Trail Foods?

[ScottD]

I'm heading into the Smokes for a backpacking trip soon and wanted to put together a menu that adheres to the current Paleo diet. My thoughts are to create some pemmican, some jerky, maybe some smoked salmon, and various roasted nuts but that's about the extent of my knowledge so far from what I have gleaned here. Does anyone have some good ideas that could be pre-prepped for my adventure? I need to keep the smell factor down due to bear activity this time of year, weight to a minimum, and be able to enjoy some warm foods at 6K feet altitudes if at all possible.

My thinking is that this will also parallel my knowledge in the kitchen for prepping some long term storage foods in an emergency situation and/or everyday snacks that are easily portable.

I'm wondering if perhaps I could invent some sort of bacon/nut ball that wouldn't go rancid without refrigeration.

 

[paralleloscope]

There's a thread about Pemmican, remember to use search :)
Don't know how much of a hunter you are but maybe you could bring a compact telescope fishing rod or weapon for fresh food.

 

[ScottD]

I have the recipe saved regarding Pemmican and I have tried to keep up with snack foods and such on here but I am hoping to come up with an actual menu I can prepare without a kitchen, just an alcohol stove and a pot. It makes things challenging but fun and the more things I can prep beforehand would make it tremendously easier to enjoy the outdoors without too much thought on sustenance.

There are a few trout streams through the area but it is protected wilderness and I don't think I will be allowed to have weapons. I'm not too big on hunting anyway but I do have the skills for it if the situation required it. On top of that this is more of a backpacking trip and I tend to speed hike from peak to peak and not hunting and foraging :D This trip is more for fitness and scenery and to take in some fresh mountain air.

 

[Ollie]

Pemmican is all that you need, a bar a day will easily meet your needs - providing you 'fully ketone adapted'.

If you are other than fully adapted, you may need to add in a lot of carbs to burn for energy, and for recovery - not sure that alternatively eating excess protein will do it. At the moment I have held off from walking in the mountains, even on a day basis, as I have yet to adapt fully and am experiencing loss of energy and delayed recovery time, even after walking on the relatively flat countryside for three hours only. The transition is taking its toll.

 

[ScottD]

I would say that I have not adapted completely. My metabolism is extremely high and I have to eat close to 6 meals a day to not stay hungry and sometimes that includes carbs over the 72 gram mark. It's definitely a work in progress though as I lower carbs and increase my meats/fats. So, are you suggesting that I should just continue on my current path and allow some more carbs in for this trip? Perhaps I am trying to overextend myself and go all primal with this when my body isn't conditioned for it just yet.

 

[Ollie]

I would say that I have not adapted completely. My metabolism is extremely high and I have to eat close to 6 meals a day to not stay hungry and sometimes that includes carbs over the 72 gram mark. It's definitely a work in progress though as I lower carbs and increase my meats/fats. So, are you suggesting that I should just continue on my current path and allow some more carbs in for this trip? Perhaps I am trying to overextend myself and go all primal with this when my body isn't conditioned for it just yet.

The simple answer is yes, that is my suggestion. Others on the forum, notably Gandalf, are experiencing problems when hiking and whilst transitioning to primal. You probably already take seeds for long-term fat and protein, and raisins/sultanas for the instant energy of high sugar/recovery. Pemmican is convenient because of the compact nature of the food and its satiating effect - long term - due to high protein and fat. You can also add raisins/sultanas to the mix. Although mixing protein and high sugar together is other than recommended.

 

[Jacques]

I would say that I have not adapted completely. My metabolism is extremely high and I have to eat close to 6 meals a day to not stay hungry and sometimes that includes carbs over the 72 gram mark. It's definitely a work in progress though as I lower carbs and increase my meats/fats. So, are you suggesting that I should just continue on my current path and allow some more carbs in for this trip? Perhaps I am trying to overextend myself and go all primal with this when my body isn't conditioned for it just yet.

The simple answer is yes, that is my suggestion. Others on the forum, notably Gandalf, are experiencing problems when hiking and whilst transitioning to primal. You probably already take seeds for long-term fat and protein, and raisins/sultanas for the instant energy of high sugar/recovery. Pemmican is convenient because of the compact nature of the food and its satiating effect - long term - due to high protein and fat. You can also add raisins/sultanas to the mix. Although mixing protein and high sugar together is other than recommended.

Indeed, that was my mistake. Eventhough i had read that for people over 50, they should reduce carbs at a slower rate, I did not follow the suggestion and went directly below 20 grams.

Geez, my body did not like it very much. Right now I am focussing at reducing the carbs on a longer period and instead of thinking in weeks, I am thinking in months.

 

[ScottD]

Pemmican is convenient because of the compact nature of the food and its satiating effect - long term - due to high protein and fat. You can also add raisins/sultanas to the mix. Although mixing protein and high sugar together is other than recommended.

I definitely want to do the pemmican at least for both seeing how well I perform with it and to get me started in creating it for emergency storage purposes. I am trying to avoid the fruits as much as possible but I was considering some blueberries vac sealed and some nuts as a booster for in between meals. I've noticed now that as I have moved towards more meat and fats that if I eat an apple I nearly flatline from the sugar bomb. You never realize how much sugar you're ingesting until you begin to remove it and then have it again.

Indeed, that was my mistake. Eventhough i had read that for people over 50, they should reduce carbs at a slower rate, I did not follow the suggestion and went directly below 20 grams.

Geez, my body did not like it very much. Right now I am focussing at reducing the carbs on a longer period and instead of thinking in weeks, I am thinking in months.

I'm approaching 36 so I am a little slower than I used to be but I think I can transition a little quicker than months but perhaps not. I do think I am trying to shift gears without a clutch at the moment and need to find a more relaxing pace to get my body adjusted properly.

Given the above, what do you all think would be some ideal meals then? Should I consider maybe some smoked salmon with some wild rice and light seasoning? If nothing else I want to entirely avoid the pre-packaged dehydrated "backpacking" meals if at all possible. Those things never really did anything for me other than give me gas.

 

[Ca.]

I would say that I have not adapted completely. My metabolism is extremely high and I have to eat close to 6 meals a day to not stay hungry and sometimes that includes cabs over the 72 gram mark. It's definitely a work in progress though as I lower carbs and increase my meats/fats. So, are you suggesting that I should just continue on my current path and allow some more carbs in for this trip? Perhaps I am trying to overextend myself and go all primal with this when my body isn't conditioned for it just yet.

The simple answer is yes, that is my suggestion. Others on the forum, notably Gandalf, are experiencing problems when hiking and whilst transitioning to primal. You probably already take seeds for long-term fat and protein, and raisins/sultanas for the instant energy of high sugar/recovery. Pemmican is convenient because of the compact nature of the food and its satiating effect - long term - due to high protein and fat. You can also add raisins/sultanas to the mix. Although mixing protein and high sugar together is other than recommended.

Indeed, that was my mistake. Eventhough i had read that for people over 50, they should reduce carbs at a slower rate, I did not follow the suggestion and went directly below 20 grams.

Geez, my body did not like it very much. Right now I am focussing at reducing the carbs on a longer period and instead of thinking in weeks, I am thinking in months.

When a friend and i hiked the Desolation Wilderness ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desolation_Wilderness ) in Lake Tahoe, a number of years ago, we had your typical freeze dried foods, and plenty of carbs, nothing resembling the polio diet to promote ketois. i had always packed way to heavy, so over the next 3 days, we covered approximate 30 miles of up hill and down hill, Terran with a few 1 hour stops for nourishment to keep our energy levels up, with a noon time, an evening cooked meal of mixed carbs, and protein.

The number one essential was an electrolyte, as were in the early summer season in high mountain range of the sierra California mountains, with warm days and cool nights. i lost 10 pounds in those 3 days due to body burning perhaps 2000, calories (and up ward of 3000) a day. So it would seem we were in possible ketois environment, as we pushed our body's to the limit at nearly 8500 ft. (2.5908 kilometers) in elevation. I can't stress enough depending on your back packing trip, that when in the wilderness (as you all very well know), that food, be of good quality, and packed with plenty of energy.

i think if were to do it again today, i would defiantly make sure i pumped up the a menu with a high fat content, and protein for the days outings in case of emergency's. As for a madder of preparedness where isolation can mean life, and death due to an injury or changing weather patterns.

We were not as dedicated as you all describing in relation to the Polio diet, of what is to be accomplished here, but we knew that being out in the middle of no where, help may take time get to us if anything happened, and that obviously meant that our survival depend on food stores, water intake, with vitaman supplementation as well.

Play it safe bring more of what ever you bring for that rainy day that one may not for see.

Happy trails. ;D

Calories Burned Hiking With a 20 Lb. Pack
http://www.livestrong.com/article/313042-calories-burned-hiking-with-a-20-lb-pack/

 

[ScottD]

We were not as dedicated as you all describing in relation to the Polio diet, of what is to be accomplished here, but we knew that being out in the middle of no where, help may take time get to us if anything happened and that obviously meant that our survival depend on food stores, water intake, with vitaman supplementation as well.

Play it safe bring more of what ever you bring for that rainy day that one may not for see.

Happy trails. ;D

Thanks C.A. As someone that has been backpacking since I was about 13 years old I have always played things uber-safe. However there are always times when even the best intentions fail in the wilderness. I'm an ultralight backpacker and every ounce counts since I tend to push myself hard with as many miles as I can. So I do tend to gamble with extra food and supplies but you do speak words of wisdom for anyone venturing out and thanks for reminding me about supplements. Always prepare for the worst and enjoy the best!

 

[Stellaria_graminea]

Bacon don't get rancid the first days, if you are in a mountainous area (that's not unusually warm). We kept it for five days, and it might have lasted even longer, not rancid at all and just fine.

We also brought boiled eggs for the first days, and even raw eggs are possible (I haven't tried to carry that for a long distance, but ours didn't get rancid in five days).

If you're not going to be in ketosis, there's more possibilities. Like frying some beans, for example. More nuts. Collecting berries as you walk (if possible).

Dried fish, if you want an alternative to dried meat.

Butter don't get rancid for many weeks as far as I have tested it.

 

[ScottD]

I am thinking about doing something with bacon. I'm considering making like a little ball of bacon, crushed nuts, and some coconut oil as a binder but I'll need to hope for cooler days so it doesn't turn into mush. I think it would make for a decent breakfast and maybe I'll try some eggs with it. I've never tried to pack eggs though but I've heard of others doing so.

Blueberries are supposed to be all over the area where I am going however I may have to wrestle black bears to get at the berries :)

I've never tried dried fish and not sure where I would procure it. I'm already considering a smoked salmon but dried would reduce weight.

I'd probably go with ghee instead of butter as it wouldn't require refrigeration.

Thanks for your suggestions!

 

[Ollie]

You may find this book helpful - The Paleo Diet For Athletes, A Nutritional Formula for Peak Athletic Performance by Loren Cordain and Joe Friel. In the past, I adapted the recommendations for marathon type events to mountain walking.

 

[truth seeker]

I am thinking about doing something with bacon. I'm considering making like a little ball of bacon, crushed nuts, and some coconut oil as a binder but I'll need to hope for cooler days so it doesn't turn into mush. I think it would make for a decent breakfast and maybe I'll try some eggs with it. I've never tried to pack eggs though but I've heard of others doing so.

Blueberries are supposed to be all over the area where I am going however I may have to wrestle black bears to get at the berries :)

I've never tried dried fish and not sure where I would procure it. I'm already considering a smoked salmon but dried would reduce weight.

I'd probably go with ghee instead of butter as it wouldn't require refrigeration.

Thanks for your suggestions!

A couple of thoughts. For the bacon balls, maybe you can use some left over bacon grease for the binder? Could even use ghee for that if you're not sensitive to it. It's also solid when cold. Something else I've been thinking of is jerky. Not sure if this would work, but perhaps some prosciutto (thinly sliced ham - ingredients are usually pork and salt) or other organic/gluten free luncheon meat (like roast beef) cooked on very low heat in the oven might dry it out sufficiently to store for a few days?

 

[Ca.]

I am thinking about doing something with bacon. I'm considering making like a little ball of bacon, crushed nuts, and some coconut oil as a binder but I'll need to hope for cooler days so it doesn't turn into mush. I think it would make for a decent breakfast and maybe I'll try some eggs with it. I've never tried to pack eggs though but I've heard of others doing so.

Blueberries are supposed to be all over the area where I am going however I may have to wrestle black bears to get at the berries :)

I've never tried dried fish and not sure where I would procure it. I'm already considering a smoked salmon but dried would reduce weight.

I'd probably go with ghee instead of butter as it wouldn't require refrigeration.

Thanks for your suggestions!

A couple of thoughts. For the bacon balls, maybe you can use some left over bacon grease for the binder? Could even use ghee for that if you're not sensitive to it. It's also solid when cold. Something else I've been thinking of is jerky. Not sure if this would work, but perhaps some prosciutto (thinly sliced ham - ingredients are usually pork and salt) or other organic/gluten free luncheon meat (like roast beef) cooked on very low heat in the oven might dry it out sufficiently to store for a few days?

What an interesting concept, ( as well as what others mentioned ) to packing a quick pick me up for a ketois menu for the out back. It reminded me of birds that feed on Suet made energy balls when food becomes scarce, to keep there metabolism up during hard winter month's.

How To Make Fat Balls to Feed Birds
http://www.suite101.com/content/make-fat-balls-to-feed-birds-a41560

How to Make Fat Balls

Assemble the equipment and ingredients. Put the bird seed mix and scraps into a mixing bowl. Ensure that the scraps are broken up into small pieces and that there are no large lumps. Making fat balls is not a precise science and while the proportions are suggested as two-thirds nuts and scraps to one-third fat, a slight variation is not going to make any difference.

Materials

Solid fat such as lard or suet
A mix of nuts, seeds, dried fruit and scraps

Step 1: Weigh the mix of nuts and scraps.

Step 2: Weigh out the ingredients, remembering that approximately half as much fat as the other ingredients is required - for example one pound of nuts and scraps will need half a pound of fat. Cut the fat into rough lumps to speed the melting and heat slowly over a low heat. Keep an eye on the fat and do not let it get too hot. You only want it to melt.

Step 3: Pour the fat over the mix of seeds and scraps. Using the spoon, mix it in until it starts to clump together.

Step 4:Divide the mixture into equal sized pieces depending on the fat ball required. Fat balls the size of a small apple are a good size. Roll the mixture into balls ensuring that it is tightly packed.

Step 5: Cover each ball in cling film or greaseproof paper and put into the fridge to harden. When the fat balls are hard they are ready to be placed into a suitable container

Bacon-Fat Keyboard Lets Real Birds Tweet
http://www.wired.com/underwire/2011/04/bacon-fat-keyboard/