Surprising Ways to Pack Your Food for Hiking

Hiking used to be something I dreaded, a dreaded part of school trips that made me shudder. But recently, I’ve become more health-conscious and much more enthusiastic about long walks and hiking adventures.

If I could choose anywhere to hike, Yosemite National Park would be at the top of my list. Famous for its waterfalls and granite walls, Yosemite boasts trails for all levels. As a child, I was obsessed with Yogi Bear and always thought he lived there—so exploring Yosemite has been a lifelong dream.

Plan Your Hike

Whether it’s a day hike or a multi-day trek, having sufficient, nourishing food and water is crucial. But heavy packs can slow you down, so smart planning is key. Here are six practical ways to pack food for hiking efficiently.

Plan Your Meals

Start with a meal plan to know exactly how much food you need. Planning dinners first helps as they are usually the largest meal. Consider your daily activities, the trail’s difficulty, and how much energy you’ll expend.

Stay hydrated: aim for at least two cups of fluid per hour of hiking, plus 4 cups of water before the hike to lighten your pack load.

Dry Foods are Your Best Friend

Dehydrated meats like beef, chicken, salmon, or tuna reduce pack weight while providing protein. Trail mix and energy bars are excellent backup if cooking fuel or water is limited.

Get Rid of Excess Packaging

Compact is key: swap heavy containers for resealable bags, bring powdered protein drinks, and portion out spices in labelled small bags.

Don’t Pack Too Much Sugar

Sugar spikes energy temporarily but leads to crashes. Focus on balanced meals with proteins, carbs, and healthy fats to sustain energy throughout your hike.

Pack Correctly

Place heavier items like your food pack against your back, above the hips, and between the shoulder blades. Fill the remaining space with lighter items, and store frequently used items (map, phone) in outer pockets for easy access.

Bring the Right Equipment

Essential tools include:

• Camping stove
• Stove fuel
• Utensils
• Lighter
• Trekking poles

Following these tips will help you pack smarter, stay nourished, and enjoy your hiking adventures without sacrificing comfort or energy.

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