Hiker Food Chart 2.0 (Updated and Upgraded)

[@michaelo9535]

We don't deserve you. This is incredible

[@Nat2uDragneel]

Indeed, this has totally changed how I approach food on the trail.

[@bahrhopper]

You are doing an amazing service to the whole community. Thank You

[@WildernessFLA]

The cal/oz analysis is mind-blowing....and the free chart....THANKS!!!

[@billb5732]

Excellent discussion and epic charts. Thank you. Some additional thoughts: 1) Your liver makes plenty of glucose through gluconeogenesis; no carbs are actually necessary. Not even for muscle growth or athletic performance. The carnivore and keto movements reflects success without carbs, especially for endurance sports (hiking). Therefore, your target of 4:1 Carb:Protein may not be optimal; certainly not for everyone. 2) Because of the above, peanuts or other nuts are an excellent carb food, with ratios in the 1:1 to 2:1 range. If I eat carbs at all, it is nuts or chili (with extra meat). (Peanut butter is OK, but plain peanuts are easier to carry). 3) Eggs are the single most nutritionally-dense food. I have no idea what drying does to the micro-nutrients, but the macros are the same. Dried eggs cost about a dollar a piece, so not cheap. Probably the most nutrition-per-ounce of any food. 4) Pemmican is the classic portable food for outdoorsmen/women. It is nearly nutritionally complete, and supremely calorically dense. I haven't found a version that I enjoy straight (although it was commonly boiled into soups and stews). A close substitute is _Summer Sausage._ Almost as good for nutrition and portability, doesn't require refrigeration, and tastes much better, IMHO. Your fav sausage sticks are similar, but Summer Sausage is more economical. EDIT: 5) Jello (esp. sugar-free). Few common hiker foods contain glycine, which is required for your body to make collagen to repair connective tissue. Most protein sources have little glycine, unless you gnaw the cartilage and connective tissue from, say, a rotisserie chicken. Jello solves the problem, and is also lightweight. EDIT 2: (No refrigerator? No problem. Just drink it as warm beverage). (Prefer other flavors? Mix unflavored gelatin with whatever you like. Bullion + gelatin approximates bone broth (soup).)

[@GearSkeptic]

150+ new items just added since publication! All thanks to Jonathan van Geuns, who provided his personal list for inclusion. There's a ton of new hyperlight and ultralight options in cereals, bumps, and more. Also, 4 new brands of dried meals. Latest version 9/7/21! Technical Note: the Sports Research coconut oil capsules show a density of 10 kcal/g. That's improbable as even pure fat is only 9 kcal/g. I double-checked the label and that's what they claim. Probably a rounding error. Also, the Nomad Nutrition dried meals calories are suspect. If you add up the calories from their fats, carbs, and protein, it comes up short of the package claims. Again, double-checked and that's what the label says. Just be advised.

[@bajcotiepras9596]

Do you think you could add a retail price column to the sheet? In using this that was the one feature I was looking for as sometimes you want your cheapest but also most calorific dense foods. Other than that amazing sheet thank you!

[@GearSkeptic]

I like the idea, but it just isn’t practical. Prices are different everywhere. Small markets near trails could be significantly different than big box stores, or online. It will vary from region to region. And, prices change constantly so everything would almost immediately become out of date.

[@coryb5035]

@@GearSkeptic Maybe you could have this posted online somewhere and have user-submitted prices. On the spreadsheet it could be listed as “Average Price USD” or something. Wouldn’t be perfect, but should be close enough to help make purchasing decisions.

[@perritohiker]

OMG. I am completely geeking out over your Hiker Food playlist. Thanks SO much for all of your effort in compiling this data. My next trip will be an order of magnitude better.

[@GearSkeptic]

Awesome! I am very glad to help.

[@Tiger-789]

Checking my feed and seeing you uploaded is the most exciting thing ever

[@GearSkeptic]

OMG, no pressure! :P

[@jameslucas7620]

As an exercise physiologist, I'm loving the science based videos! For food, you should add the Heather's Choice Packaroons at 150 Cal/oz. Also the Universal Bakery Paleo Bars at 169.5 Cal/oz.

[@GearSkeptic]

Excellent! I’ll add those to the next update. Thanks!

[@RachTube77]

Thanks for keeping the chart up to date. Love your videos on nutrition and hydration.

[@SalParadise3868]

This series of videos has not only helped my meal planing for trips but has made me start reassessing my everyday foods. I find myself dividing calories by serving size on a daily basis. Found a cheap trail mix at dollar general with good ratios and will take that on my next trip! Thank you for all your hard work.

[@terryboardman789]

Me too Matt! I’ve applied this to my everyday shopping list.

[@MatsIsaksson]

Very interesting series of videos! They are so full of useful information that it is hard to remember it all and I need to go back to the video to find what I'm looking for. What I miss is some kind of cheat sheet that summarizes all the information in this series of videos so I can have it at hand when I'm planning my food purchases for my next hike. No more than a one-pager.

[@GearSkeptic]

Sigh. Even though it means more work, I’ll admit that is a good idea. I will add it to my to-do list!

[@SomeVagrant]

Once again you did an amazing job! My inner nerd keeps fantasizing about storing all of this data in a database and creating a web page with list and search/filter functionality. Possibly even with the addition of some code to find the optimal 1-2 foods to combine with a given food. One can always dream (of finding the damn time).

[@StephenFasseroMusic]

I aim to be of this much service to the world one day. Thank you brother, God Bless!!!

[@GearSkeptic]

Thank you! Very kind of you to say.

[@stefaniegalvan]

Your attention to detail is wonderful, your explanations are understandable, and your jokes are on point. I've been binge watching for the last few days. Thank you for the incredible amount of work you've done. *applause*

[@GearSkeptic]

Thank you so much! It means a lot.

[@user-jd7dp5om8t]

This is mind boggling! Thank you so much for all your time and energy to create this chart! Just wow!

[@GearSkeptic]

You are most welcome! I hope it is helpful.

[@Dreamer2000AT]

Ha! Loved the shout out. I love the updates as well. The "Combo Calculator" is helpful as well as I had already put together a tab similar to that one. Thank you for ALL your help!!

[@GearSkeptic]

Thanks for the suggestion. I’ve been using it now, myself.

[@Wh33ls]

I've been geeking out over hiking nutrition since the late 80's. I don't have the words to drscribe how usefull this spreadsheet can be. If I see you on trail, shots of olive oil are on me! Thak you so very much for all you've done.

[@GearSkeptic]

Ha! You’re on! At least you didn’t say “doing lines of butter powder”. 🤓

[@olgawankenobi]

This makes you a national treasure. Thank you for this goldmine!

[@danos5181]

Thanks for all hard work!!! I am sorry I missed giving my comments earlier but if you do manage to do version 3.0, my suggestion would be to provide information on basic bulk (non-commercial) foodstuff, for all three meals (e.g., oats, nuts/dates, bulgur, basic noodles, oils/butter etc.). I would also add that this option is transparent and freely available worldwide in any grocery store (when hiking outside the USA) which many of your viewers are from. Thanks again though for all the in depth work including the general nutrition and water/electrolyte videos.

[@GearSkeptic]

I will look into it!

[@jameslogan8193]

Please make some more videos ! These have been incredibly useful. Thank you so much.

[@GearSkeptic]

I will! Thanks much and I’m glad they could help.

[@blueklister]

Wow, an amazing amount of effort went into this labor of love. Thank you.

[@waxler2]

Pacific Health Labs who make the Endurox R4 also have gels and a performance powder with the 4:1 ratio. I have only tried the R4 recovery drink in fruit punch and it’s not too bad. Thank you very much for putting all of this together in one place. It has made me completely rethink my trail food choices & options. The only way I can think to repay you is by recommending my outdoor friends to to subscribe and watch. The information you have provided is truly appreciated!! P.S. I’m ordering a WAPI.

[@GearSkeptic]

Thanks much! Very glad it could be of some use. I'll check out those gels and powders and put them on the list for addition.

[@remysmith2262]

Also, for people that can't handle nuts. There is always Halva(or halawa, depending on who you ask), the middle-eastern sesame seed butter(tahini) candy that is delicious and high in protein and minerals as well as being moderately calorie-dense, one ounce of my favorite brand "Alkanater" makes a plain halawa (available on Amazon, blue lid for no nuts) has 310 calories and 8 grams of protein with 17 grams of fat. There are also hummus mixes where you just add water and oil, these are available at most markets now. And Bulger Wheat is considered a whole grain and cooks like couscous, also available at most grocery stores.

[@misemuschel8549]

Thank you and all the contributors!!! I still miss your 'old' intro 😉

[@alexkoller7031]

I also think perspective on volume/density would be interesting for people who have to are working with limited space in bear cannisters. Great video!

[@somedavehikes]

You guys are blowing me away! Thanks for this extremely helpful tool.

[@kriellian6318]

Again...amazing work! Now to fine-tune my 4/14 AT flip-flop menus. Thank you, thank you...thank you!

[@meltdownman1]

I really really really really really appreciate the work that went into this. Most of these items I have never heard of or seen in the stores.

[@GearSkeptic]

Thanks! Yah, I’d say the majority are either from Amazon or direct from the manufacturer.

[@curtisgore1611]

I cannot believe how in-depth you go for that that is crazy great job

[@jfrosty42]

This made me giggle in awe a few times because of all the data. Amazing work! I love the ultralight community so much.

[@GearSkeptic]

Thanks very much!

[@mntexan]

Do the references of Vera or Wilson ring a bell? - Phenomenal work and an even more unique presentation style. - Thank you for you efforts!

[@GearSkeptic]

Thanks and you’re welcome! I missed the reference, though. Darn it.

[@elr05]

You are a national treasure and should be protected at all costs. You’re providing so much value to the community for free…please put some sort of donation button on your videos!

[@GearSkeptic]

Thanks very much, and I do appreciate the thought!

[@elton4803]

I was thinking about making something like this and I ended up on your video with EVERYTHING I was looking for!!! Greetings from Brazil

[@terryboardman789]

Wow!! This is THE channel for backpacking food. I love the detail and science based approach. I’m in debt Gear Skeptic …. Cheers!

[@GearSkeptic]

Thanks! I’m very glad to help.

[@terryboardman789]

I wonder how some of these ratios might change for more vigorous activity - like 50+ mile day Ultras or over several days and the like? More carb loading versus fats/protein?

[@GearSkeptic]

From what I’ve read, the 4:1 carb/protein works great for runners. It’s the fat you might want to turn down if you’re effort level is more aerobic (exchanging those calories with the carbs and that fraction of protein to make the ratio). If you have an idea of what your VO2Max is, you could use the bar graphs from the Optimal Trail Fuel video to estimate what % of fat might be most efficient.

[@mikecarthy88]

YOU ARE A GOD!!!!! Thank you so much for your time, this is an INDISPENSABLE guide for us in the backpacking community!

[@GearSkeptic]

Thanks a lot! Very glad it helps.

[@sacura605]

This man is a hiking saint. God bless you good sir. This newbie hiker who is just getting started is awed at your organizational skills and thoroughness! Do you have a patreon so i can repay you for your efforts?

[@GearSkeptic]

Very generous of you, but I don’t. Thanks very much for the kind words, though. They are much appreciated!

[@terrycooke7930]

I have now watched ALL of your videos in just a couple of days! They are all awesome! You are phenomenal! I can’t imagine the time you have spent on doing these. Thank you SO much for sharing. There are two items you need to check out. A new company that I just received a free sample of their products, all I paid was shipping. LMNT…. They are super lightweight (no sugar) three ingredients: 1,000mg sodium, 200mg potassium and 60mg magnesium. Their story is interesting and backed by science. I would like to know what your take on this product is. The other product that I have being using and love, are the Heather’s Choice Packaroon , that I found on Garage Grown Gear! I noticed that you just put them on this video, but haven’t tried …. Yet! Thanks again for your videos!

[@GearSkeptic]

Thanks very much! I haven’t seen LMNT in stores. I like the ratios, wish it had a bit of calcium, too. And, I had a vanilla orange packaroon this morning! Very tasty and compact. I will try more flavors to see my favorite.

[@chuckstreich7777]

So awesome and so kind! Thanks to you and all your collaborators!!!

[@BenjaminVick-q1z]

Thanks so much for this resource!! I'd be really curious to see a couple of talty bar's flavors added to the spreadsheet!

[@GearSkeptic]

You are most welcome! I will add them to my list for the next chart update,

[@thomasgodar]

Really been enjoying this series of videos. Great info. Thanks so much for sharing the sheet. Great resource!

[@GearSkeptic]

Glad to hear it! I hope it helps.

[@jadralil]

This has been incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for publishing this!

[@connieestrada6730]

You are a gem to the backpacking community. Thanks for doing this. Here’s my add: Gold emblem Keto probiotic trail mix from cvs has over 200 calorie and per ounce and good macros. (It’s like hd trail mix+mooncheese, but lighter than i can diy at home. Idk how they do it) Gold emblem almonds with herbs and olive oil

[@GearSkeptic]

Thanks very much! I’ll check out that trail mix.

[@connieestrada6730]

Great! *correction to the second item, the olive oil almonds were from blue diamond. Something else i love it the 4sigmatic chai latte mushroom drink mix. 35 cal .25 oz with packaging. Package alone .04oz ( first ingredient coconut milk powder)

[@GearSkeptic]

Duly noted!

[@norton4962]

Awesome work, this is definitely going to change how I pack for my upcoming trips.

[@franksom8937]

Thank you so much for the updates!

[@michaelgrantham7640]

This is killer. Thanks for putting in the time to do it

[@GearSkeptic]

My pleasure. Hope it helps!

[@brianclayton2]

This is amazing and thank you for all your hard work.

[@chrismoon2961]

I know this is asking for EVEN MORE, but a column for meals marking vegetarian/vegan (or other diet restrictions) would be nice. Fantastic work!

[@GearSkeptic]

Sigh. I know. But, then it becomes a whole series of columns because you could also flag items as organic, paleo, non-GMO...

[@MatStribling]

A huge thanks for this. I've learned so much and enjoyed every second.

[@garyashby8894]

Your videos are amazing! Incredible research and detail, that unmatched by all other gear videos I’ve seen. I am wondering if you could do a food and electrolyte video with the long-distance hikers in mind. We face an additional layer of complexity, since most of our resupply opportunities are often little markets that lack a wide selection. On nutrition, I was waiting for you to cover essential amino acids (histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine) and how combining food gives you an added protein boot, thus allowing you to carry less. For example: parmesan cheese is low in histidine and tryptophan. Almonds are high in those. Together they complete more proteins.

[@GearSkeptic]

Thanks! There is brief mention of BCAAs in the advanced electrolyte video (they are a popular additive to drink mixes). Otherwise, I’ve never seen a database of nutrition info (for all the food items in the chart) that includes amino-level detail.

[@kevinthewild]

Just discovered your channel. Awesome stuff!

[@donnak8658]

Thank you so much! I am pretty dialed in on my lightweight backpacking but will be off on an 11 day (no resupply) adventure with high elevation gain. That has me really looking hard at nutrition/ounce so this is very helpful.

[@GearSkeptic]

Thanks! I’m very glad it could help.

[@stephtraveler7378]

Great content.... But some of these are expensive. I can't justify $17 for a dehydrated entree on the trail... And some of the companies (Off Grid) took a WuFlu hiatus and never came back...Or is no longer stocked on common retailers like Amazon (Nomad Nutrition) Thus, I'm back to ole reliable: Mountain House... The analysis is fantastic and helps me choose the best options in a limited field of options...

[@GearSkeptic]

Two thoughts: 1) give consideration to a calories per dollar figure. I know some of the brands like Peak Refuel are more expensive, but they have significantly more calories per package than most brands. 2) if you have a Costco, look for Mountain House boxed sets occasionally. You buy about 13 meals at once, but they are literally half price from the regular stores, about $5 a pack last time.

[@angelachoe9750]

Wow, thank you so much for your videos and spreadsheets!

[@GearSkeptic]

You are very welcome! Hope it helps!

[@waltbates8257]

Mind blowing! And your humor is funny😂

[@tiedyem270]

This guy is brilliant. Do we know who he is? The organization alone gives me a dopamine rush.

[@jeromeprovensal]

This is incredible and so awesomely useful! Thank you for doing it.

[@GearSkeptic]

Thanks, and you’re welcome!

[@mr.-fight8280]

Cheers from NL for all the hard work and sound info. But what's in this mysterious Skep's mix?

[@GearSkeptic]

It’s a personal recipe for trail mix I made for high calorie density (and an optimum carbs/protein fuel ratio). Here it is, with all servings being a 1/4 cup: 6 servings of macadamia nuts 1 serving dried cherries 1 serving of almond M&Ms 1 serving of Planters Classic peanuts The chart shows a “serving” that is one third of this batch. It also gives good sodium for electrolytes (from the peanuts), and good potassium from the dried cherries. Sort of hits all the buttons for hiking food!

[@vectorhive]

Amazing work. Thank you! Tall ask: What about volume? Volume is a huge issue for locations that require bear cans.

[@GearSkeptic]

I do have something planned for volume. Got my bear cans in different sizes. It won’t be a new column for every item. I’d have to buy over a thousand things and measure them all. But I have been looking at a range of the higher density stuff to develop some estimates, examples, and maybe some guidelines about how to go “compact”.

[@vectorhive]

@@GearSkeptic I have thoughts and experience on this topic. Happy to talk with you about it. Air is the enemy!

[@GearSkeptic]

Yes! I’ve actually been measuring volume of things via dunking and water displacement. I’ve got a preliminary chart of the volume savings you get just from piercing a nutrition bar’s packaging to let the air out. I might need some kind of professional help 😝 Shoot me an email, if you want. No hurry. I’m working on the next water treatment video right now.

[@vectorhive]

@@GearSkeptic You already discovered two of my favorite tricks :)

[@Rideout11000]

This was extremely interesting. Thank you for the hard work! I was wondering, what is your take on things that can be "made" at home, like pemmican bars or preparing your own power bars where you can optimize what goes into the recipe?

[@GearSkeptic]

Thanks! I like the idea of making your own to pick and choose both ingredients and the nutritional outcome. I chose to do that with my recovery mix so I could optimize everything I was looking for. I haven’t experimented with homemade bars. I will say…yet!

[@Rideout11000]

@@GearSkeptic Appreciate your reply! I'm, one fairly big downside to self-made stuff is that it needs to be consumed soon after, but still.

[@sweetbodhisoul891]

This is AMAZING! Thank you for all your hard work!

[@GearSkeptic]

Thanks, and you are very welcome!

[@seaotter52]

Can the G-N columns, macros, be moved to follow the color coded columns? Resupply will be greatly improved. It's a pain to look at the small letters on a phone with older eyes. Make a version 3.0 for those who didn't work much with excel. Thank you for these comprehensive videos and fantastic work. This is a talent that I lack. Mine are elsewhere. I've shared your work with my fellow outdoorsians

[@GearSkeptic]

Yes! You can cut-and-paste the columns in Excel to move them around as you please. The formulas and formatting should follow seemlessly. Just make sure you select the entire column by clicking on the header (which will highlight the whole thing for you). That way you won't miss anything.

[@alanhansen6096]

Amazing, thank you for all your effort!!!!

[@juskojj]

absolutely appreciate the research and science behind your videos. not sure if i've missed it but have you done anything with cold soaking on your food chart or a video?

[@GearSkeptic]

Thanks! I have not tried cold soaking yet. Though, I probably should one of these days!

[@gmarrese91]

Have you thought of making a website to put all your charts and documents together? I'm sure one of us here has the skills to do it, and the rest of us would be happy to donate to keep it running. I would love a spot with all these charts and details all together

[@GearSkeptic]

It’s an interesting idea, but time is my biggest problem. It takes me months for each video (they are time consuming, but I also have other responsibilities). I just don’t have the ability to write and edit another project without slowing other production down even more.

[@r2anderson24paws4]

Thanks for sharing good info! You did a lot of work!

[@GearSkeptic]

Thanks very much! I appreciate that.

[@kevinsbacon932]

I’ve been trying to find more info on self-heating meals and was surprised to not see anything regarding this type of meal in your food series, and did not see any relevant meal in the chart. Would love an addendum on the subject

[@GearSkeptic]

They tend to be “wet” foods, so they’re pretty heavy. But, I can add them to the list for the next chart update!

[@kevinsbacon932]

@@GearSkeptic so from what i've gathered, there are wet ones and dry ones. Wet ones' heating element is activated by air. But the dry ones are activated by water, so they are dry by default i guess and you add water (or other type of moisture) yourself

[@GearSkeptic]

Yes! I’m familiar with the dry ones like those in MREs. They really work. I just meant the food itself. Omeals and MREs are what I’d call “wet foods”. No water needed, which makes them pretty heavy. But, it could be interesting for perspective to see them on the chart next to other options. If you are dry camping in the dessert, you have to bring your water with anyway. Why not save trouble with wet meals?

[@kevinsbacon932]

@@GearSkeptic Hmm okay, appreciate the chart update. I am really curious to see how they rank. Other variables I was considering with self-heating meals is things like environmental friendliness of the chemical heater packets, hydrogen gas by-product when cooking, excess plastic from included spoons/forks in every meal kit, viable use cases, etc. Seems like an interesting rabbit hole to go down that may be worth making some video content for, I would certainly watch it. That’s just my own selfish thought though. I’m sure you’re busy working on other content. Either way I will toss a coin in your tip jar

[@christiantb100]

Adding a comment for algo. Thank you for your stellar work

[@GearSkeptic]

Thanks!

[@2ddw]

Outstanding information

[@Thansk_]

amazing content and so much work. this is awesome. Thanks!

[@jimpurcell]

Awesome resource! Thanks.

[@ryan92084]

Took a look at the pinnacle foods dried meals since all the vloggers seem to be pumping them currently. The jalepeno cheddar biscuit and thai peanut curry score in the ultralight with many of the others being light so not bad. If you ever decide to embrace google sheets a little more it would make doing updates a little less laborious. You could have an open page for user submissions but that might be more hassle then it is worth.

[@genecutler4656]

I’ve tried Halva as a backpacking food. Unfortunately the oils dissolve the adhesive of the wrappers! I later found that they also seeped through the plastic of the ziploc bags in my backpacking food storage bins, making a big greasy mess!

[@GearSkeptic]

Yikes. Was it particularly warm out? That’s a shame.

[@Rettoc87]

This is really cool as I'm a data man. Curious if you have thought about making column F a calculation so if your recipe uses more or less of the "serv (g)", it updates when using the Combo Calulator?

[@GearSkeptic]

I hadn’t. So far, my work around for two servings is to just enter the item twice. I like the idea!

[@JonathanvG-wj1ro]

I remember reading at some point that you wanted to address volume in one of your videos? Would love that. And would also love to hear your thoughts on packing/storing food. What are the best way to go about it for a multi-day hike/run? Any recommendations for resupplies?

[@GearSkeptic]

Yes! That is still in the works, on the short list. Volume plus packing for maximum space efficiency, specifically how to get the most calories in a bear can.

[@GQGeek81]

*wipes away tears of nerd pride* This is incredible. I owe you a beer, but I don't think it will fit your macros.

[@NewsViewsAndTruth]

Proof that math, and nerds can be an entertaining combination. Yes, pride is a valid descriptor

[@NewsViewsAndTruth]

Beer in town or as trail angel both would not be on the spreadsheet as carried stats, details matter... /nerdwink

[@ckb1137]

Here's an addition you might add that I found recently. clover valley sugar wafers have 5.62 cal/g which is exceptional for a cookie/pastry. They're cheap and fairly tasty. volumetrically I bet they're pretty mediocre but still. dollar general sells them. If you look up a nutrition facts online you'll find different values but I've got one in my hands and the correct value is 5.62.

[@GearSkeptic]

I will add it to my list for the next update!

[@lucaseverets8912]

An absolute encyclopedia of food information I wonder if possibly as well as your homemade skeps mix you would be interested in checking out the theory of pemmican. I understand it would be challenging being that it’s a homemade option and ratios could vary but it would be interesting to see the value of a bar bound with fat and not sugar also with the option of including meat

[@GearSkeptic]

I’ll see if I can find a consensus recipe for pemmican and add it to the list for the next chart update!

[@crocodile235]

Thank you! Fantastic.

[@NewsViewsAndTruth]

I mentioned some indomie mi goreng ramen, but they are 85g weight not 65, i misread the small print

[@JohanLarssonKiruna]

So much good information here, thank you for your work. But the errors are here as well as in the previous video: Dietary fibers should not be included as carbohydrates, as they are indigestible. The results and the score for many products are skewed. Not deducting the fibers, the score have gone up for foods that contain a lot of grains especially, and they look better than they are. Some items should probably be in a lower class.

[@jamiebone8583]

Take a look at Wowee Maui's chocolate candy bars. You'll especially love the Maui Crunch bar that has dark chocolate, macadamia nuts, potato chips, and coconut. Can't get more ultralight than that, my friend! And boy, are they tasty!

[@GearSkeptic]

Ok, every one of their flavors sounds delicious! I will add them to the next chart update. Thanks for the tip!

[@barbaraadams-daugherty4584]

Thank you for this extremely helpful information!

[@GearSkeptic]

Most welcome! So glad it could help.

[@JimBridgerHarney]

It’s like a weather report for food densities 😂.

[@kevinbing730]

Want to share some tips for my vegan (and vegetarian) friends: Obviously there's a lot of powerful calorie dense plant-based items already on the list including Olive Oil and high performing bars. If you're interested in a vegan diet, here's some items I would recommend you add to your version of the spreadsheet: 1. Nutritional Yeast - For the unaffiliated, this is a common 'bump' and cheese replacer on and off the trail. Protein dense and typically vitamin enriched. One warning, I've seen some real variances in cal density by brand. Ranges from 2.0 kcal/g (Dr. Berg) to 4.0 kcal/g (Bragg) so don't be afraid to shop around. 2. Plant Based Milk Powders - There's already a few in the list including 'hyperlight' coconut milk options. Add your favorite to your recipes. 3. TVP - Textured Vegetable Protein aka Soy Flour. 2.91 kcal/g (Anthony's). Ranked 'heavy' but an important source of protein in the plant based diet. Worth adding to your sheet when your building meals. 4. Tahini - I can't find many foods that feature dried tahini but the Rhythm Zesty Nacho Kale Chips are already on the list and ranked 'very light'. I think the prominence of sesame sees and tahini are what make that possible. (Tangent - I've added sesame oil to my list. Like coconut and olive oil, it is incredibly calorie dense and importantly, goes great with Ramen!) Since finding protein is often perceived as a challenge in a vegan diet I added an extra column to my sheet "Protein/g" (=O2/F2). As Skeptic explains, Protein + Carbs will always be 'heavier' than Fats but there's smart ways you can include it in your meal plans. A surprising example, when sorted by "Protein/g" the following items are some of the highest ranking choices: Jack Links Turkey Jerky (2.92 kcal/g) (meat) Anthony's Textured Vegetable Protein (2.92 kcal/g) Bragg Nutritional Yeast (3.89 kcal/g) All have the equivalent 0.5 g protein / grams per serving :-)

[@GearSkeptic]

Thanks much! I will add these to the list for the next chart update.

[@seanwilliamson9375]

Can you include the following brands for freeze dried meals? Heathers Choice, Pinnacle Foods, Farm to Summit, Sasquatch Fuel, Bushka's Kitchen, and Fernweh Food Company. Any of these would help!

[@GearSkeptic]

I will put them on the list for the next update!

[@WildernessRocks]

Much respect!

[@GearSkeptic]

Many thanks!

[@NewsViewsAndTruth]

Possible undercover soup packet option because of an obvious mislabel, but could use your fuzzy math shag, for the good of the community of course. This item is Takumi packets by Umeken (26 packets for 25 dollars at 8 grams each). The nutrition label claims Zero calories for 2 grams which is a quarter of an 8 gram packet. The ingredients list as salt (390mg), with glucose and dextrin as second and third ingredients. Soy sauce, yeast extract, Bonita, seaweed and two mushrooms add variety to the powder list included (several which I suggest have calories). Perhaps everything is estimated under 1 gram, so they zero everything, but there's 1.6 grams out of 2 grams that are things other than salt (the majority of which seem to give calories-with the 5th listed as indigestible)

[@NewsViewsAndTruth]

This powder tastes delightful, as my dogs and myself both enjoyed the taste of it plain, and I could see it used for savory snack mixes. Just really confused on the labeling, unless it suggests even distribution of all the fourteen other ingredients comprising 1.6 grams (approximately 0.1 grams each ingredient except salt), but in that case one would theorize they would list glucose near the end (if all were equally low). My theory based on this is calorie misprint, should be 10 calories.

[@GearSkeptic]

Over time, I’ve found numerous labeling errors. And, for some things, they are allowed to round down if it is close to zero. These rounding errors can sometimes add up to a label that doesn’t quite make sense.

[@Greghikes1]

As with everyone commenting, I love what you've done! Thankyou!! however I'm not seeing at all a 'link below' which I would LOVE to download, are you able to add a link in (hopefully) a reply? Thanks!!

[@GearSkeptic]

It should be in the video description box, which probably needs to be expanded first by clicking the arrow. But, here is the link: www.mediafire.com/file/6covxvmuz5qpnga/Hiker_Food_2.0.xlsx/file Hope that helps!

[@Saihbreas28]

Thank for doing this. Friend of mine told me about this. I have one question about the spreadsheet: I don't see how the Menu Planner works. There's no linkages to the items on the other tabs. Do I copy/paste from the sheets, or link, or what? Confused how this works. and surely don't want to screw up this great resource.

[@GearSkeptic]

Yes, you need to paste your food items into the planner for it to work. Just copy from Brand through Protein (don't worry about pasting the nutritional analysis columns at the end, they will calculate on their own).

[@TheBigBlueMarble]

Considering the information provided in your videos, I don't understand why you don't have more views and subscribers. Maybe hikers/campers/backpackers are not data-driven to the extent that the rest of world is, but they need to get on board.

[@geolitz2665]

Where are you finding the long range patrol MREs?

[@GearSkeptic]

I used to get them at Mountain House’s site. They were only available intermittently, like a lot of military surplus items. I was on their mailing list and got email notifications. Unfortunately, I think they may have been discontinued. Now they just use the pro packs.

[@davidsykes5635]

I have made a UK version of your DIY spreadsheet and roamed the supermarkets for items to include. It has been very useful. I have one problem ...... how do I export to PDF the columns from the main tab so that they fit the page width and the required number of pages are automatically printed ? I have not found the solution online. I am using LibreOffice but maybe it is similar to Excel. Thanks.

[@GearSkeptic]

I’ve never used LibreOffice, but in Excel what want to adjust are called Page Breaks. This will allow you to choose the boundaries of what appears on each page.

[@davidsykes5635]

Thanks. After messing around,the easier way was to select cells,copy and paste to LibreOffice Writer and export as PDF from there.

[@Liberty4Ever]

I'm a fan of the dried coconut milk powder that I buy on Amazon. It's more convenient and cheaper than cans of coconut milk when cooking at home, but it really shines when ultralight camping. I make various Thai flavored noodle dishes with Butler Soy Curls (better tasting version of texturized vegetable protein, aka TVP, aka soy nuggets). I bought some dried peanut powder but it was more like peanut flour with a barely discernible peanut flavor and poor kcal/oz energy density, so I carry a small plastic jar of peanut butter to make the much tastier and more nutritious coconut peanut sauce, and I also eat the peanut butter on tortillas or crackers as a snack. I like dried ginger granules, dried minced garlic and dried soy sauce powder for my home made camping meals, also available on Amazon.

[@GearSkeptic]

Sounds delicious!

[@alberto5980]

I want new videos you are the best hiking channel

[@GearSkeptic]

Thanks very much! I am working on it. We moved, so all my stuff is in boxes. I am getting set up again and hope to have something ready in a couple of weeks.

[@million-bucks]

Great list. When you get a moment, check out Kashi Go Cereals. I typically bring Kashi Go Chocolate Crunch, coming in at 114.58 cal/oz with 14 grams of protein. Thanks again for your work!

[@GearSkeptic]

I will check them out!

[@million-bucks]

@@GearSkeptic I gave you my total protein per serving (usually around 3oz) not protein per ounce of cereal. Sorry for the confusion. Cal per ounce is 114 Protein per ounce is 5.5.

[@SUPAHFLII]

Amazing! Any way to do cost per oz? Some of these are amazing calorically, but not financially!

[@GearSkeptic]

It definitely has been discussed! The problem is, price is different everywhere. No list would be valid from one area to the next. And then it gets worse as prices are almost constantly changing. Unfortunately, I’d never be able to keep up.

[@Mrjrose01]

This is a great project, thanks so much. If I may offer a food for your consideration: Trader Joe's "Savory Banana & Nuts Trek Mix". Very tasty, and I think it is a light food. The nutrition label claims 150 cal/30g.

[@GearSkeptic]

Thanks! I will check that out.

[@WERK777]

Not sure which video mentioned the Peanut M&M's but I found the Reese's Pieces Peanut candies are same calories for slightly less pieces. Not sure if you had checked those out. 200 cals per 13 pieces as opposed to 16 pieces.

[@GearSkeptic]

Good tip! I will add them to the next update.

[@scottrok13]

Huzzah!🎉❤

[@richz100]

It’s probably asking a lot but could you add yet one more column to show the cost per oz or cost per serving?

[@GearSkeptic]

The problem with price is not just that it can literally change on a daily basis, but that even at any given time, it is different depending on where you are. Unfortunately, there’s just no practical way to approach it, or possibly keep it up to date.

[@richz100]

@@GearSkeptic makes sense

[@JonathanvG-wj1ro]

@@richz100 Yeah this is hard, I did add the price of my favorite items to my personal list, just to have a rough estimate. Some products vary massively in price and are just not worth it.

[@richz100]

@@JonathanvG-wj1ro I’m trying to get the most bank for the buck. Some items you can go a handful of items down and still be ultra light with very similar caloric intake for half the price.