What to eat during a hike?

Pips · 08-06-2009, 03:37 PM

I'm going hiking soon, and was wondering what kinda food was good to eat during the hiking.

I was thinking carbs, but the people I'm gonna hike with said to bring lots of protein.

So... carbs or protein? Or a mix? Or something else?

LisaS · 08-06-2009, 03:40 PM

How long (hours, days) will you be hiking? Will you be eating lunch on the trail?

Pips · 08-06-2009, 03:42 PM

The goal is an several-day hike, but I'll start out with some short (3-4 hour) hikes. I've been walking a lot to prepare a bit, so I can do 3 hours without many problems, but I never brought any supplies. Planning a 4-hour hike this weekend, and was wondering what (besides lots of water) to bring.

LisaS · 08-06-2009, 03:51 PM

So you'll hike for 2 hours, stop to eat and rest and then return?
Since you only eat quark (

) that makes it a little harder to come up with ideas.

Some piece fruit for you when you stop - banana, orange will help you recover what you sweat out. (you pack out the skins of course).
Some trail mix/gorp- packaged or homemade if you want something easy to snack on while hiking. GORP = Good Old Raisins and Peanuts. But trail mix is basically some grains or dry cereal or muesli/granola that you like (not too sugary) along with some nuts and some dried fruit chopped small (raisins or raisin size).

Peanut butter & jelly sandwich? Do you eat those?
Some cheese like mozzarella sticks or cheddar (if you can keep cool enough to not have mush when you stop).

Pips · 08-06-2009, 03:59 PM

Oh, I love raisins and nuts

Fruit is a good idea too! Don't think cheese keeps well in my backpack with 24 degrees celcius though

I guess a fruity-nutty-bar would be a decent choice then (and will keep a lot better than a protein bar..) Was thinking flapjacks too, but they'll prolly get gooey...

Moondust · 08-06-2009, 04:36 PM

Peanut butter & jelly sandwich will always hit the spot on a hard hike. You will also want salty snacks. Salted nuts or pretzels. Depending on how hard you are hiking and how hot the day, consider getting some electrolyte capsules to carry in case you start feeling weak. Cheese will be fine in the backpack for several hours. It may get soft, but if you put it on bread it will be great! My vegetarian friend who just hiked the John Muir Trail brought Muscle Milk powder and had it every day mixed with water.

Pips · 08-07-2009, 03:07 PM

My co-worker and supplements-supplier didn't know about electrolyte capsules, so I bought some Isostar Fast Hydration Power Tabs. Sounds impressive, I hope they're any good. Packaging says they have minerals in (natriumbicarbonate, kaliumcarbonate, calciumcarbonate, natriumchloride, calciumphosphate(?)).

Got a couple of purple fruity-nutty-bars and will get an apple and banana tomorrow. I'll bring 3x 1.5 liter water, I'll see whether that's about enough or too much.

I bought a nice map so I can plot out a route through the forests to where I wanna go. Would be nice to have proper hiking boots, but I'm afraid my normal shoes will have to do for now.

I think I'm as prepared as I can be - it feels like I'm going on a proper hike, even though its not that much longer than a normal 3-hour weekend walk. I'm a bit nervous about it, but also looking forward to it: my first real hike!

Moondust · 08-07-2009, 11:12 PM

Have fun, Pips! I hike in running shoes almost all the time. As long as you have strong ankles it won't be a problem. The electrolye capsules I have are called Endurolytes. Amazon sells them. They have salt, calcium, magnesium, pottasium, vitamin B-6 and manganese.

Pips · 08-08-2009, 01:37 AM

My ankles are quite weak, unfortunately. But this weekend its reasonably flat terrain with proper paths, so it should be ok.

I've added daily alphabets to my training though to hopefully make my anlkes stronger: you sit down, stretch your feet as much as you can, and then with each big toe write the alphabet in capitals, exagerating all the shapes, but try and move only from the ankle.

Working on getting some proper hiking boots though as I want to hike on rough terrain in any weather without having to spend days with wet feet.

Katydid77 · 08-10-2009, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pips

I've added daily alphabets to my training though to hopefully make my anlkes stronger: you sit down, stretch your feet as much as you can, and then with each big toe write the alphabet in capitals, exagerating all the shapes, but try and move only from the ankle.

Okay, that sounds like it could get really old, really quick. Like by the time you hit . . . F

Moondust · 08-10-2009, 10:10 PM

I think what might be more effective for the ankles is to do various exercises on one leg. Stand on one leg and touch that toe with the opposite arm. Do however many reps you are comfortable with, then switch legs. You can also do this holding a weight in the hand that is touching the toe. There are many other similar exercises which will strengthen your ankle, and at the same time your balance is improving.

Pips · 08-11-2009, 01:36 AM

I'm doing Single Leg Romanian Deadlifts, and next series of workout has Pistol Squats, those should help.

chucknun · 08-14-2009, 03:25 PM

I would definitely say to get those hiking boots before your several day hike. I did a difficult 3.5 day hike last year and I'm really glad I had good hiking boots. They are essential for long hikes. For short hikes you can do without though.

Pips · 08-14-2009, 03:28 PM

I ordered boots last week, and they arrived yesterday

Moondust · 08-14-2009, 04:49 PM

A lot of long-distance hikers wear running shoes instead of boots. Usually their packs are not extremely heavy. If you are going to tote a 40 pound pack you may need boots, but my experience has been that running shoes are fine if you are used to it. My feet feel fresh all day from beginning to end. If I wear boots, my feet always start hurting past the 12 mile mark. I have dayhiked Mt Whitney via the Mountaineer's Route in running shoes and carried about 30 pounds on a 3-day backpack to Mt. Langley in them too.