Low-Cost High-Energy Foods For Your Next Hiking Adventure
When planning a hiking or backpacking trip, one of the most crucial aspects to consider is your food supply. You'll need to pack foods that are lightweight, easy to carry and provide plenty of energy to fuel your adventures. There are many specialty hiking and backpacking foods on the market, and there are also plenty of low-cost options than can provide the nutrition and energy you need. Here are some inexpensive high-energy foods to consider for your next hunting, hiking, or backpacking trip:
- Trail Mix: This is a classic hiking food for good reason. It's lightweight, easy to pack, and provides an excellent balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to keep you fueled up and ready to go. You can make a custom trail mix by combining nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and chocolate chips.
- Peanut Butter: A great source of protein and healthy fats that you can spread on crackers, bread, or even eat straight from the jar for a quick energy boost. Look for single-serve packets or smaller containers to keep your pack weight down.
- Jerky: Beef, kangaroo, deer, or any other jerky is an excellent option for hiking and backpacking. It's lightweight, high in protein, and lasts a long time without refrigeration. You can even make jerky at home with a basic dehydrator set up to keep costs down.
- Eggs: They are a good source of protein that provides essential nutrients to help maintain energy levels during prolonged physical activity. They can be prepared in a variety of ways, making them a convenient and tasty addition to any hiking meal plan.
- Instant Oatmeal: An easy and affordable breakfast option for hikers and backpackers. It's lightweight, easy to prepare, and provides a good source of carbohydrates to start your day.
- Cheese: A great source of protein and fats, and can be a tasty addition to crackers or sandwiches on the trail. Look for harder cheeses like cheddar or tasty that can withstand warmer temperatures.
- Energy Bars: Many energy bars on the market can provide a quick and easy source of nutrition on the trail. Look for bars that are high in protein and have a good balance of carbohydrates and healthy fats.
- Instant Rice and Canned Beans: This is an affordable, filling option for backpackers. They are easy to prepare and provide a good source of carbohydrates and protein to keep you fueled up.
The above examples can be excellent options for hikers and backpackers. Packing a selection of lightweight, nutritious foods can keep your energy levels high and help you enjoy your time on the trail without breaking the bank. Try out some of these low-cost options on your next trip and see what works best for you. Let us know if you think we should add anything else to the list.