Nuts are an important source of food for backpackers. Nuts promote a healthy immune system by restoring nutrients and calories that are lost through backpacking and outdoor activity. Nuts also make a delicious snack and provide a crunchy texture to freeze-dried backpacking meals. When it comes to caloric density, nuts are king. After pure fats and oils, nuts are the richest source of foods we eat, averaging 600 calories per 100 grams (3.5 oz, about 1 cup). When trail food supplies are running low, nuts make the difference. Their high fat content takes the edge off hunger. Here we’ll briefly cover […]
Whether you are experiencing sore hips or knee pain from hiking, an injury such as a twisted ankle, or a severe headache, there are certain foods you can eat to ease the pain. In this article, you’ll find a list of foods that contain potent anti-inflammatory compounds to help counteract inflammation and soreness in the body. In the curious adventurer, we mentioned how eating right plays an enormous role in your ability to finish a thru-hike. Pain is undoubtedly a common ailment experienced by most thru-hikers. Fortunately, nature has provided us with plenty of trail-worthy foods to help minimize and alleviate inflammation and […]
Are you planning a hike in mountainous terrain or a gorge? Extended descents can put significant pressure on the knees and cause swollen toenails. Here are a few steps you can take pre-hike to minimize painful toenails, black toenails, and eventual toenail loss. We’ve already covered protecting your knees downhill in a previous article. Lacing technique to secure your foot Improper lacing can cause your foot to slide forward on steep descents, causing your toes to bang into the front toe box and bruise. The overhand lacing technique will help hold your foot securely toward the heel of your boot to prevent […]
If you wear contact lens, chances are you have bad eyesight and dislike wearing glasses. So, is there any reason you should give up wearing your contact lenses when backpacking? No. It is possible to successfully wear and sanitize your contact lenses in the wilderness. You’ll just need to pay attention to maintaining lens hygiene. Bring along your normal supplies that you use at home for cleaning your lenses, plus a spare set of contact lenses and glasses. Are Glasses really Necessary? Just think how confident you can make your way around if you lose your contact lenses for any reason. […]
The weather is turning cold and we’ve got something to help warm you up. Chunky Chipotle Chili, a medium-spicy soup featuring mixed beans, lentils, quinoa, chipotle pepper, and chile de árbol! This chili pairs well with corn chip dippers, pasta, eggs and rice. Vegan and Gluten Free.