Peanut butter is a convenient and high-calorie snack for backpackers to take on the trail. It is loaded in healthy fat and offers a decent amount of protein. But not all peanut butter is suited for backpacking. Here’s what to look for.
Condiment Packets
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Do you save unused condiment packets from fast-food restaurants? These packets can be handy when traveling or if you run out of something at home. Common single-serve packets include ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, soy sauce, hot sauce, parmesan cheese, salad dressing, sugar, salt, pepper, and plastic jelly cups. How long can you keep single-serve packets? If you examine the condiment, most do not have an expiration date. Packets are shipped by the thousand in bulk, and the recommended “Expiration Date” or “Best By” date (established by the manufacturer) is often only […]
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 […]
Olive oil is an excellent choice for backpacking. Not only is it healthy and high in calories—containing 120 calories per tablespoon—but it also has numerous non-cooking uses. You can use olive oil instead of butter to enhance the flavor of your meals and increase their calorie content. It works well in soups, pasta, rice, and bean dips. Just a teaspoon of olive oil can significantly improve the taste of dehydrated foods. Adding it before cooking can also help prevent foods, like powdered eggs, from sticking to the pan. Olive oil […]