Food is essential to survival. This is not rocket science or some lost truth I have sought since I was a wee adventurer. Its just common sense!
With it decided that yes in fact I must eat to survive I started taking a look at the foods and snacks that I pack for a typical backpacking or climbing trip, and most important ways to save space. You are what you eat!
I stick to a few simple tricks to create the least amount of mess. I prepackage everything. Creating individual servings makes less trash as well as bulk. I suggest getting high quality zip locking sandwich bags and packing your items ahead of time. Recently I have discovered bags that have a double seal which adds peace of mind. There is not much worse that having a pack bottom full of smashed chips.
The night before a trip I will individually bag all my meals in zip bags. This way all I have to do is grab a bag from my pack and go. There is no mess of preparation in having a snack or meal.
Leave the biscuits and gravy at home! Instead granola or meal replacement bars are ideal for a breakfast on the trail. They pack small and are no mess. Literally you can eat these as you hike.
Don’t pack a fruit basket as your trail snack. The odds of the fruit not being bruised and smashed is so unlikely. In fact I would go as far to say your much for likely to win the lottery than having bruise free fruit after it travels in your pack. Instead go to your favorite grocery store and get your various fruits in the dried form. Just as good, but packs light and doesn’t make a squishy mess.
Assorted pretzels and cheese crackers make great trail snacks too. There is no mess and they pack small and light in a zip bag.
Try and stay away from chocolates and candy bars. Yes they taste great, but I have never not had them be a melted mess. This is a huge hassle to clean up and at times can ruin gear.
When it comes to lunches I usually pre make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for each day I will be out. They do stay fresh made ahead of time I promise! Just pack them individually in a zip bag and pull them from your pack as needed. I love the no hassle that comes with having my sandwiches made ahead of time.
Freeze dried meals are brilliant. I only use these for dinner meals because they are a bit bigger than what I would like to pack for all three meals. But they are a great way to have a hot dinner at the end of the day. They are packed full of calories which you need before crawling into your sleeping bag for the night. These are just an A+ idea!
These are just a few minimalist adventure tricks I follow when heading out on an adventure. In fact I used these methods before I headed out this weekend. Right now I am probably dinning on a pb&j out on the trail and enjoying life without the mess!
Happy trails from Girl vs. Wild!