderness. Our experience is that not all trail maps are created equal. Here are a few of our thoughts after traveling countless trail miles over the years and examining their accuracy – First Choice: Maps printed by the US Government Outdoor Herbivore’s first choice among hiking maps is the USFS (United States Forest Service) maps. These maps provide an accurate summary of each trail (main features, distance, and level of difficulty), topography (switchbacks/terrain, elevation, stream/creek locations), as well as any […]
We hope these tips help you stay lean, yet strong and healthy on your next long distance hike.
The air is thinner at higher altitudes because the atmospheric pressure is lower. Your body will initially have difficulty getting the oxygen it needs, and your performance will suffer. This lack of oxygen can prevent unacclimated hikers from losing up to 50% of their regular physical efficiency at altitudes over 6,000 feet. Hiking at 8,000 feet (2,500 meters) or higher may cause altitude sickness. Symptoms of altitude sickness include a throbbing headache, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, weakness, dizziness, and an inability to sleep. Undoubtedly, it is difficult to appreciate the incredible high-altitude scenery when feeling miserable. Here are some […]
Hikers often report feeling mentally and physically better when on a gluten-free or gluten-light diet while on the trail. However, gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, can be challenging to eliminate. Gluten is present in most high-carbohydrate backpacking foods, such as pasta and rice meals, cereals, and packaged snacks. Preparation is key when it comes to gluten-free backpacking food. Before embarking on your journey: Take the time to plan your meals and snacks carefully. Consider factors such as caloric density and ease of preparation. Opt for lightweight, non-perishable ingredients that sustain energy throughout your trek. Learn to […]