Hiker enjoying a meal at sunset
Better Prepare For Your Next Hike With These Food And Drink Hacks
By CAMILA PÉREZ B
Staying hydrated is key to maintaining energy levels and preventing health issues. You should drink at least 20 to 32 ounces of water before the hike begins.
Hydration
While hiking, drink 32 ounces of water roughly every two miles — double this amount for higher altitudes. Also, consider adding hydration packets to your water to rehydrate faster.
When hiking, don't bring along any food items or drinks that will go bad under the sun. Bring produce that doesn't require refrigeration and eat it early on.
No Perishables
You can also consider dehydrating your fruit and vegetables. Other trail-ready foods include granola, beef jerky, bags of tuna, hummus, and crackers.
When hiking, you never want to bring more than you can carry. Ideally, you'll want to bring anywhere between 1.5 to 2.5 pounds of food per person per day.
Weight & Space
Make sure to avoid tins, glass jars, and any other bulky packaging. Instead, you'll want to reach for lightweight versions of your favorites and single-serving packets.
Bring quick and easy meals that won't require too much time or effort to prepare. For example, bring an on-the-go noodle cup or pre-packaged oatmeal mix.
Easy Prep
One-pot meals, couscous, loaded scrambled eggs, and beans are always a great option. These quick-cooking meals will keep you satisfied and require less water to make.
Hiking means you're forced to live out of a backpack, so keep things organized. Pack ingredients into "meal" bags and use separate compartments for different types of gear.
Organize
Reusable wax wraps are a way to extend the life of certain items and keep things dry. Alternatively, silicone bags also work well for snacks and small food items.