Why sacrifice a decent meal when you are on the trail? Eating well on the trail tastes better and gives you the right types of food to enhance your performance and give you the gusto to go a little further. Eating well does not have to be gourmet or cost a fortune. Learn how to compare packaged foods to determine if the meal is worthy of stashing in your pack for your next outing. Start by following these tips. Should I buy this common backpacking meal? The product displays the following ingredients: 1. Decode the Ingredient List Here is an […]
How can you tell if the company is trying to sell you an inferior product when it is dressed in so many health claims? Food labels assert healthful claims on packaged products to get you to purchase them. Knowing what to look for in the ingredient list lets you quickly determine how worthy it is. There is so much conflicting information out there. How do you know who to believe? Most people with special dietary needs are adept at reading labels to determine if the food contains hidden ingredients or allergens. Even those without dietary restrictions are becoming more interested […]
Do you ever notice your lips tasting like salt or feel grainy salt crystals on your face after hiking in hot weather? Maybe your eyes burn as sweat drips off your eyelids. Those are electrolytes—what is left when the water component of sweat evaporates. They need to be replenished by drink and diet. An electrolyte imbalance is not just a theoretical concern. It can lead to muscle cramping and fatigue, especially during prolonged activities like backpacking or hiking. This imbalance is caused by the loss of water through sweat or elimination. If you do not consume enough minerals from food or […]
Sprouting on the trail is similar to sprouting seeds at home. The process requires soaking, draining, and rinsing seeds regularly until they germinate, which takes about 48 hours. The main difference to sprouting on the trail is that the mechanism you’ll use may be different. A regular mason jar is more convenient at home but heavy and bulky for backpacking. A fabric sack works well for the trail. The entire process of growing sprouts is easy and is great for long hikes. You can take the sprouts on shorter trips, but we recommend starting the germination process at home. If […]
Sound, a defining feature of our environment, tells the story of the world around us. The familiar hustle and bustle of city life, with its cacophony of vehicles, sirens, leaf blowers, and ringing phones, is a hallmark of urban living. While these city sounds may fade into the background for some, they can be an overwhelming intrusion for others. In stark contrast, the wilderness offers a serene escape from this man-made symphony, allowing us to be serenaded by the gentle whispers of the wind and the harmonious melodies of wildlife. The streetscape noise fades away once in the wilderness, but […]