Backpacking Food

• Food energy and quality is important on the trail. You will be expending a couple more thousand calories per day than your typical day. You will be working your muscles well beyond their typical routine. Protein and carbohydrates are critical to maintaining your strength and energy over the course of a trip.
   
• Work with your backpacking partners on the food list.
   
• Prior to final packing, or at your last food stop, review your food and agree as a group that this is the food for the trip. Any concerns about too much, too little, or not the right stuff should be resolved now, because they can’t be resolved on the trail. No regrets later.
   
• Don’t forget a few special items that can add a spark to every meal: Chocolate, an extra couple of protein bars, Kool-Aid, trail candy, a special dessert.
   
• One of the best energy/protein drinks is Endurox R4. REI has this, but the best source I am aware of is Performance Bicycle when they have it on sale: Endurox R4:
   
• Repackage anything that comes with excess cardboard, or weight adding materials. Put it all in zip-lock bags.
   
• For more try these resources:
  Backpacker.com
  REI
  Beef Jerky
  Book: Backcountry Cooking