Know the food you like and take it with you. That’s the best advice I can give when it comes to food on the trail. Honestly. Every single multi-day hike I have ever been on with other people I find myself pining over something that someone else has to eat. And if I am completely honest, I have done hours and hours of research, ordered things online that I can’t buy locally and am packing some items that I am super excited to eat. 

Then, somewhere on the trail, I unwrap them. And while I am eating a super-loaded, high-protein weird whey bar that I have never tasted before, I see my friend Kristen take out her simple signature trail mix consisting of nuts, M&Ms, and Quaker Cereal Squares, and I suddenly want to cry.

CASHEWS – One of Wendy’s favs

JERKY & NUTTER BUTTERS – Jenae’s favorite combo

HOMEMADE TRAIL MIX – Kristen’s fav, which we all love

CLIFF BAR & JERKY – Julie’s staple

It took me six years to realize that a simple ziplock baggie (that, once empty, has another purpose on the trail) full of cashews or almonds is exactly what my body wants on the trail. I have ordered all the things – special bars, fancy dehydrated meals, energy chews. None of which I like more than a KIND bar or a simple homemade Special K bar or cookie. 

The year we decided to summit Cloud Peak, the highest peak in the Bighorn Mountains, we decided at least two meals would be on our own. Typically we assign meals, and bring enough to share with everyone (yes, we eat well on the trail). But in the name of cutting weight, we agreed on two dehydrated meals. There are several I was eager to try, and settled on a corn chowder and a Pad Thai. 

As I was waiting for my meal to finish cooking one night, I watched Julie finish fixing a package of ramen noodles, into which she added some cheese. My meal was fine, but it was so full of so many flavors, when all my body craved was sustenance, it was overwhelming. I realized my mistake instantly. And then I dreaded the following night, when I would have to eat my next meal for I knew it would be a re-ride of the experience I just had.  

Lessons learned: Stick with what you know and like. Keep it simple. Listen to your body.