Food I Pack On Journeys
Photo taken by me during “Journey Across Island of Sardinia”.
To pack I look for food that does not take up much space, lasts for a while in heat or cold, tastes good enough and takes minimal effort to prep. This is not my definitive list. I am constantly learning what works best for me, so I will update it if I change my mind.
For preparation I either use a gas or solid fuel cooking kit. Gas lasts longest and boils water fastest. Solid fuel is slower and runs out quicker, but weighs less and can be taken on plane. Also, I usually start with 1,5l of water, but have a filter, so that I can gather more if I need to.
Pre-made dry meals.
Stuff like “Trek-n-eat” or “Adventure Food” are my go-to for any trip. I find these at outdoor stores. They are warm, fast to prepare and taste much better than the cans. If water is plentiful, as a mood booster, I enjoy a choco oatmeal or a chicken soup (preferably thick). Not often, I also eat quick ramen soups and dried potato porridges found at regular grocery stores.
Muesli & protein bars.
Can find these at both outdoor and regular grocery. They have enough calories to keep me feeling energised and aren't as packed with sugar as candy bars. Protein bars sometimes feel like a meal, depending on the size and composition. Muesli bars are more like healthy snacks.
Dried nuts & fruits.
These are basically uncompressed muesli bars. I usually prefer a mixture of multiple types in one packet. I like to open a bag of these while not in action, to snack on something slowly, enjoying the process. Technically I could survive a journey on this food alone.
Dried saussages.
Depending on what kind I find, these can either be a meal or a snack. They taste good, last for a while in any condition and pack easy. Like ramen, this is not my first choice, and it is not the best to eat often, but good in smaller doses on long trips.
Animal food.
The canned meats are a safe thing to pick up as they are small, last very long and are filling. They are not very healthy or tasty, so I only eat them if I have nothing else, but I always carry at least one can for safety. I call it “animal food” as the pinkish mush can be served without hesitation to any carnivore. The ones I pick up are marketed for humans.
I look for these items to pack with an idea that I will be away from recourses for about 3 days. Most of the time on journeys I am not far from a store at least once per day, but I still like knowing that I do not need to steer of track and that I am prepared if something doesn’t go according to plan.
This is not the only food I eat on journeys, but the food I pack. When I can I eat at fast food spots or restaurants and tend to walk out of stores with something to eat for the moment. I do that for a little reward and to stretch my packed food reserves.
