Trail Foods?

[go2]

I drove 4000 miles from Oregon to Iowa and back this summer. It is a little like going into the wilderness as far as available food on the interstate highways. I took quarter inch thick sliced cooked bacon which lasted without refrigeration for four days. I had grass fed beef jerky and jerked salmon belly. I ate spoonfuls of extra virgin coconut oil which is a great concentrated energy source if you don't have an inflammatory response. I snacked on soaked dried almonds and cacao beans which I could eat while behind the wheel. That was all I ate for eight days on the road. Oh, I drank black tea. I have never preformed better on what is usually a grueling drive. I did not need cooking equipment. That might be useful for an ultra-light backpacker. Perhaps you can adapt some of my experience on the road trip for your backpacking adventure. Have a great hike, Scott.

 

[truth seeker]

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.

Interesting indeed what we can learn from nature. :)

In fact, once you've chosen your binder, the possibilities are increased enormously, I think, and can be altered based on where you are on the diet. Those further into it can leave out the nuts. Those still needing carbs may be able to make a thick puree, place in the center of the ball or if it will stick can mix it and bind the whole thing with a fat of their choice and freeze for future use. Even the pemmican mentioned before could be shaped in to balls (I think) or different types of minced meats bound with with a saturated fat and salt if needed.

Have been thinking of trying this as well but pastured tendons and unprepared sweetmeats (the thyroid or thymus glands) may make a good meatball if minced or jerky if a way can be found to slice and dry them properly.

 

[ScottD]

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.

Ooh sounds like it might be right up my alley. Thanks for the recommendation. With Border's going out of business perhaps I can pick it up for a decent price.

 

[ScottD]

I drove 4000 miles from Oregon to Iowa and back this summer. It is a little like going into the wilderness as far as available food on the interstate highways. I took quarter inch thick sliced cooked bacon which lasted without refrigeration for four days. I had grass fed beef jerky and jerked salmon belly. I ate spoonfuls of extra virgin coconut oil which is a great concentrated energy source if you don't have an inflammatory response. I snacked on soaked dried almonds and cacao beans which I could eat while behind the wheel. That was all I ate for eight days on the road. Oh, I drank black tea. I have never preformed better on what is usually a grueling drive. I did not need cooking equipment. That might be useful for an ultra-light backpacker. Perhaps you can adapt some of my experience on the road trip for your backpacking adventure. Have a great hike, Scott.

Thanks Go2, this sounds about like what I am shooting for. I was considering roasting some almonds with a couple different seasonings to keep things varied a bit but I am intrigued about the addition of cacao beans as I've never tried them. It's good to see verification that bacon will last for a few days and gives me a few more options. Bacon crusted smoked salmon, heated with a little ghee? :D

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.

Interesting indeed what we can learn from nature. :)

In fact, once you've chosen your binder, the possibilities are increased enormously, I think, and can be altered based on where you are on the diet. Those further into it can leave out the nuts. Those still needing carbs may be able to make a thick puree, place in the center of the ball or if it will stick can mix it and bind the whole thing with a fat of their choice and freeze for future use. Even the pemmican mentioned before could be shaped in to balls (I think) or different types of minced meats bound with with a saturated fat and salt if needed.

Have been thinking of trying this as well but pastured tendons and unprepared sweetmeats (the thyroid or thymus glands) may make a good meatball if minced or jerky if a way can be found to slice and dry them properly.

I can't quite consciously stomach offal yet such as sweetbread, perhaps one day. It has taken an effort for me to get past the gag reflex with eating fat on a steak. I love muscle meat but the idea of fat in my mouth has always been a struggle to get down. If it's marbled in a steak or crispy on a pork chop I can't enough though.

I like where this has lead with the bacon/nut ball. Thank you all for the ideas. I guess I need to get to experimenting soon and see what I can come up with. The original idea came from Mark Sisson's breakfast balls which used nuts, dates, and coconut oil in a food processor then adding fresh blueberries and rolling in a powdered coconut. I thought why couldn't I modify that a bit to add more fat and protein and take out the sweetness for a more savory powerball.

 

[Stellaria_graminea]

We didn't open our packets of bacon until we should use them, probably it will get easier rancid if it's kept open.

Butter doesn't need refrigeration either, not for a week or two in rather cool environments, at least. But ghee is of course a good choice.

I prefer "dry salted" bacon, compared to the bacon that is stuffed with water. Less weight. I have the impression - which might be highly subjective - that the dry salted bacon will last for a longer time, not get rancid. I have tried both kinds of bacon when backpacking this summer, and the "dry salted" seemed to be the best one on those trips.

Maybe it's possible to lit a fire, and put bacon on a stick at some distance over the flames.

It's also possible to bring frozen food for the first days. If the frozen food is tightly stuck together, it will take some time to warm it.

 

[ScottD]

I intend to vacuum seal everything to keep it fresh a little longer. Unfortunately campfires are not allowed in this area and I am hoping to not need a flame at all unless it gets really chilly and I need a little warm food for comfort. Regardless I will pre-cook my bacon and I currently use an organic uncured bacon, so it's best if I cook it prior to the trip.

I think frozen food would hold too much water weight compared to some dried foods and perhaps be too bulky although it would be nice to pack in a couple nice juicy ribeye steaks. That would hit the spot after about ten miles :)

 

[MnSportsman]

The bacon, if you decide on raw...[I would not bring raw, if bear in area.] The cooking is easy if you do....( best over open fire, but your stove will do if you bring a bit of folded aluminum/tin foil with you, for use over the flame between bacon & stove.) Just take the bacon & thread on a fresh cut stick. ( choose something that is non -poisonous/toxic... I.E. not using a poison oak/sumac branch ,etc).. Just like a shish -kabob. Thread it on then twist it & repeat til ya get to the end of the slice.Twisting helps it to not spin as you cook all sides. Just hold over your flame( fire or stove with foil barrior til it is done. [Harder to type than do it]. I recommend that you do your bacon cooking before you travel & not before you make camp for the night. in other words. in the morning, or as a meal & then travel some distance b4 you rest /camp for the night. That bacon smell will travel for miles & if there are bear nearby....they will find that bacon smell..raw or not.
Eggs are easy also. if you decide to pack them in. You can hard cook them in a paper cup if need be. ;) as long as you use coals & the water is is high enuff in the cup. Another thing to do is to bring a paper bag or two with you if you decide to go open fire style cooking. Put slices of bacon in paper bag & break eggs over them in bag. Fold top of bag over 3-4 times & then push a stick thru the folds & hold the bag of fod over coals. The bacon & eggs will cook.The moisture from the eggs will not allow the bag to start afire unless you hold too close to the coals. Coals btw, are better to cook with than open flame in all methods.
Another method for the eggs is to put them in a plastic "zip-lock with your favorite omelet fixings. then if you boil water on your stove you can put the bag in the water as it warms & it will cook the omelet for you as the water boils. I can go on for a long time. You need to research a bit, or I need to have more patience with typing lol. ;) I can tell you of wild foods to try on your trip , but I have offered enough for now, I think. I have many more methods to tell, but you prolly already have left on your trip. :)

A lil tip. canned sardines in oil will give you some of what you need on your trip & so will some Spam. They pack lite & can be eaten cold if you feel the need for the protein , etc. .
Even those lil wieners in oil if you want for emergency ration. A couple "bars, or some homemade "gorp" for a trail mix wouldn't be a bad idea if you find yourself in need.

G=Luck in your adventure! I do this type of thing a lot & am prepared to "live off the land" if need be. But , I don't worry about the menu so much. I find what I need if I not bring it along. ;)

JB/MnSportsman

 

[MnSportsman]

Just in case you not know what Gorp is... ;D
http://www.stratfordpack388.org/references/gorp%20recipes.htm
lots of recipes at that link for you .

9,10 & 12 down may be what you looking for to follow your diet.

have fun. :)

 

[Alana]

Eggs are easy also. if you decide to pack them in. You can hard cook them in a paper cup if need be. ;) as long as you use coals & the water is is high enuff in the cup. Another thing to do is to bring a paper bag or two with you if you decide to go open fire style cooking. Put slices of bacon in paper bag & break eggs over them in bag. Fold top of bag over 3-4 times & then push a stick thru the folds & hold the bag of fod over coals. The bacon & eggs will cook.The moisture from the eggs will not allow the bag to start afire unless you hold too close to the coals. Coals btw, are better to cook with than open flame in all methods.
Another method for the eggs is to put them in a plastic "zip-lock with your favorite omelet fixings. then if you boil water on your stove you can put the bag in the water as it warms & it will cook the omelet for you as the water boils.

I wouldn't want to make an omelet in plastic bag that will boil in hot water, because of the toxic chemicals in plastic. See here for example:

http://www.sott.net/articles/show/137661-Scientists-warn-of-chemicals-in-plastic

http://www.sott.net/articles/show/223990-Talk-of-the-day-Hot-drinks-plastic-covers-threaten-health

http://www.sott.net/articles/show/207846-Get-Plastic-Out-Of-Your-Diet

So the paper bag trick, sounds like a healthier alternative ;)

I remember in past camping trips, doing our eggs in orange shells over the charcoal. You cut the orange in half, empty it - we used to eat it back then - and you are left with two orange bowls, in which you break your eggs. Then you put them to sit over charcoal for a few minutes (you'll know when ready), and voila! :)

 

[ScottD]

I remember in past camping trips, doing our eggs in orange shells over the charcoal. You cut the orange in half, empty it - we used to eat it back then - and you are left with two orange bowls, in which you break your eggs. Then you put them to sit over charcoal for a few minutes (you'll know when ready), and voila! :)

Hah! Alana I was thinking the same thing reading about the eggs. I learned that trick for cooking them in orange shells a long time ago. I remember the taste being awful as well as it leeched the inner bitterness of the orange rind.

...if you decide to go open fire style cooking. Put slices of bacon in paper bag & break eggs over them in bag. Fold top of bag over 3-4 times & then push a stick thru the folds & hold the bag of fod over coals.

Thanks MnSportsman, unfortunately I'll be hiking in a protected wilderness area that does not permit fires. There's already a lot of bear activity that has closed some trails down just north of where I will be so I am trying to go with zero flame unless I absolutely need it. I'm not so concerned about the bears themselves...I just don't want them stealing my grub. So, best not to leave a trail of aromas to my stash.

Yeah usually I keep a bag of my own GORP creation on my hipbelt pocket. I tend to snack and travel and I have my hydration hose dangling by my mouth always. Backcountry fast food! :D

 

[Ca.]

Thanks MnSportsman, unfortunately I'll be hiking in a protected wilderness area that does not permit fires. There's already a lot of bear activity that has closed some trails down just north of where I will be so I am trying to go with zero flame unless I absolutely need it. I'm not so concerned about the bears themselves...I just don't want them stealing my grub. So, best not to leave a trail of aromas to my stash.

Yeah usually I keep a bag of my own GORP creation on my hipbelt pocket. I tend to snack and travel and I have my hydration hose dangling by my mouth always. Backcountry fast food! :D

Bear predation was always a very big concern when out in the sticks. We hung our food in sack's ( including any and all material associated with food ) in a tree, a good distance away from our camp sight. The last thing we wanted was to have a bear encounter in our camp space day, or night. We went as far as to make double sure after every meal, we thoroughly washed our cook gear, hands, (using out back biodegradable soap), and all associated material, that had the ability to give off any scent that could be picked up by the Bear's keen sense of smell, that they have.

And before we hit the sleeping bags , we did a cursory perimeter check in our camping space for any food and food byproducts, ( wrappers garbage etc..).

We also never brought any snacks, in the tent especially sweet, and sticky treats.

Iam sure any season outback back packer is totally in tune to this line of thinking, so just to express how dangerous these predator's and scavengers can be when forging for food, or protecting their young.

A Bear’s Sense of Smell
http://sectionhiker.com/bears_sense_of_smell/

Bears are thought to have the best sense of smell of any animal on earth. For example, the average dog's sense of smell is 100 times better than a humans. A blood hound's is 300 times better. A bear's sense of smell is 7 times better than a blood hound's or 2,100 times better than a human.

Bears acute sense of smell evolved in order to help them find food, mates, keep track of their cubs and avoid danger, particularly between competing individuals. Except for mother bears, bears are territorial animals that need to range widely to find enough food to sustain themselves. A bear's sense of smell is so acute that they can detect animal carcases upwind and from a distance of 20 miles away. You should just assume that they can smell the food in your food bag too.

Bears have an incredible sense of smell because the area of their brain that manages the sense of smell, called the olefactory bulb, is at least 5 times larger than the same area in human brains even though a bear's brain is one third the size.

Bears also have highly developed noses that contain hundred of tiny muscles and let them manipulate them with the same dexterity as people's fingers. The surface area inside their 9 inch noses also has hundreds of times more surface area and receptors than a human's.

So the next time you make camp in bear country, make sure you hang a bear bag or store your food in a bear-resistant bag or cannister at least 100 yards away from your shelter. You should also seriously consider lining your food bag with an OPSACK 100% odor-proof plastic bag. These plastic bags are 17,000 times more odor-proof than normal ziploc bags and can significantly reduce the chance of a human bear encounter.

Avoiding Salt in Bear Safety
http://www.ehow.co.uk/video_4955625_avoiding-salt-bear-safety.html?cp=1&wa_vrid=296fe45f-9a14-42b5-96ad-bc86e2363b1c&wa_vlsrc=continuous&pid=1

 

[MnSportsman]

I have put myself on a "self-imposed" response restriction at the moment.So i will try to be as concise as possible.

Yes. Plastic bag omelets could cause some troubles, as well as some of the other habits we use when trying to adapt modern to rustic. (Although the heating of the water & thus the bag & contents, does the cooking , without compromising the bags' integrity, as far as I know, since I am not a chemist).....I was trying to suggest methods to make folks "think". If more folks "practiced " , before they did things....They could learn much.

I see that another has warned of the possible "bear" troubles that can happen if you do not prepare a "safe' camp. I have dealt with the situation on a personal basis when a young man, & do not wish to repeat the situation. Use care.

I have reached the limit I have placed on my "participation", at this time, in this forum.

Enjoy & I wish you well!

Respectfully,
JB/MnSportsman

 

[MnSportsman]

My apologies ScottD...

I forgot.

I wish you well on your trip.

Be safe & best wishes on a safe return.

JB

 

[birk]

Hi ScottD.

On my last hiking trip about a month ago I brought a fatty ham which I ate with a spread of ghee.
I also had pork rinds that I grounded beforehand and put in a plastic container to keep weight and volume down.

I found this menu to be very satiating and energizing. If It wasn`t for my tea-addiction I could have left my cooking gear at home :)

I hope you have a nice trip!

birk

 

[l_autre_d]

ScottD,

Have a good trip. My menus from past camping trips was typically heavy in sugar and carbs, so I hope you will share your experiences when back as to menu and energy levels.