Nutrition for the long haul

[whitefoot]

Hi Everyone,

I'm going to hike the Long Trail this summer, but dont know how to go about getting enough nutrition to keep me going for 30 days, i've done several weekend and week long trips , but never have gone for a month at a time, im worried about not having enough energy after a few days on the trail, i dont know how many calories a typical backpacker uses, and i need to know how many i need to get each day, ive been reading labels on packaging and it seems like im going to have to eat a lot to keep up my energy level,

does anybody have any idea's or suggestions that may help me in my planning?any info would be much appreciated.

Bryan

[adkdremn]

I often wonder about this too. One option for you may be that energy gel stuff that they sell. I've never tried it, but it's light and easy to pack. Even energy bars or Snickers bars would work. I guess that's just snack type stuff, I know a lot of the backpacking meals use pack a pretty good punch when it comes to carbs.

[Rookie]

This not based in any science,but works for me, raisins & peanuts, mixed (no oil,no salt) are tough to beat for fuel and not very expensive. Easy to store-takes any shape to fit in the pack, provides entertainment too--throw them in the air and catch in your mouth !

[oldsmores]

Carbs, carbs, carbs, and fats...
Complex carbs (whole grains) - rice, pasta, pitas, granola.
Nuts are great. Salami, pepperoni, summer sausages that don't require refrigeration. Hard cheeses.
I personally would stay away from the candy bars, refined sugars, power gels for the long haul. They give you a quick boost, but they don't last and you tend to bonk if that's all you're taking in.

[adkdremn]

Can you give me some ideas of summer sausages and cheese that would work for summer trips....weekend trips where stuff won't go bad. Thanks!

[oldsmores]

Can you give me some ideas of summer sausages and cheese that would work for summer trips....weekend trips where stuff won't go bad. Thanks!

I usually just go to the grocery store (Do you have Wegman's? Martin's?) and look for the stuff that's NOT in a refrigerator case. On sausages, check the labels - if they don't say "refrigerate after opening" you're all set. They're chock full of nitrates and salt, but what are you going to do?

[redhawk]

Some good info here:

http://www.thru-hiker.com/articles.asp?subcat=12&cid=39

And especially here: http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/winter/wintcamp.shtml#Food

[whitefoot]

Thanks for all the info, Redhawk those are some really good sites,
I also found alot of good info at trailplace .com, they have some good calorie charts and other topics to help you get organized for a long trip.

thanks again
Bryan