Peak performance on the trail requires food that nourishes and strengthens you. Some tips on how to find it.
Dietary
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.
What chocolate best stands up for backpacking? Not all chocolate is created equal. There is the junk food variety of chocolates and the pure, minimal ingredient chocolate sources. There is also white chocolate, which is not chocolate at all. Here we’ll compare the processing and nutritional details of the different types of chocolate.
As we enter the summer season in the South, characterized by high humidity and daily temperatures in the 90s, it’s crucial to understand the impact of these conditions on our hydration. Engaging in any outdoor activity in such weather will inevitably lead to significant sweat production, making proper hydration a priority. Sweating is good for us because it is our body’s built-in mechanism to keep us cool, although it does not always feel refreshing. For instance, sweat clings to the skin when the surrounding air is damp and stagnant, and clothing becomes heavy and uncomfortable. When the sweat finally does evaporate, it leaves […]
Nuts are an important source of food for backpackers and athletes. Packed with protein and healthy fats, nuts promote a healthy immune system by restoring nutrients and calories that are lost through endurance activity. Nuts also make a delicious snack and provide a crunchy texture to otherwise mushy freeze-dried backpacking meals. When it comes to caloric density, nuts are king. After pure fats and oils, nuts are the richest source of calories in the 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 […]