What Is the Healthiest Backpacking Food?

By Anna Duncan

Backpacking is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature, but it can also be hard on your body if you don’t have the right food. The healthiest backpacking food is lightweight, nutrient-dense, and easy to prepare. It should also be high in calories to keep you going throughout your hike.

Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass while out on the trail. Nuts and nut butters are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. They provide a sustained energy release as well as essential amino acids that are necessary for muscle growth. Dried meats such as beef jerky or salmon jerky are also good sources of protein, but they can be heavy so opt for them if you have extra space in your pack.

Carbohydrates are necessary for providing energy during your hike.

Whole grain breads and pastas are a great source of complex carbohydrates that will give you an energy boost without causing a sugar crash later on. Oats, quinoa, and other whole grains provide slow-burning energy that will keep you going throughout the day. Rice cakes, granola bars, and other snacks made from whole grains are also good choices for quick snacks on the go.

Fruits and Vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs while out in the wilds. Dried fruits such as raisins or apricots can be easily carried with you on the hike and provide important nutrients such as fiber and antioxidants. Carrots, celery sticks, bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, snap peas, broccoli florets—all of these can be eaten raw or cooked over a campfire to add extra flavor to your meals.

Fatty Foods:

Fatty foods such as nuts and oils provide important essential fatty acids that help regulate hormones in the body. Olive oil is an excellent choice for cooking over a campfire since it has a high smoke point which makes it resistant to burning at high temperatures. Coconut oil is also a great choice since it contains medium-chain fatty acids which have been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce inflammation.

Conclusion:

What is the healthiest backpacking food? The answer lies in choosing nutrient-dense foods that are lightweight yet packed with calories such as nuts and nut butters, whole grain breads/pastas/oats/quinoa, fruits/vegetables (fresh or dried), fatty foods like olive oil/coconut oil, and dried meats like beef jerky or salmon jerky for a protein boost on the trail. By packing these items into your backpack before heading out into nature you should have no problem staying healthy while enjoying all that Mother Nature has to offer!