Are you ready to explore the great outdoors?
There's a specific kind of quiet when you're in nature and amongst the trees, and it's an even more peaceful experience when you've wandered by foot into some of the beautiful scenes Canada has to offer in the backcountry.
Multi day hikes are a great way to explore the wilderness and reconnect on a deeper level with nature. If you’ve ever gone on a multi-day hike, you know that the food you pack can make or break your experience. It is important to choose foods that are nutrient dense and easy to transport... and of course, enjoyable! But before you hit the trails, make sure you’re well-prepared with the right fuel to keep your energy levels up. Here are some tips on how to properly fuel for your next multi day hike.
Choose Nutrient Dense Foods
It is important to pick nutrient dense foods (like our superfood chocolate) that will provide your body with the energy it needs while still being compact enough to carry in your pack. Some other great options include nuts, dried fruit, chocolate endurance bars, beef jerky, and peanut butter sandwiches. These snacks are all high in calories per gram to keep you energized throughout your adventure. One of our top adventuring fans told us that he aims to carry snacks and food that provide "5 calories for every gram" to ensure that you've got a steady supply of energy for the duration of your hike.
Try Out Meal Replacements
Dehydrated meal replacements such as our friends at Farm to Summit (USA) or Westcoast Kitchen (CAN) are another great way to get an extra boost of sustenance on your hike without adding too much weight to your pack. These meal replacements come in convenient packages that can easily fit into a pocket in your backpack - and are even better when you can "just add water" to the bag it comes in. Although they do require adding hot water, these meals are a great way of consuming high quality ingredients to keep you nourished as you progress on your travels. Plus, they're are so many that now taste great!
Photo credit to Farm to Summit
Formulated Portable Nutrition
Here we are talking about products that have A LOT going on with them, mainly bars and shakes. There are plenty of bars on the market now that are made of MANY different types of ingredients providing you with a variety of nutrients for your journey - think Hornby and Go Macro for bars, or even taking protein or meal replacement shakes with you for concentrated nutrients as a beverage. These products often give you a bang for your buck as far as concentrated nutrition and also provide a sweet pick-me-up as you make your way on the trails.
Pack Some Comfort Foods
Everyone needs some comfort food every now and then so it’s ok to add in some of your favourite snacks into the mix too! Pack some chocolate endurance bars, candy or chips if you need extra motivation for a long day of hiking.
But how much should I pack?
When it comes to packing food for your multi-day hike, it's important to make sure you have enough snacks and supplies to last your entire trip. Aim for at least 200-250 calories per hour of activity, plus an extra 1,000 calories per day for general energy needs. Ensure everything is shelf stable, and DO NOT forget to bring plenty of water or ways to make natural water safe to drink.
You don't want to overpack food either; try to pack only what you will actually eat while on your trip. Make sure your food is easily accessible in your backpack so that when it comes time for snack time or mealtime you can easily access what you need without having to unpack everything. Having snacks available throughout the day will help keep hunger at bay until it's time for meals - think trail mix, superfood chocolate & jerky!
Be Aware of Wildlife
While on your multi-day hike, it's important to stay aware of the animals around you. Pay attention to signs like animal tracks, droppings, or broken branches, which can help you spot wildlife and stay safe. Respect animals by keeping your distance and not disturbing their habitats. Being mindful of the creatures you might encounter, from small critters to larger wildlife will help keep you safe.
Food safety is crucial during a multiday hike to prevent attracting wildlife and ensuring your own safety. Store all food in bear-proof containers or hanging bags, well away from your sleeping area, to avoid tempting animals. Be meticulous about cleaning up all food scraps and waste, as even small crumbs can attract curious creatures. Cook and eat your meals at least 100 feet from your tent or campsite. By taking these precautions, you reduce the risk of wildlife encounters and help maintain a harmonious balance with nature, making your hiking experience safer and more enjoyable.
Photo credit to Farm to Summit
Multi-day hikes can be an amazing way to explore nature and disconnect from everyday life - but fuelling yourself correctly is essential if you want that exploration experience to go off without a hitch! With proper planning and packing of foods beforehand, you'll be able fuel yourself throughout each day so that you can continue enjoying all that nature has to offer! Choose nutrient dense foods such as chocolate with extra nutrients, nuts and dried fruit for quick snacks throughout the day and consider packing meal replacements such as Gatorade powder or protein shakes for extra sustenance when needed. It's also ok to add in some tasty treats like candy and superfood chocolate bars to keep you motivated when times feel tough! But remember to choose foods with a higher caloric density per gram (ie 5 kcal per g). With these simple tips in mind, you'll be prepared for whatever comes your way during your next multi-day adventure!