Planning a backpacking trip involves many things. Many factors such as number of people, experience, number of days, add to the complexity of the planning process. Here we will walk thru the planning process .... (in process)
Food is essential part of making the backpacking trip enjoyable as far as I am concerned. While some trips may not be the type to relax and enjoy nature which gives time to enjoy good food, I prefer the type trip that is more fun than "climb a peak at any cost". However weight is an issue. When we were just out of the military, we would hike ten tofifteen miles and carry 80 lbs. In this 80 lbs would be potatoes, canned ham, blocks of cheese, salami and more. Nowadays, I try to keep my pack around 40 lbs. I have spent more money to have lighter gear and I am more careful in the food we take. Bulky but light food like "cheerios" for a snack are added.As I have gotten older, I find weight carried is directly related to enjoyment of trip. I also have found that after suffering a ruptured disk in my spine, backpacking helps restore health to my back and spine.
Two of my favorites: Before the trip, pour out a bottle of spagetti sauce (like prego) and dehydrate it. Makes a spagetti sauce leather. Roll it up. Take along a boil in bag rice bag. This makesa great meal. Light, easy to cook, and tastes great.
Before the trip, dehydrate a can of chili (or make your own chili). This isn't quite a leather but trust me, it will reconstitute surprisingly nice. Put the dehydrated chili in a ziplock. You will use the ziplock to reconstitute it in the field. Again, a boil in bag of rice.
If you prefer, take noodles. A bit heavier but still yummy.
I will add more later.....
Up in the 7 lakes basin area of the Olympics
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