Embarking on a multi-day hike can be an exhilarating adventure, but it's crucial to fuel your body with the right nutrition to keep you energized throughout the journey. In this guide, Katherine, the founder of Mama Alles, shares her insights on the essential food items to pack for a two-night hike.
What to Pack For a Multi-Day Adventure
Dinner Favourites:
For dinner, Katherine opts for Mama Alles’ Central African Peanut Stew and the Lentil Boebotie Stew. These ready-to-eat meals are not only convenient but also pack a flavorful punch. All you need to do is add hot water, making them ideal for a hassle-free camping experience.
Breakfast Boost
Starting your day with a nutritious breakfast is key. Katherine recommends different flavoured oats, which can be elevated with nut butter, smoothie powder, or a touch of honey for sweetness. This combination ensures a tasty and energy-packed morning meal to kickstart your day.
Lunchtime Break
Lunch is kept simple yet satisfying with Mama Alice's instant hummus. Pair it with bread, corn chips or crackers, and customise your meal with fresh additions like avocado, baby tomatoes, or cucumber. This provides a balanced and refreshing midday refuel.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is paramount during a multi-day hike. Katherine suggests incorporating electrolytes into your routine, either halfway through the day or at the day's end. This ensures your body remains properly hydrated, especially during physical exertion.
Essential Snacks
No hike is complete without an arsenal of snacks. Katherine recommends packing a variety of bars, fruits, chips, and more to keep your energy levels steady throughout the day.
Caffeine Fix and Dessert
To satisfy your coffee cravings, pack cappuccino, hot chocolate, and pour-over coffee. For dessert, indulge in a sweet treat after a day of hiking. These small luxuries can make your camping experience even more enjoyable.
Camp Kitchen Necessities
A clever tip is to use a Tupperware container to store your more fragile food items like avos or chips, keeping them safe from being squashed, as well as easily accessible.
In addition to the meals and snacks, Katherine advises bringing along a pot, stove, cup, spoon, and fork. These essential items ensure you have the means to prepare and enjoy your food, making your camping kitchen complete.
Packing your Food
Mama Alles recommends keeping your food together in a drybag packed into the top of your pack above your clothes and sleeping bag. This not only keeps them together, but also easily accessible so you don’t have to dig through your pack for lunch or snacks.
Put your small bits and fruit into your Tupperware and then pop your gas into your pot to save space. The dinners, bread, and chips then go on top of those two hardshell containers, making them less likely to get crushed. Keeping snacks accessible, either keep them at the top of your pack, or in the pockets of your pack’s waistbelt to grab them on the go.
Packing the right food for your multi-day hike is crucial for a successful and enjoyable experience. Mama Alles’ recommendations provide a well-rounded assortment of meals and snacks to keep you fueled and satisfied on your journey into the great outdoors. Remember to tailor your food choices to your personal preferences and dietary needs, ensuring that every bite contributes to the overall enjoyment of your adventure.
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Check out our guide on How to Pack your Hiking Pack for a Multi-day Hike
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