hiking food ideas

Fuel Your Outdoor Adventure | Hiking Food Ideas

A successful hiking trip isn’t just about where you go and what gear you take. Packing proper food is also critical.

The food you pack should fulfill your nutritional and caloric requirements. But, it should also be practical for the outdoors.

woman hiker

Hiking Food Ideas

So, what makes for good hiking / backpacking food?

Well, in a nutshell, the best backpacking meals are:

  • Shelf-stable
  • Lightweight
  • Packed with nutrients
  • Minimal cooking required

The goal is to pack nutritious and convenient food that is either ready-to-eat or quick to prepare.

Below we’ll cover some top hiking food ideas to keep you fueled and satisfied on your journey.

Make-Ahead Meals

Preparing meals in advance is the best way to guarantee that you will always have filling, tasty food on hand.

If you’re camping, you can make your food at the campsite and just heat it up later. If you’re on a longer, more strenuous hike, this could be extremely useful, especially if you’re carrying lots of gear. For example, you may have a sleeping bag, survival items, and photography gear, like tripods and a camera harness (it would be a shame to not capture all that natural beauty around you!) Just heating up what you have prepped ahead of time will be much less taxing after a long hike than just heating it up.

stew for hiking

With this in mind, consider bringing foods you have cooled beforehand like:

  • Stews
  • Spaghetti
  • Chili

You can make these beforehand and reheat them over a campfire or portable stove.



Just Add Water Meals

just add water

“Just add water” meals are ideally convenient!

These lightweight choices are great for trekking. They are dehydrated or freeze-dried. You just need to:

  • Add boiling water
  • Wait a few minutes
  • Enjoy a healthy supper


Protein Packets

Protein packs can be a great food option for a hike. They are small, lightweight, and don’t need refrigeration. Some include:

  • Tuna
  • Chicken
  • Salmon

Chicken of the Sea Alaksan Pink Salmon in Spring Water, 5 Ounce Packets (Pack of 12), Wild Caught Salmon, Skinless & Boneless
$25.07

Great food for hiking and camping trips!

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Beef Jerky and Dried Meats

Hikers typically eat beef jerky and other dried meats while on the hiking trail.

These provide a quick source of protein and also do not need refrigeration. Whether you are in the middle of nowhere or paused to take a breathtaking photo, these snacks will help keep you going.



Cheese

Hard cheeses, in particular, are great for hiking, as they keep their flavor and are easy to carry around. Incorporate some tasty and nutritious cheese sticks or individual packets of cream cheese into your hiking diet and pair them with crackers or tortillas.

Granola and Energy Bars

Granola bars and energy bars are vital items for a hiking backpack because:

  • They are lightweight
  • They are calorie dense
  • They deliver a fast energy boost


Trail Mix and Nuts

Nuts and trail mix are excellent snacks to consume while hiking and are perfect for sustaining energy levels since they include:

  • Protein
  • Fat
  • Carbohydrates

Plus, they are easy to carry and eat on-the-go.


Nut Harvest, Trail Mix Variety Pack, 2.25 Ounce (Pack of 16)
$43.99
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Nut Butters

Nut butters, like peanut butter and almond butter, are high-calorie, protein-packed snacks that can be a great food for a hike.

Choose single-serving packages to conserve space. You can enjoy them straight from the package or with other things, like tortillas or apples.



Instant Oatmeal and Granola

Granola and instant oatmeal are great for a hiking breakfast or as a snack.

Granola can be eaten dry or with powdered milk. Oatmeal packets just need a cup of hot water. Both are simple to pack and prepare. This makes them great for refueling before setting out for your day’s adventure.



Powdered Hummus

Powdered hummus is a unique, protein-rich hiking meal.

Simply add water and it is ready to eat!

It is an excellent complement to tortillas and vegetables. This might be a convenient dinner alternative for your hike.


Helena Hummus, Shelf-stable, No added preservatives, Natural Classic 4.23 oz and Roasted Bell Pepper 4.23 oz (Pack of 4 Tripacks)
$38.28
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Tortillas

Tortillas are perfect for sandwiches and wraps. They are easy to fill and can include – cheese, meats, and nut butter – among other ingredients. They make a great quick lunch option when you need to take a break from a hike.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is a tasty treat that is high in antioxidants, and is a nutritious, carb-filled snack for your hike. Enjoy it as a treat after a hard day on the trail. You can store it in a ziploc bag, but it could be prone to melting in warm temperatures.



Coffee and Tea

Instant coffee and tea are vital for maintaining alertness on the route. They are simple to make with hot water and can provide a caffeine boost. If you like coffee, try a portable coffee press that can integrate with your cooking system for a fresh brew.

Instant Noodles and Pasta

Instant noodles and spaghetti are lightweight and easy-to-prepare foods to take on your hike. They are ideal for a substantial dinner after a day of hiking. Just boil water – add some noodles or pasta – and Voila! Add protein and veggies to infuse some flavor!



Instant Soup Packets

Instant soup packages are small and simple to make, and are an ideal comfort food on cold hikes. Simply add boiling water and you’ll have a satisfying cup of soup! They are perfect for unwinding after a day of trekking on the trails.



Final Thoughts On Hiking Food Ideas

man hiking in mountains with gear

Incorporating the above hiking foods will help you stay fueled and focus on your adventure.

Enjoy your hike and God’s great outdoors!

 

 

Hedgehog Dryer Review

This Stickman Is HOT!🔥 | The Hedgehog Dryer Review

Let’s face it. Nobody wants to go back out into rainy, cold, and even snowy condition in gear that’s still wet and cold from your previous outing.

That’s where the Hedgehog Dryer comes in as a helpful piece of equipment and technology.

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Hedgehog Dryer Features

hedgehog dryer arms

The Hedgehog Dryer really is easy to assemble. It took about 5 minutes without even really reading much of the directions.

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hedgehog dryer pre-assembly
hedgehog dryer settings



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hedgehog dryer optional adapters list



Final Thoughts

So what do you think of our “stickman?”

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Well, hopefully the Hedgehog Dryer with ionic technology is something that could be helpful for you whether you’re hunting, fishing, hiking, or camping, or anything where your gear might get wet or cold.

After all, it helps keep your gear dry and smelling great!

Have fun out there!

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fifth wheel trailer on the road

Camping With a Fifth Wheel Trailer | A Complete Guide

on . Posted in Blog, camping

Many people’s idea of a fun, relaxing holiday involves their family and friends. Camping with a fifth-wheel trailer and some camping supplies, at a beautiful camping spot, may be just what the doctor ordered!

You can hit the road, set up your “house on wheels” next to a river or lake, and spend time with your loved ones while getting a much-deserved break. Ah yes, the camper’s life can be a blissful one!

However, if you’re new to the camping scene, a fifth wheel trailer may present a few challenges. The complete fifth-wheel trailer camping guide below provides all that information and more! 

Understanding A Fifth-Wheel Trailer 

Maybe you’ve been used to car camping, using items like ARB car camping gear, or other products, any other way of camping can take a while to learn.

Fifth-wheel trailers are no exception. They are travel trailers that are popular among RVers who desire stable and easy towing. They are also much larger than many other camper trailer types, making them desirable for families who wish to take extended camping holidays.

keystone rv alpine avalanch fifth wheel trailer

Fifth-wheel camper trailers typically boast boondock-friendly features like generators, holding tanks, solar power, and water filtration systems. They also have significant exterior storage and great towing stability due to the hitch of the trailer being over the towing vehicle’s rear axle.

Inside, campers using fifth-wheel trailers can’t help but feel like they have everything they need for long-term camping in the wilderness. Many of the best fifth-wheel trailers have multiple slide outs to provide more living space. They also have high-quality appliances, a great deal of storage, and at least one or two bedroom areas.

You won’t find too many fifth wheel trailers without well-established bathrooms and kitchens for a comfortable and convenient camping experience. You can still keep all your car camping gear for the various types of camping, but you can also enjoy a few upgrades when you invest in a fifth-wheel trailer. 



Why Is It Called A Fifth Wheel Trailer?

You might be wondering, “why is it called a fifth wheel trailer anyway?”

Fifth wheel refers to a hitch that allows for attachment of a trailer or other cargo to the back of a truck, tractor or other large vehicle. So, because you’re attaching your camping trailer to the fifth wheel, it’s called a “fifth wheel trailer!”


B&W Trailer Hitches Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch - RVK3500
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Write a List of Supplies

The beauty of camping with a fifth-wheel trailer is that you rarely have a long list of items to pack.

You can typically leave most camping supplies in your trailer each time you travel. However, being a new camper means you may still need to get everything you need for your first comfortable and fun fifht wheel camping trip. As a result, some items on this essential camping list below might be considerations for your own must-pack list: 

  • Food 
  • Kitchen staples – cutting boards, utensils, garbage bags, can opener 
  • Device chargers
  • Blankets, sleeping bags, and seasonal bedding 
  • Pillows
  • Electrical adaptors
  • Extension cords
  • Toilet chemicals
  • RV-friendly toilet paper
  • Motor oil and transmission fluid
  • Fire extinguisher 
  • Water pressure regulator
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Emergency road kit 
  • Shovel 
  • Clothing
  • Personal items and toiletries
  • Outdoor fun gear – binoculars, playing cards, sports equipment, fishing gear 

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Choose Your Fifth Wheel Trailer Campsite 

fifth wheel trailer under trees

Some people traveling on a budget take advantage of the policies of businesses like Walmart that regularly offer free RV parking in their lots overnight. Otherwise, you may opt for the helpful amenities, services, attractions of dedicated RV campgrounds.

Depending on where you are, RV campers may also be able to enter national parks, such as the Acadia National Park in Maine and the Arches National Park in Utah.

If you have a national park near you, research camping site options and see if they’re RV-friendly. 



Learn Road Rules and Etiquette

Traveling with a fifth-wheel trailer often requires a different approach than traveling in a car or pickup truck without a trailer.

You now have a long trailer behind you and may need to travel at a lower speed. Your get-ready checklist can also be much longer when you’re setting off for an extended road trip. Get into the habit of taking these actions when traveling with a fifth-wheel trailer: 

  • Stay out of the fast lane unless you’re passing a much slower vehicle
  • Chock your wheel when you arrive at a campground 
  • Balance and level your camper – this is important for a good night’s rest! 
  • Triple-check all your hookups for safety
  • Batten down windows and hatches before traveling 


Understanding Fifth Wheel Trailer Towing Weight Limits

fifth wheel camping trailer in field

Pay attention to the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross axle weight rating (GAWR), and the carrying capacity, also known as the payload. The GVWR is the maximum weight a truck can weigh once the fifth-wheel trailer has been hitched onto it, with its full load, including passengers. The GAWR (gross axle weight rating) refers to how much weight each axle is rated for. There is always a front and rear axle rating, with your fully loaded truck weighing less than each number. 

Finally, the payload or carrying capacity is the weight you can put into or on your towing vehicle before it reaches the gross vehicle weight rating. This works out to be the GVWR minus the truck’s curb weight.

If you’re unsure whether your vehicle will be suitable for your new fifth-wheel trailer, ask your local automotive experts for help. They can help you determine your towing weight limitations.  



Camping Accessories to Consider

While most fifth-wheel trailers come with nearly everything you need for comfortable and convenient camping, there are a few additional accessories you may like to buy to enhance the experience. Sometimes, it can take a few camping trips to realize what these are. However, you may like to research some of the following pieces of camping gear for fifth-wheel trailers: 

  • Leveling blocks and jacks for perfect leveling on all camping sites
  • Wheel chocks to stop your trailer from rolling once unhooked
  • Surge protector for campground power units
  • Drinking water hose for clean drinking water at campgrounds
  • Sewer hookup hoses for convenient sewer connections and dumping
  • Bike trailer hitches for fun outdoor activities and transport 


Final Thoughts On Fifth Wheel Trailer Camping

Camping with a fifth-wheel trailer can be a learn-as-you-go experience. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t be well-informed before you hit the road. So, take note of these tips above to enjoy a more confident first fifth wheel camping trip!