Trail Mix Store
December 31st, 2010

Trail Mix Store

Bring Trader Joe's to Winston Salem


West Coast Trail Tips #4-What to Eat

Taking a hiking adventure on the West Coast Trail means carrying your food with you on the whole trip.  But that does not mean you have to go bland and tasteless.  The days of quick oats and Ramen noodles is over.  For experienced hikers, it was probably never there.  It is possible to have great food without having huge weights to carry and without breaking the bank to do it.  Because of the long, continuous exertion of hiking for hours, the need to have good, nutritious food is very high.  But nutrition does not always meet the emotional needs after carrying a 40 lb.+ backpack for 7 hours.  We also need some comfort foods these days.  And we have to carry all of this with the least weight possible.  These are the food considerations for a multi-day hike.

Nutrition

Nutrition is about eating the right foods for all your body's needs.  It is not so difficult, but it does take some forethought, especially when trying to keep the weight down.  Let's look at both the vegetarian and meat-eaters options.

Meal Base

Carbs-grains, pasta, breads, crackers, vegetables.  The secret to carbs is to keep them lightweight and quick-cooking.  Both grains and pastas can be pre-cooked and dried, making them lighter and quick-cooking.  Even if you can't dry food, grains and pasta work well, but the cooking times will be a little longer.  Plan on about 1 ½ cups of grain per person per meal.  For pasta, plan on about 150 grams dry per person per meal.

Vegetables can be dried in a food dryer, also.  This dramatically reduces weight and makes it possible to have those healthy veggies.  Even if you get some pre-packaged sauce mix, adding extra dried veggies really helps the meal, adding a lot of great nutrition.  If you are into your own sauces, they can also be dried.  Dried sauces come out like fruit leather from the food dryer and are easily rehydrated at meal time.

Breads are usually pretty heavy, and take up quite a bit of space.  Thin breads, such as tortillas, can provide a great base, are easy to carry, and can "carry" a load of stuff on top.  Breads and crackers are quick and ready carbs, so they make great lunch bases, requiring no cooking.

These bases apply to both vegetarian and meatatarian meals.  Next, we look at the proteins.

Vegetarian

Although there is a little protein in all grains and vegetables, it needs to be supplemented.  Most vegetarians know how important beans are for their protein needs.  Dried refried beans and humous powder are two easy and available protein sources.  Both of these can be made into different flavors, effectively turning them into different meals.  Peanut butter (peanuts are also beans, technically) is heavy, but is a protein source.  If you are not strict, cheese is probably the main protein source of vegetarians.  Cheese can be heavy, and dried cheese is not so great.

The bean powders can be added into sauces to thicken them up a bit, adding protein into a meal without having to have pasty bean goop all the time.

Meatatarian

Meats do very well being dried in a food drier.  This is actually the best way to prepare it for a hike.  It will reconstitute, but may need a while.  If you are getting into the food drying, jerky is not difficult to make, and will be a lot less expensive if you do it yourself.  For the meat, you can dry cooked, canned chicken, shrimp, fish, or even red meat.  You can also cook it yourself and dry it.  These meats are going into the bases, which are supplying most of the raw energy from carbohydrates.

Sausages and smoked meats, which are usually quite dry, are great for lunches.  Any lunch leftovers can be added into dinners, using up the extra meat on that day.

Eggs can be taken on the West Coast Trail, or other hiking trip, but they are best taken in a carton bought from a store and used on the first or second day.  If the carton is frozen before leaving , it may last until the third.  The down side is the weight, which is another reason for using it quickly.  Powdered eggs may work in pancake mixes, but you need the real eggs for French toast or breakfast egg sandwiches.

Making It Taste Great

The secret to flavor is salt and oil.  Olive oil, butter, margarine, and salt will make anything taste like it was made at home.  Make sure that you take a good supply of salt and plan out your oil supply per meal to keep your weight down.

What will make your meals really yummy is taking and using a bit of extra spice.  Dried curry powder creates a nice Indian meal.  Add a few cashew and chopped, dried apricots into your meal, and you have gourmet.  A bit of chili powder and a small container of jalapeno peppers give a Mexican flair.  Take a small bit of cilantro to add a gourmet touch.  Even a little of these extras make meals extra special and add to the nutritional value.  Look up recipes and menus for hiking trips. Using the sequence of thought-  base, veggies, protein, spice, and gourmet extras-gives a way to decide whether to either use the meal as-is or adjust it for weight.

Food for the Soul

At the end of the day, you want something extra to reward yourself.  This is where you add in the little extras for evening tea, such as chocolate, a couple of caramels, a couple of cookies, or some other candy or fruit leather.  You can go with a full-on dessert that you make, but the ingredients need to be lightweight, so expect to make it and to compromise on weight.  Cheesecake, pudding, and chocolate mousse are great possibilities that can be made from ready-made mixes.  If you think small and light, you can usually manage a treat after every meal.

Keeping it Light

The key to all of this is to keep it light.  If you allow 1.2 pounds (about 550 grams) per day, that is a good rule of thumb.  This means about 10 pounds for an 8-day trip.  If you can manage to have food dropped in halfway, it is possible to reduce your weight distribution for the whole trip and increase your daily food allowance all in one move.  Of course, you pay for it.

The main ways to reduce weight is to remove as much packaging as possible and to dry foods.  Repackage if necessary to take only what is needed for each individual meal with no extras.  This means plan the menu beforehand and mockup the meals to know how to cook them.  Camp stoves are notorious for their inability to simmer and most good camp meals need to simmer.  Cook the meals on your camp stove.  If you need to disperse the heat a bit, you can buy heat dispersers, or you can make one.

What's on the Menu?

If this is all too much for you, you can always go on a guided tour.  The guides are usually very good cooks and have worked out their menus over years.  Some companies are now drying their foods to increase the nutritional value and get away from chemical preservatives.  They have the nutrition and the gourmet parts worked out for you.  They also work out your snacks and deal with any food allergies or special diets you might have.

On the West Coast Trail, most of the tour companies have a food drop mid-trip to decrease your weight.  They have worked this out and paid for the service.  This takes you off the hook for lots of time and experimentation before your trip, giving you more time to make sure you are in shape.

At the end of the day, the food you get makes a big impact on the quality of the trip.  If you count on about 550 grams of weight per day and a budget of about $15 per day, you can plan your meals and should be able to come in under weight and under budget.  If you want to leave it to a tour company, you can rest assured that the guides have worked out great menus and bring the little extras to make your hiking trip truly unforgettable.

To learn more about hiking trips on the West Coast Trail, visit www.coastalbliss.ca where you will find this and much more about adventure tours and BC coastal hiking.

Planters Trail Mix, Spicy Nuts & Cajun Sticks, 6-Ounce Pouches (Pack of 12)
Planters Trail Mix, Spicy Nuts & Cajun Sticks, 6-Ounce Pouches (Pack of 12)
List Price: $28.80
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Description

Seasoned peanuts, corn nuts, cajun sesame sticks & corn sticks, red chile crescents.

Features

  • 12 6-ounce pouches (72 total ounces); each pouch containing approximately six servings
  • Made with crispy Cajun sesame sticks
  • Contains no trans fats and no cholesterol
  • A perfect combination of expertly roasted nuts and spicy Cajun-flavored crispy treats
  • A delicious snack choice for parties, the big game or anytime you crave a spicy, crunchy treat
Trail Mix 3/4
Trail Mix 3/4" Adjustable Medium Dog Collar Size: Medium (12" - 20")
Sale Price: $12.95
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Description

DOG20702 Size: Medium (12" - 20") Features: -Adjustable Medium Dog Collar. -Trail Mix collection. -Material: Jacquard nylon webbing. -Fully adjustable dog collar for medium dogs. -Versatile width should fit most dog breeds over 20 lbs. -Welded steel D-ring and heavy-duty side release clasp. -Unique vibrant pattern. -Proudly built in the USA. -Machine wash warm, mild soap, no bleach, air dry only. -Available in 3 sizes. -Click here to view Lupine's Sizing Chart:. Lupine's Sizing Chart. Specifications: -Small: 0.75'' W x 9''-13'' L. -Medium: 0.75'' W x 11''-17'' L. -Large: 0.75'' W x 15''-25'' L. LUPINE products are GUARANTEED (Even If Chewed) Lupine understands the joys and frustrations of pet ownership! Although they can't replace the legs on your kitchen table, or your best pair of shoes, they can do their part to help keep your best friend out of the doghouse. Should anything happen to accidentally damage your Lupine product - including chewing mistakes - you can simply mail the item to Lupine: Lupine Returns PO Box 1600 Conway, NH 03818 Include your name, mail address & email or phone number. Your replacement goes back in the mail the next business day after the damaged item is received. There's no need to send the original receipt or our cost for the return postage. Thanks for using Lupine products!

Smart Snacks Trail Mix and Match
Smart Snacks Trail Mix and Match
List Price: $16.99
Sale Price: $15.08
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Description

2 years & up. Learn about sizes and shapes while stringing together your favorite trail mix foods. Includes 4 of each: peanuts, raisins, pretzels, chocolates, crackers, and candies.

Features

  • Match like pieces, count or lace together patterns
  • The perfect activity set for camping
  • Includes 4 pretzels, 4 raisins, 4 peanuts, 4 crackers, 4 chocolate chips and 5 numbered candies, plus durable nylon bag and two 16" L nylon laces
  • Largest piece (peanut) measures 2?-1/2"L
PowerBar Nut Naturals Nutrition Bars, Trail Mix, 1.58-Ounce Bars (Pack of 15)
PowerBar Nut Naturals Nutrition Bars, Trail Mix, 1.58-Ounce Bars (Pack of 15)
List Price: $19.97
Sale Price: $14.99
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Description

10 g Protein. 0 g Trans Fat. Simple all-natural nutrition. Heart healthy. 3 g Fiber. The all-natural, nutty snack bar with the nutrition of an energy bar. PowerBar Nut Naturals is the great-tasting, all-natural, nutty snack bar that gives you the nutrition of an energy bar. Each chewy bar is packed with crunchy nuts and/or real fruit, contains 10 g of protein, 0 g trans fat, and is a good source of fiber and 16 Vitamins and minerals. PowerBar Nut Naturals is specifically formulated to be a heart-healthy way to snack so you can feel good about eating it anytime of day (Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as almonds, and peanuts, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease). With each wholesome bite, you'll know you are eating a delicious, 100% natural snack with all the nutrition and energy you expect from PowerBar. A Low Glycemic index food. Made in USA.

Whether you're gearing up for a rousing tennis match or simply preparing for a busy day packed with work, errands, and picking the kids up from school, Trail Mix flavored Powerbar Nut Naturals bars will provide you with the healthy nutrition and energy you need to conquer the day with a smile. .caption { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; } ul.indent { list-style: inside disc; text-indent: 20px; } table.callout { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, serif; margin: 10px; width: 250; } td.callout { height: 100 percent; background: #9DC4D8 url(http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/callout-bg.png) repeat-x; border-left: 1px solid #999999; border-right: 1px solid #999999; padding: 10px; width: 250px; } ul.callout { list-style: inside disc; text-indent: -12px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; } h5.callout { text-align: center; } The Powerbar Nut Natural Energy Bar offers: Take-anywhere size for energy and nutrition on the go. An all-natural formula with whole grain and real nuts. A low glycemic index, making it suitable for many diabetics and hypoglycemics. The Nut Natural bar has only 210 calories per serving. View larger. The Perfect All-Natural Nutritional Snack Certified "Heart Healthy" by the American Dietetic Association, these 2.29-ounce chewy Powerbar Nut Natural energy bars are packed with real nuts, one serving of whole grain, 10 grams of protein, three grams of fiber, and 16 vitamins and minerals. This unique, all-natural formula is digested in the stomach at a slower pace than simple carbohydrates, providing you with a boost of energy that will sustain you throughout your busy day. In addition, these filling bars contain no trans fats and are low glycemic index foods, making them a great snack for many diabetics and people with hypoglycemia. Choose a flavor of your choice and experience the wholesome goodness these 2.29-ounce bars offer as you help stave off unhealthy-snack cravings. Great for Active Lifestyles From athletes-in-training to busy parents on the go, everyone can appreciate Powerbar Nut Naturals' energy-filled bars packed with whole grains, fiber, soy protein, and 16 essential vitamins and minerals to sustain you through your busy day. These delicious bars can be enjoyed anytime, and are a healthy addition to a well-balanced diet. Enjoy the Variety In addition to the many health benefits of Powerbar Nut Naturals 2.29-ounce energy bars, this product comes in a variety of great flavors to tempt your palate. You can choose from two other delicious flavors including Fruit and Nuts and Mixed Nuts, each with only 210 calories per serving.

Features

  • Box of 15 1.58-ounce bars (23.7 total ounces)
  • All-natural snack bar with nutrition of energy bars; packed with real fruit and nuts
  • Includes 10 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, zero grams of trans-fats, and 16 essential vitamins and minerals
  • Low-glycemic index food with 210 calories
  • PowerBar is committed to helping enhance the health and wellness of active individuals
Medicine (Dig)
Medicine (Dig)
List Price: $14.98
Sale Price: $7.99
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Dry Fruit & Nut Medley/56 oz
Dry Fruit & Nut Medley/56 oz
Sale Price: $19.39
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Description

Fruit & Nut Medley 56 oz bag Each Medley: Peanuts Almonds Walnuts Apples Kiwi Mangoes Papaya Pineapples Strawberries Bananas Cherries Golden Raisins

Earnest Eats Baked Whole Food Bar, Almond Trail Mix, 1.9-Ounce Bars (Pack of 12)
Earnest Eats Baked Whole Food Bar, Almond Trail Mix, 1.9-Ounce Bars (Pack of 12)
List Price: $21.00
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Description

No spray-on vitamins or protein powders. No corn, peanut or soy oils. No ingredient lists with long compound words. Just whole nuts, fruits, seeds and grains, and rich roasted almond butter.

Features

  • Pack of twelve, 1.94-ounce bars (total of 23.28 ounces)
  • Vegan; Wheat-free
  • 5g Protein
  • 190mg Omega-3s
  • 100% natural
Planters Trail Mix, Honey Nut Medley, 6-Ounce Pouches (Pack of 12)
Planters Trail Mix, Honey Nut Medley, 6-Ounce Pouches (Pack of 12)
List Price: $28.80
Sale Price: $26.74
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Description

Honey Roasted Peanuts, Yogurt Covered Raisins, Peanut Brittle, Pretzels, Cashews, Caramel Popcorn.

Features

  • 12 6-ounce pouches (72 total ounces); each pouch containing approximately six servings
  • Made with yogurt-covered raisins, peanut brittle and caramel-covered popcorn
  • Contains no trans fats and no cholesterol
  • A perfectly crunchy combination of expertly roasted nuts and deliciously sweet treats
  • A delicious snack choice for parties, the big game or anytime you crave a sweet and savory treat
Trail Mix 3/4
Trail Mix 3/4" Adjustable Medium Dog Combo Collar Size: Large (19" - 27")
Sale Price: $13.95
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Description

DOG20715 Size: Large (19" - 27") Please Note: For walking and training only. This collar should not be left on an unattended or unleashed dog. Features: -Adjustable Medium Dog Combo Collar. -Trail Mix collection. -Material: Jacquard nylon webbing. -Dual-action martingale-style dog collar for walking or training medium/large dogs. -Suitable for greyhounds and similar dogs that back out of regular collars. -Wider webbing gives larger dogs the most room. -Additional sewn-in D-ring so it can be used either as a limited-slip choker or as a regular flat collar. -Unique vibrant pattern. -Proudly built in the USA. -Machine wash warm, mild soap, no bleach, air dry only. -Available in 3 sizes. -Click here to view Lupine's Sizing Chart:. Lupine's Sizing Chart. Specifications: -Small: 0.75'' W x 10''-14'' L. -Medium: 0.75'' W x 14''-20'' L. -Large: 0.75'' W x 19''-27'' L. LUPINE products are GUARANTEED (Even If Chewed) Lupine understands the joys and frustrations of pet ownership! Although they can't replace the legs on your kitchen table, or your best pair of shoes, they can do their part to help keep your best friend out of the doghouse. Should anything happen to accidentally damage your Lupine product - including chewing mistakes - you can simply mail the item to Lupine: Lupine Returns PO Box 1600 Conway, NH 03818 Include your name, mail address & email or phone number. Your replacement goes back in the mail the next business day after the damaged item is received. There's no need to send the original receipt or our cost for the return postage. Thanks for using Lupine products!

Ann's House Soy Energy Blend 36 Ounce Value Container
Ann's House Soy Energy Blend 36 Ounce Value Container
List Price: $25.99
Sale Price: $21.67
You save: $4.32 (17%)
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Description

A healthy delicious blend of lightly toasted soy nuts, almonds, pumpkin kernels, and juicy sweet cranberries.

Features

  • Each order has one 36 Ounce container of delicious Soy Energy Blend
  • A healthy delicious blend of lightly toasted soy nuts, almonds, pumpkin kernels, and juicy sweet cranberrie
  • Approximately 34 1/4 Cup Servings per container
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This entry was posted on Friday, December 31st, 2010 at 7:42 pm and is filed under organic snacks. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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