Ultralight Backpacking Food | 7 features you might be overlooking

[@Jody6441]

Very well thought out. Glad to see someone encourage healthy ideas over M&Ms

[@backcountryfoodie]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the video. 😊

[@johnhorton7106]

WOW!!!! Thank you, you are the very first person who has commented on the caloric values needed for backpacking. I have seen ssssoooo many videos (backpacking, day hiking, bushcraft, overnight camping, as well as long treks/ walk through) that say something like a cup of rice and a pack of tuna and your good. I greatly appreciate this video. Again Thank you for addressing this.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Yeah, I thought it was time that I started speaking up because many of those videos share bad recommendations. Those videos are also the very reason I created our on-demand masterclasses so that evidence-based information is available to folks...not just anecdotal based on personal experience. What works for one hiker can be VERY different for another hiker. I'll step off my soap box before I start really preaching. haha!

[@walkonearthofficial]

First 51 seconds : “Well...This person is legit AF”

[@ronmiller7916]

Really? What's her definition of nutritious? I'm not seeing even a basic interest in vitamins. B12, b1, Omega-3, potassium, alt, b6 to name a few. Heck just bringing nutritional yeast would help a lot. Anyone with a background in nutrition would know this.

[@backcountryfoodie]

The focus of the video was not to address the micronutrient content of backpacking meals. We do plan to discuss vitamins and minerals in future videos because we agree that many backpacking meals are void of these. Unfortunately, we haven't had time to produce more content.

[@nameth7201]

@@backcountryfoodie Great Video and thanks for starting a channel! Some of us are just happy you've started creating content at all. While I've been able to dial everything else in over the years, efficient and nutritious meal planning seems to always be my weak link. Subscribed and looking forward to more!

[@tamie341]

@@backcountryfoodie You are providing a much needed resource! Thank you, don't listen to the haters

[@oscarstenberg2745]

@@ronmiller7916 It's a 7 min video. Also, vitamins is important on meso/macro time scale. In a 1 week camping trip, protein and calories is much more relevant. You won't get vitamin deficensies in that time.

[@maryannplunkett5420]

The outdoorsy person in me absolutely loves you, and the inner nerd in me loves you even more. Next giant hike I plan, will totally consult with you about food options! Thank you for a great video!

[@backcountryfoodie]

Thank you so much! Please reach out when you plan your next big hike, we'd love to crunch numbers with you! ;)

[@kssrider6766]

Simple and straight to the point. No wasted words just like her backpacking foods and gear.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Pretty much. 🙂

[@tamie341]

Dis dat gud info doe bruhhhhhhhh!

[@G-man45444]

Finally a video that speaks to my needs .... bikepacking Im not too concerned about ultra light weight but good tasty food after a long day of pedalling. A delicious meal while relaxing for the evening is a true reward

[@backcountryfoodie]

Couldn't agree more! Nothing's worse than forcing yourself to eat food that you're not excited about at the end of a long day.

[@696969bold]

With specific medical needs, food choices/ingredients are a must to control. Dehydrating doesn't only go on trail, its great for long road trips, boating, and just because on days when cooking meals are a chore!!

[@backcountryfoodie]

Absolutely true! Just last night, I used freeze-dried tofu and dehydrated veggies I made myself to make tofu pho for dinner because I was too tired to make something fresh. It was delicious and ready in less than 10 minutes!

[@TT-dd2tv]

Perfect! So much better than a $9 Mountain food bag in every way. And, I have never been big on Snicker bars or M&M trail mix like other KZbin hikers use/recommend.

[@backcountryfoodie]

T T Exactly! My hope is that hikers change their mindset about food. Why do we eat healthy at home and then completely change our diet when we go backpacking when our bodies need even better food to perform? My belief is that backpackers are athletes and should eat accordingly. *stepping down from my soapbox* lol!

[@redgar289]

WOW! Thank you for this! Yesterday while contemplating hiking the C.T. next summer found myself thinking, "If I'm going to hike trails with dry sections, I'm going to need to carry more water, but I also want to stay ultralight. Surely if I cut down on food weight by finding calorie-dense foods, as well as foods which require less water, I can take a little more water than normal AND make it last longer." I'm also someone who doesn't want to binge Gushers and rice just because I'm hiking. Yours is the first video I watched and it's perfect. I hadn't even considered the fuel savings! Brilliant. The work you are doing is so important to the community. Thank you!

[@backcountryfoodie]

Glad you enjoyed the video. I like to think of it as a domino effect. More calorically dense = less volume = less water = less weight = less time to prep = less fuel = less $$$ 🙂

[@77SeaLions]

I'm glad you are focusing on this side of backpacking! I've wanted to get away from spending so much on freeze dried meals. Your channel and website should help a lot

[@backcountryfoodie]

Thanks for your comment. I'm passionate about backpacking nutrition and hope our work can help backpackers change their mindset. Trail food can be inexpensive, easy to prepare, healthy, and actually taste good. :)

[@donkemp8151]

Best nutrition video I’ve seen. My daughter is a vegan Registered Dietician, going back to school for her BSN. I’m sharing with her. Well done.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video. 😊

[@mem1gui]

I found over time on the AT that my food comes out at about 1.5 lbs a day. I am 5 ft and 95 lbs, so if I pay closer attention to my food, I may be able to lower the weight AND eat better. Thank you for the inspiration; will check out your website.

[@ericwiitala5407]

You appeared on my "Suggested" list. I'm glad you did. You got my attention. 😊👍

[@backcountryfoodie]

Eric Wiitala Yay!! 😊

[@ronleamerii2901]

Excellent presentation! Shows that high quality nutritional foods for Backpacking doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. I’ve been making my own for years. Funny how we as a community will backpack with $400-$500 worth of gear for 10-20 miles in a day but won’t spend a couple of hours at home in the kitchen to save $50 in food cost!

[@backcountryfoodie]

I know, right!! Glad you enjoyed the video. 😊

[@scottmarshall7296]

Good old fashioned competence without ego. What is this thing doing on youtube!?

[@backcountryfoodie]

I appreciate it!

[@sfmarckx]

Thank you for this! I got a dehydrator and have been making and dehydrating my backpacking and boat cruising meals since. On a backpack with my cousin and his kids, they liked my lentil soup better than the stuff they were eating. Another reason to go light is so you have extra room to bring the ice cream! That was a huge surprise I had for them the first night! All the best, Scott

[@backcountryfoodie]

Ice cream?!? I want to go on your trips! 😀

[@sfmarckx]

Yes, I made an extra thick reflectix cozy for a plastic peanut butter jar, stuffed the peanut butter jar with ice cream, and put the whole thing in our chest freezer. The morning we were leaving for the backpack I took my bear canister in the back room and put the whole set-up in the bottom and covered it with the rest of my food and they never knew until about 5:30 that night when I took it out and we all got to enjoy it! We were only out three days, so I had plenty of room, but on a longer trip you could experiment with making the cozy such that it would double as a pillow or using other gear as the insulation and the peanut butter jar works as a cold soaker. It is well worth the experiments! They are very tasty! ;-) All the best, Scott

[@ajculberson6389]

This lady is so efficient; it felt like this whole video was one take. 👍🏼👍🏼. Thanks for the advice.

[@backcountryfoodie]

You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@timdion7834]

I picked up a dehydrator 2 years ago with the intent of making my own backpacking food. So far everything I’ve made has been mediocre at best. I have given up - however in this short video you’ve managed to rekindle my desire to make my own healthy tasty low volume backpacking food. Thank you

[@backcountryfoodie]

Tim Dion Home dehydrated meals can taste just like fresh food at home if you know a few tricks. I essentially reverse engineer meals that we have for dinner and make them backpacker friendly. Hope you don’t give up on it.

[@redwhiteblue7831]

You definitely know your stuff... I'm a once in a while backpacker, not high mileage. I went back to fresh food on the trail, I'm a foodie person.

[@backcountryfoodie]

We look forward to the huge hot meal after our trip at whatever restaurant is closest to the trailhead. 😀

[@CommonManBrewing]

Very informative video. You take the time succinctly explain a relatively complex subject into a very compact video! I have gone back to dehydrating all my home food for backpacking, instead of choosing the highly processed convenience foods, I and many other hikers choose to eat. It is a chore at times and requires planning for longer multi week trips but the benefits on trail are instantly felt with lower pack weights and the knowledge that I know what I’m actually eating.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Love this! Glad to hear you've found works well for you.

[@dcez1370]

You remind me of Velma from Scooby Doo.

[@frugalmum7943]

Smart, practical and down to earth :)

[@backcountryfoodie]

Haha! I take that as a compliment. :)

[@backcountryfoodie]

Thanks. :)

[@Kiev-in-3-days]

It's her.

[@jfowler7604]

Good stuff. I've subbed to stay on tap for new stuff. I use the same bear can and managed 11 days in it but my menu was NOT diverse and pretty boring. Also, I know I used too much cous-cous and probably had too many carbs and not enough fat/protien. I can learn a lot from a true expert like you.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Thanks for the sub! Eleven days is impressive! Stay tuned for videos from my upcoming Colorado Trail thru-hike (July 2021). Will be spending tons of time trail testing recipes and reporting my findings.

[@Liberty4Ever]

Your channel is as information dense as your homemade backpacking meals are calorie dense. Thank you!

[@backcountryfoodie]

Thank you and you're welcome!

[@trailguiding1454]

Just found this video and wow I love what you do. Im a backpacker and backpacking food is my favorite, so right on!!!

[@backcountryfoodie]

Thanks so much, glad you found us! Backpacking food is our favorite too ;)

[@madhusudan]

So glad this was only the second video I watched on this subject, so I found gold and can move on with my day. Great info.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Glad I was able to keep you from going down the KZbin rabbit hole. haha!

[@annalongfield]

Subscribed. Someone that uses numbers and has resume to back it up.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Thanks for your support!

[@gregbalanko2689]

I too used to "Live In A Van, Down By The River"!!!! I miss those days. Subscribed.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Greg Balanko We’re just now getting back in ours after being quarantined for three months.

[@carinelamoureux5777]

I’m new in the backpacking world and most of the video I watched it was all carbs and sugar.....I’m keto and sometimes even carnivore....good to see someone preaching a healthy way of feeding ourselves while actually doing something healthy as backpacking. Thanks.

[@backcountryfoodie]

That’s how Backcountry Foodie started. When I started planning for my first thru-hike I knew I couldn’t eat traditional hiker food and still feel good on trail. Four years later and I’m still preaching but now it’s my full-time career and loving it!

[@carinelamoureux5777]

@@backcountryfoodie Super, can wait to see all video you made. 😇

[@andrewwolfe8742]

Ok you're my go to now. A dietician? This nurse is your fan. This is my question for you. I'm asking as a wound care nurse. As you know we're gonna get injured on the trail eventually. Since we're looking at a baseline calorie and protein defect we have to replace without injury daily, how would you suggest packing to accommodate for the occasional injury. If you have other clarifying questions just let me know. I'm really trying to optimize my trail nutrition and am looking for ideas. Great video. You are awesome.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Thanks so much!! We love to nerd out with other health pros. If you're adequately consuming daily protein/calories/micronutrients based on your daily output, that should be enough to heal any minor injuries. Unfortunately, many people don't focus on nutrition, and end up injured and undernourished. Here's some common nutrient deficiencies that we've seen: backcountryfoodie.com/trail-nutrition-5-possible-nutrient-deficiencies-deficiency/

[@andrewwolfe8742]

@@backcountryfoodie what are your feeling on packing nutritional yeast?

[@brendankeefe8712]

Frigging awesome. I've been searching youtube for so long looking for backpacking food info/inspiration like this.Thank you. Instantly subscribed.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed the video. We've been on a bit of a hiatus again due to inability to film outside of our van (too windy). We hope to get back on a more regular schedule when we move into our fifth wheel this Fall. Stay tuned for more.

[@jeffhollander7630]

Well said. Aligns with my methodology but it has been hard for me to explain it especially when it comes to water weight.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Reducing water usage can result in huge weight, time and money savings.

[@mikeypick1]

The current back country food market is such garbage! I’m glad to have stumbled onto your channel.

[@backcountryfoodie]

For the most part, I'd agree. However, there are some cottage food companies that are doing a pretty good job or producing quality meals. I still prefer to make my own because I like having control over what's in my food and it's significantly less expensive.

[@mikeypick1]

The biggest problem I found on the PCT was that the calorie count of the biggest meals were barely 1000 calories (most were closer to 500). I gave up on finding something healthy… I just didn’t want to starve. When the customer base is burning 6000 - 7000 calories per day, it feels like a significant disconnect between the people making the meals and the people using them. Maybe I’m just missing something, but $20 for 2 meals that still doesn’t get the job done is just irritating.

[@backcountryfoodie]

@@mikeypick1 I hear what you’re saying. After starting my own backpacking food business this season, I have a new appreciation for why commercial meals are prepared the way they are and cost what they do. Food is incredibly expensive to produce. The overhead is sooo much more $$$ than I expected. I hated charging $12 for a 600 calorie meal but that’s what I had to charge just to get by. Unless you’re a company like Mountain House that can order ingredients by the hundreds of pounds at discounted pricing, food costs are also much higher than you’d expect. I’ve chosen to shut down my food business after only one season because the work required for the minimal return isn’t worth it. As for the “low calorie” meals that has to do with the population of weekend warriors (who don’t need 1000 calories) far outweigh the number of ravenous thru-hikers. I agree with your frustrations 100%. Unfortunately, it comes down to making enough money for the business to survive. 😕

[@mikeypick1]

That makes a lot of sense… I wish we could figure out why food prices are so insanely high and find a remedy, but I’m not interested in moving to a new country. 😂 Thanks for the conversation! I appreciate you taking the time to respond!

[@backcountryfoodie]

@@mikeypick1 And I live on the central coast of California where the cost of living is absurd making my food business that much more expensive to run. Ugh! If it weren’t for my husband’s job, we’d relocate. Btw… Happy to chat! Now that I’m closing the shop, I’m looking forward to having the time to do what I do best - be a dietitian. Hoping to post new videos later this year.

[@1z1zmike]

What about thru hiking? Do you have recommendations for re-fueling along the trail like the AT ; for example what you can purchase and prepare while hiking with whatever is available in most stores? Thinks!

[@backcountryfoodie]

I've created recipes specifically for this using ingredients you can find at grocery stores. Choose recipes that use similar ingredients, make several servings and ship ahead or share ingredients with your trail family.

[@mtadams2009]

I have watched a couple of your videos and I love you message. I eat a keto diet in my everyday life and try to eat that way in the backcountry too. Truthfully I have not been able to accomplish this totally. I retired last year and I have finally been able to get out and do some longer hikes. What I often see most long distance hikers eat I would call junk food and for whatever reason my body does not crave junk food. Again thanks for your videos and your knowledge you are so willingly sharing. I did the Long Trail this year and next it’s the Colorado.

[@backcountryfoodie]

My mission is to help folks make that transition from "junk food" to food that they would typically consume at home by using ingredients/foods easily found in grocery stores. You might want to have a plan in place for the Colorado Trail while hiking at altitude. You might find that you feel a little more sluggish because fat is harder to metabolize at altitude (requires more oxygen) than carbs. Just something to keep in mind. Have fun, it's a great trail!

[@mtadams2009]

@@backcountryfoodie There are there things about the Colorado trail that I am concerned about. Lightning, altitude and blazing sun. I ski out west often and the thin air has taken me about five days or so to get used to. Even then I can definitely feel it. I am looking forward to switchbacks and much smoother trails. My old knees are going to love the switchbacks. I more than likely will start early, like 5 am or so to beat the sun and thunderstorms. I am sure I will figure it out. Take care

[@backcountryfoodie]

@@mtadams2009 The thunderstorms were no joke! Pack an umbrella. I was one of the few using one and I stayed dry. It was also useful for the hot days but the wind could be an issue at times.

[@travisbarnes4802]

I, for one, am going to listen to hiking Anna Farrah Fowler and check out these recipes and website. For sure. Stoked to move away from Mountain House only.

[@jk-vs3yq]

Im so glad i found your video ive been wanting a video for more knowledge on food packing thank you lots !!

[@backcountryfoodie]

You are so welcome!

[@alottafrancium]

Wonderful information and broken down simply in logical structure. Thank you! I'll have to make some recipes to try out soon.

[@backcountryfoodie]

You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed the video. Hope the recipes work well for you.

[@calcgeek117]

These videos have been the most useful resource I've found on backpacking food so far. Keep up the good work!

[@backcountryfoodie]

Awesome, thank you!

[@23Sheldog]

Great Video! Might want to slow down just a tad I was having trouble keeping up sometimes. Def want that chickpea, and especially the cheesecake recipe! That looked amazing!

[@backcountryfoodie]

Yeah, I do talk REALLY fast. I just get so excited about food that I can't help it. LOL! Will try to slow down in future videos. Thanks for the feedback. You can find the chickpea and cheesecake recipe within our recipe dashboards - backcountryfoodie.com/recipes

[@qwibles]

@@backcountryfoodie Thankyou. Just found your channel and subscribed👍❤

[@billirey9459]

Aaron, great video. So much exceptional information. Looking forward to another. Thanks, Bill

[@backcountryfoodie]

Thanks for watching!

[@yepyep27]

How would you change your menu for cold weather camping? Thinking between 0-30F hunting trips. 3 days 2 night average.

[@backcountryfoodie]

If working harder than normal (hiking in snow, snowshoeing), add calories. If shivering, add calories. You can burn up to an extra 400 calories per hour shivering. Add a source of fat before bed as a way to increase body temperature. Fat requires more energy to burn so your body temp will go up slightly. Anything helps on a cold night. Hope that helps.

[@CarolChirpich]

Glad to have input and recipes fro=m a nutritionist. Thanks!

[@backcountryfoodie]

You're welcome. :)

[@Summitclym]

Great info! I look forward to the book. In the meantime, I’ll check out your website. Thank you!!

[@backcountryfoodie]

Thanks and you're welcome! 😀 All of our work is now only available via our online platform. If you want to give it a test drive, use KZbin20 coupon code to save 20%. backcountryfoodie.com

[@ParaZen]

Nice 👌 Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@dosmatrix4470]

Excellent video packed with important info. Great stuff.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Glad you liked it!

[@Wildsunchild]

Can you make a video of some of your homemade trail food(Recipes included) and how you package the meals?

[@backcountryfoodie]

Will do! We've fallen behind on creating new videos because our focus is on building our online recipes and meal planning platform. Until then, our recipes are currently on sale for over 30% off if you're interested. backcountryfoodie.com/recipes

[@abelnunez-guerrero3832]

Nice video! 👍🏽 🏕🥘

[@emmarowley1096]

Backcountry Foodie it would be great if you could do some recipes and do the measurements in grams as being in England we don't use the cups and quart method etc. Thank you. Great video by the way

[@singledad1313]

So this is a 7 minute commercial for your website?

[@tinmanandoliveoylsadventur7129]

I'm a diabetic. The food that you showed is mainly high carb so I can only have small portions of that if any. Do you show low carb? I'm a section hiker and planning a thru hike for next year. I dehydrate my uwn food but would like some options. Thank you.

[@backcountryfoodie]

On average, our entrees have 50-70 grams carbs per serving. That could be reduced a bit by not adding sugar. We do offer low-sugar recipes (

[@0141D]

This content is absolutely incredible

[@backcountryfoodie]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. 😊

[@matriciabb8]

Healthy food! I can't believe it! Other channels are talking just about hidrolized food or industrial one.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Eating healthy while backpacking isn't as hard as it might seem.

[@claybear78]

Do u have a cookbook with your recipes? If so what is the title and where can I purchase it?

[@backcountryfoodie]

Our ultralight recipes are available via online platforms on our webpage. We have two options: 75 recipes or 175 recipes + meal planning resources. Visit backcountryfoodie.com/youtube-offer for 20% off.

[@glovelyclouds1530]

Realy good video! I came looking for alternatives exactly like these, and I found them! To the point and on point. Thank you. I will be following and using some of these.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thomasnugent3836]

Very informative and educational. Thank you very much

[@backcountryfoodie]

You are very welcome. 😊

[@pietie3]

Great recipies. Water is water you either drink it or “eat”it.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Yep, agree 100%. Water in our food totally counts as water consumed for hydration.

[@KaoV1983]

Great tips and video!

[@backcountryfoodie]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@PrimalRenegade17]

Hi! I know this an old video but on the off chance you respond, where can I find the black bean dip and chickpea recipe? Thanks!

[@backcountryfoodie]

The bean dip and chickpea recipes are included in our recipe membership platforms on our website. We do offer a few free recipes to try out first. Click "Recipes" on the menu bar or search our blog for a few more. backcountryfoodie.com

[@patricklogan6089]

New subscriber to YT and just bought the LifeTime Access after viewing this one video. Nutrition on the trail is so overlooked because you can eat anything you want and burn it off, but the bill eventually comes due for neglecting proper nutrition. Very intrigued by the reduced weight and increased calorie potential. Burning out on the same old thing out there sucks, because hiker hunger is real and you have to feed the machine.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Patrick Logan Thanks for supporting our work. 😊 I’ve always wondered why backpackers eat junk food when their bodies are put under tremendous stress just like any other endurance athlete. An Ironman triathlete wouldn’t eat junk food or he/she would crash and burn. Same thing happens to hikers whether they realize it or not.

[@MegaMastiffman]

You get my vote rock on! Thank you!

[@backcountryfoodie]

Awesome! Thanks and you're welcome. 😊

[@Pdoja1990]

I’m so binge watching this channel!

[@backcountryfoodie]

Haha! Glad you're enjoying the videos.

[@dshogan6174]

You have an awesome channel! The best!

[@backcountryfoodie]

Thank you so much!

[@NicoleB03]

😂😂 thought the background was a green screen at first, I’m jealous

[@backcountryfoodie]

Nope, the real thing! Although, we just ordered a fifth wheel which will let us film regardless of the weather. Backdrops will not be as exciting inside the new rig but we'll be able to produce more content.

[@justcallmedom6655]

Great video! Establishing yourself as the subject matter expert right at the beginning - nice - clearly you've had professional training in the art of andragogy. Additionally, a question to KZbin: Why am I just now hearing about this? KZbin algorithms need some work. Could've used this info months ago!

[@backcountryfoodie]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lifthearth]

Great thoughts! Have you done a video on greens? I’m amazed at out how unbalanced (lack of macro nutritional greens) most backpackers eat.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Not yet, but we’re working on a new living situation where I’ll be able to have access to my dehydrator again. I’d love to dehydrate and powder spinach to add to meals. Even then 50% of micronutrients are lost due to the dehydration process.

[@lifthearth]

@@backcountryfoodie , I have been carrying a whole avocado lately and love cutting into that thing and spoon eating it while swinging in my hammock. Pure delight. Only thing I wish is they’d design them ultralight without the 4 ounce seed... guess I could use it as a massage ball on those long hikes and with sore muscles...😂

[@backcountryfoodie]

@@lifthearth Now, you’re talking! Multi-purpose item in your pack. 👍

[@EatsTreatsMREs]

Will certainly be looking at some of your home made recipes thanks.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Awesome! We'd love to hear what you think of them.

[@hanswurst3708]

How long can i preserve food if i dehydrate and vacum it?

[@backcountryfoodie]

Totally depends on the fat content of the food. Fruit, veggies, beans, and pasta (low-fat) can last several years if vacuum sealed and stored in a cool, dark, dry place. Something with fat, like nuts, typically goes rancid even when vacuum sealed within 6 months or so. Parmesan cheese goes bad within 30 days in my experience. If preparing meals for long-term storage, I'd recommend leaving out the higher fat ingredients until closer to the time that you plan to eat the meal. I leave out the parm cheese and carry a cheese shaker.

[@Oldsparkey]

You brought up a lot of good points. I started with the home made meals about 30 years ago ( Might of been more ). It was done from the desire to have the meals I like , the way I like them and the amount I like. Besides ultralight packs and ultralight meals sure beats the old ways from the 50's with heavy packs and heavy food. There are a lot of references out there both on the web and hard/soft cover specializing on recipes for home made lightweight meals. As with anything the larger the choice the better the selection and information that's available.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Chuck Littleton When I started backpacking almost 20 years ago, I thought MREs were the way to go. Backpacking food has certainly come a long way over the years. I also refer back to over 30 backpacking cookbooks on my shelf (well, now in storage since we’re in the van). Can never have enough variety.

[@dsmith9572]

Your web site is specific about how much it costs to "join" but vague about other things. How many "recipes" have you got? Not counting each different kind of pasta... What will I need to prepare them? How much will they cost? A list will do. Do you have a serving size calculator/spreadsheet?

[@backcountryfoodie]

Apologies for the delayed response. We currently have just shy of 250 recipes with new recipes added every month. Nothing special is needed to prepare them as nearly all of the recipes use dry ingredients (many of which are grocery-friendly). Dehydrator is only needed if you want to dry your own ingredients instead of purchasing them. Cost depends on how many ingredients are used and what they are. Some are as cheap as $1 per serving which some as much as $5 per serving. Can you expand upon the serving size calculator/spreadsheet question? Serving sizes can be adjusted with a click of a button. Here are our membership site tutorial videos for a behind the scenes look - vimeo.com/showcase/10984483 Happy to answer any additional questions.

[@marklandgraf7288]

Excellent video! Totally legit!!

[@backcountryfoodie]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@BJ_PLATZ]

thank you

[@backcountryfoodie]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed the video. We finally have some time to start filming again. What topics would you like to see us cover?

[@mortenheedehesel1197]

Hi Aaron, thanks for sharing this. As I’m trying to eat after the Keto diet I struggle to find good foods to bring, in my search for home made backpacking food I came across you channel. Look forward to follow. Wish you a great summer from Denmark!

[@backcountryfoodie]

You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed the video. 😊 We're super excited to finally leave quarantine in Florida after 3 months and hop back in our van to New Mexico where the video was filmed.

[@trailtrashoutdoors8173]

New friends here from Trail Trash Outdoors! Always trying to get the food right on the Trail. Great tips!

[@backcountryfoodie]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@aborne]

Very nice. This is just what I needed.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Glad I could help. 👍

[@raisingelephant]

Excellent video!

[@backcountryfoodie]

Glad you liked it!

[@adamkahn6670]

Do u have a recipie book or blog or something? This looks yummy af

[@backcountryfoodie]

Yes I do! We have over 200 ultralight recipe available via our membership site @ backcountryfoodie.com. You can also find a few sample recipes scattered throughout our blog. If you decide to become a member, use KZbin20 to save 20% off our memberships.

[@LFAnon]

Hey I am putting together some information on rations for light infantrymen doing long distance patrols. We need ideas for ruckable (crushproof) high calorie food items that will provide enough nutrients to keep troops healthy for a week or two. It also helps if food items are very common, ie found in grocery stores in poor countries, and somewhat familiar to US troops. We usualy have access to multivitamins. Current staples are peanut butter with added a scoop of greens powder to it, tortillas or local flat bread, dried fruit&nut trail mix. For meals we are able to prepare, we pack split peas and salt pork. Calories, weight, and volume are king. Is there any critical nutrients missing in that simple plan? Do you know of any food items that better meet our demands?

[@backcountryfoodie]

Sorry for the slow reply. :( We actually have a group of special forces dietitians that use our meal planner platform for this very thing! This is a much bigger question than can be answered here. Shoot me a message and I'll help you troubleshoot. backcountryfoodie.com/contact-us/

[@jimbojet8728]

Ok, so I am going to listen to you.! Thank you. Just what I needed to know. Great!!

[@backcountryfoodie]

You're welcome! Glad the video was helpful.

[@danharrison5285]

I enjoyed the video. Subscribed. What pot is that that you are you holding early in the video?

[@backcountryfoodie]

Snow Peak Mini Titanium Solo Cookset (amzn.to/2NFMReA - affiliate link) - I only use the small pot because it's more than enough for how I cook. Believe it holds 14 oz of water.

[@sotnosardjurpensionatalno2337]

Do you cook your meat with olive oil and dry it then? I dry my food and add oil when I am out and hydrate it.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Like you, I add the oil when I’m preparing the meal on trail.

[@johnmca5643]

That was very informative. Thank you.

[@backcountryfoodie]

You’re welcome. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@mikeghost7788]

You know I seen your guest appearance on the Schill bros show. If you start to mass produce these meals, I for one would be a customer.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Awesome! We have a trial run customer this summer to see how things go. We're still on lock-down in Florida but if we're able to set up shop in New Mexico (our new home base) by the end of the summer, we hope to be up and running by the Fall. To stay in touch regarding our progress, you can sign up for our email newsletter at the bottom of our home page (backcountryfoodie.com). We're super excited about it!

[@gregoryharris1622]

You are awesome!

[@backcountryfoodie]

Thanks! 😊

[@AndyShepard]

As a numbers fan, I enjoy these numbers. Subscribed!

[@backcountryfoodie]

Yay! Another numbers fan! :) My spreadsheets can be a little obnoxious. lol!

[@veroniquediallo6055]

Thank you for such an informative video (a first of its kind) I am more interested in nutrient dense food....looking forward to viewing the rest of your vid library. :)

[@backcountryfoodie]

Veronique Diallo You’re welcome! Once we get caught up with our other work we hope to produce more videos. We’re in the process of completely revamping our meal planning site. Lots going on behind the scenes. 🙂

[@HeatherMoreau]

Great video, thank you! I am whole food plant-based and I make my own backpacking meals. The problem I have run into is in volume. I am a high-volume eater so I’m concerned that if I pack more calorie dense meals, I won’t actually be full even though the calories are fine. I’m just used to eating a lot of food at home because it’s all Whole Foods and plant-based. Curious to hear your thoughts about that!

[@backcountryfoodie]

I've found that I'm satiated despite the meals being low volume. I also prefer the low volume meals because I'm typically exhausted by the end of a long day on trail. The fewer bites that I have to eat, the faster the food goes down, the sooner I can call it a day and crawl into my sleeping bag. 😴

[@tacohiker]

I find that backpacking meals are missing the bulking fiber and fresh veggies. How do your meals compare? I'd love to see a video on lightweight high cal salads or something like that. I can't eat processed foods without getting sick after the first day so I'm looking for whole grain, high fiber, fresh veggies, with high fat olive oil/avocado oil, moderate protein meals. IE. Backpackers Mediterranean Diet recommendations.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Agree 100% that backpacking meals aren't exactly veggie heavy. There are a few reasons for that IMO. I primarily use veggies for flavor, not their nutritional value. Dehydrated veggies can lose up to 50% of their nutritional value due to the extended exposure to heat. For every 1 cup of fresh veggies, you have to consume 1/2 cup of dehydrated to take in the same amount of fiber. Due to the loss of Vitamin A during the dehydration process, you have to consume closer to a full cup of dehydrated carrots to consume the same nutrition as one cup fresh carrots. I'd have a hard time eating a full cup of dehydrated carrots. Dehydrated veggies are also relatively heavy and low calorie. In order to create a lightweight, high calorie salad lots of oil would need to be used. We have a carrot salad and zucchini/apple salad recipe but they're low-calorie (200-300 calories) for the relatively large volume meal. My solution... 1. Instead of veggies, use quinoa, chickpea pasta, lentils, beans, chia seeds, nuts and seeds for fiber. When combined (breakfast, lunch and dinner), our recipes typically provide at least 25 g fiber per day. 2. Use freeze-dried veggies (they retain 97% of their nutritional value) in place of dehydrated veggies. Although, this can be cost prohibitive. 3. For protein (we're vegetarians), I use the same fiber sources plus dairy. Our recipes provide enough protein for an endurance athlete despite being vegetarian. 4. For long-distance hikes, I take a multi-vitamin supplement because it's so hard to consume 100% of the daily recommended amounts of vitamins and minerals from backpacking foods. That's my long-winded answer. lol!

[@sarahloy830]

Great stuff.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

Do you have a Freezer bag cooking recipe book that I could buy...?

[@backcountryfoodie]

All of our recipes are now only available via our online recipes and meal planning platform. 100% of the recipes are designed to be freezer bag style. Check our website: backcountryfoodie.com for details. Save 20% with our KZbin20 coupon code. Happy to answer any questions you have. Thanks for watching. :)

[@mateusz3844]

Great vid! Thanks! Liked, subscribed and on my way to the website :)

[@backcountryfoodie]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Go-zi1py]

I checked out your website it looks great. Are there any KETO recipes? And yes, even walking 15 miles a day at 58 with PCOS I still need to eat on a low carb diet.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Thanks! Although our recipes are high fat (high calories per ounce), they are also carb heavy to replenish glycogen stores. Wouldn't consider them carb friendly with most recipes having 20-60 g carbs each.

[@Go-zi1py]

@@backcountryfoodie could I substitute cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles and spaghetti squash to lower the carbs and increase the vegetable content.

[@backcountryfoodie]

@@Go-zi1py I’ve never rehydrated veggie rice/noodles. It’s worth a try.

[@Thisguyhere1828]

Man, I love all the info, but it’s clear that you’re reading the info... hard to pay attention in that vein. All love here, man. What you’re saying is vitally needed and honest and I’ll likely binge watch your stuff, but, man... you feel me, right?

[@backcountryfoodie]

Samy B Slowing down when I give talks is something I’m working on. Tend to throw a LOT of information out there really quickly. Work in progress. 🙂

[@lizshoemaker]

This is quality content. Thank you!

[@backcountryfoodie]

You’re welcome. Glad you enjoyed the video. 😊

[@CoopWorldWide]

That intro was to legit just subscribed

[@backcountryfoodie]

Thanks for subscribing! We're currently editing the video we filmed just last week. Stay tuned...

[@jeffr3787]

Thanks for the info! I have to do a low sodium diet of 1500mg of sodium per day, but finding backpacking meals that meet that requirement is almost impossible! Any recipes you would suggest for low sodium backpacking meals?

[@backcountryfoodie]

Agree that sodium is an issue with commercially prepared meals. Some of the cottage industry backpacking food companies likely have better offerings. Homemade meals are your best bet so that you have control over sodium content. Our recipes are all low sodium because I leave it up to the backpacker to add salt to taste.

[@MrBoxer1200]

As a long distance hiker myself, how do you even have any leftover food to be concerned with ??

[@backcountryfoodie]

I've gotten pretty good at dialing in my food. Leftover food is pretty rare unless I eat in town more than planned.

[@NorthernWildOutdoors]

For high Calorie use days Such as one would find on the Appalachian trail in the white mountains. What would be the minimum number of calories recommended? I know the answer be very based on an individual sex hight weight etc I for instance, a male, 160lbs 5 foot 6 I want to be able to find a healthy line of enough nutrition while minimal weight.

[@backcountryfoodie]

Nathan Berg That number also depends on how many miles hiked, how fast, how many hours on your feet, how heavy is your pack, how much elevation gain/loss, easy or difficult hike, cold or hot weather, and how fit you are. The best way to determine how many calories will work best for you is to keep a hiking food journal. After a few hikes you’ll be able to dial it in. I like to say EYOD (eat your own diet) - eat what works best for you not what someone else tells you what you should eat. It’s much like the HYOH concept. 🙂 Not the answer you hoped for but it’s truly the best way to determine what will work best for you. For example, 3000 calories might work well for your hiking buddy but be significantly underestimated for you and you’re hiking the same trail as your buddy. Our meal planning platform takes a deep dive into this very topic and includes a number of webinars and resources to help make this part of planning for trips easier. That’s my long winded answer to say I can’t give you a minimum number of calories. Lol!

[@annalisepree3569]

This is so sick!! Thank you I am going to go watch all of your videos

[@backcountryfoodie]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Canadaman4403]

I’ve been labouring over this I’m a new lightweight backpack are primarily bowhunter utilizing lightweight gear now and packing in long distances but my problem is I’m primarily a carnivore it seems almost everything is focussed on sugar and carbohydrates I’ve eliminated my diabetes by eliminating sugar and carbohydrates out of my diet I’m at a loss what to start packing for food?

[@backcountryfoodie]

This is definitely a tricky situation because low carb diets can certainly help manage diabetes in the front country. However, I've found that hikers struggle with low carb diets (hitting the wall, fatigue, poor recovery, etc) while in the backcountry especially when the trip is a challenging one (lots of elevation change, difficult terrain, heavy pack, etc) because the body prefers carbs when the going gets tough. Carbs are quickly utilized for energy while hiking unlike in the front country when we're not physically active. I would recommend talking to your medical provider about what would be best for managing diabetes while physically active. If adding back a few complex carbs is okay, that will open up the food options for you.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Just discovered this channel and I need this so bad thanks!

[@backcountryfoodie]

Backcountry Pilgrim You’re welcome. Glad you enjoyed the video. 😊

[@markthiel2953]

Thank you.

[@backcountryfoodie]

You're welcome!

[@tamiboelter2833]

I am so looking forward to this...

[@backcountryfoodie]

Glad you enjoyed the video. 😊

[@nagaviper1169]

Wow, this is a great video. Thank you

[@backcountryfoodie]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😊