Backpacking as a Vegetarian or Vegan: Packing Tips for a Successful Hike

Can I maintain my vegetarian/vegan diet on a thru-hike? This question is a common one that we get from backpackers planning a thru-hike. Some think a vegan won’t be able to finish their hike because they can’t consume enough calories or protein and will become weak and sickly. This is NOT true. You do not need to eat animal protein to finish any endurance activity. While hiking, the muscle continuously burns carbohydrates and fat as fuel, not protein. Like all other backpackers, vegans need to consume more calories from complex carbohydrates and fat. The best plant-based carbohydrates to consume when backpacking […]

Outdoor Herbivore’s YouTube Channel

This 5 minute video gives you some tips you might not think of when selecting boots or shoes for hiking. Do you find videos like these helpful? What else would you like to see? Please let us know! We are considering offering more videos and tips related to camp cooking and backpacking as well. Before we invest the time, we’d like to get your feedback.

How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove: A Comparison

Choosing the right backpacking stove depends on your specific needs and preferences. You will need to consider factors such as weight, ease of use, fuel availability, and the type of meals you will be eating. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of backpacking stoves, their features, and considerations to help you make the best choice. Cost. Consider the long-term cost of owning the stove by factoring in the per-use price. The stove itself may be cheap, but consider the operational costs, such as fuel and any unique components. Durability. Look at the construction materials, ease of disassembly for cleaning/repair, etc. […]

How to Choose the Right Food for Your Backpacking Trip

You are excited about your upcoming backpacking trip but not the food preparation. You want to plan for the hike instead of preparing backpacking food, which, when done yourself, can take months. Making your backpacking food calls for considerable preparation. You must decide on a menu, purchase ingredients, prepare the meals, dry them using a dehydrator or freeze-dryer, measure and ration the portions, seal them into storage bags, and label the cooking instructions. Then, there is the concern about having packed enough food or too much. How will it taste – pleasant, dreadful, bland, salty…? Will you have enough calories, protein, […]