Food to Pack for a Through Walk

This is a personal view on what food to carry on a through walk. Some people may think it too spartan but the aim here is to get that weight down as much as possible. If you're willing to carry that extra weight with that extra special meal to enjoy at the end of the day, then by all means do.

Some general points to consider first.

Don't carry tins of food if at all possible. Not only are they heavy to carry but you also have to carry that tin back out again.

Decrease the amount of wrapping. There's no need to carry that cardboard carton the food came in if the food is already in a sealed plastic container inside. Write on the plastic with a felt pen what the food is inside if it's not marked.

Take only the amount of food required. No need to carry a half kilo of sugar if you only will use two spoonfuls a day. Spoon out the amount you think you will need into a small zip lock bag.

Take dehydrated fruit and veggies. Fresh food can spoil easily especially if squashed inside a pack or it's a hot summers day. Similarly take powdered milk if water is available on the track.

If water is readily available enroute, carry only one to two litres with you and refill as necessary. Carry iodine tablets to treat the water if necessary.

Take high-energy foods. Such foods include: nuts, peanut butter, chocolate, butter, oils, snack chips and crackers, pepperoni, and pre-packaged cooked bacon.

Planning your meals.

I find it easier to plan what to take by counting the number of breakfasts, lunches and dinners on the through walk. Often you can eliminate the first breakfast (have it at home) and the last dinner (splurge at a restaurant as a special treat at the end of the walk).

Here is an example of what to carry for each meal. Feel free to vary to your own personal likes and dislikes.

Breakfast

Weet bix or muesli. Count out the number of weet bix or spoonfuls of muesli beforehand and carry in a zip lock bag. Add sultanas, dried fruit, and have with powdered milk.

Lunch

Ryvita biscuits with cheese and salami. Alternatively have the biscuits with peanut butter or honey. Add dried fruit and nuts.

Dinner

There are commercial dehydrated or freeze dried packages available from most camping shops but they tend to be expensive and bulky. Another way is to buy Vesta or Continental meals of rice or pasta and add dehydrated veggies.

Tuna can be added for protein. You can add further to the meal by having a packet soup for entree and a dessert for afters.

Snacks

High energy snack foods are readily available from the supermarkets to give you that extra go during the day. These include muesli bars, breakfast bars, chocolate and nuts.

Build on the above suggestions and see what others carry but always be mindful of the weight. Be a light thinker!

Food for thought for your next trip. Richard

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