Alexander Elfving
Outdoor cooking

Snacks

are a large part of the energy intake on a trip. A few readily available nuts or a large piece of almond paste (my personal favourite!) can make a big difference to the mood of the group when you’re tired and it's a long way to your planned campsite...or anytime!

I think we can forget about snacks being a bad thing when we are far from home and our well-being and focus depends on it.

What you need to keep in mind is that what you take with you should stay fresh and edible at different temperatures. You can choose slightly different snacks depending on whether it’s the hot summer or cold winter. However, it is not uncommon to experience “refrigerator temperatures” in the mountains in summer. So, if possible, plan your snacks according to the weather.

Summer snack tips I want to share with you are:

  • Energy bars. The Internet is full of great recipes!Let's see if I’ll make my contribution to the collection at some point...
  • Almond paste. Usually emerges from the backpack as a fun and happy surprise for the travelling companions.
  • Nuts, of course. Different nuts mixed in a bag are usually more appetising than peanuts alone, for example. Perhaps the most energy-rich snack you can bring.
  • Dried berries and dried fruit always work. They are not as energy-rich as nuts but provide more flavour and nutrition by weight. Bear in mind that plums, for example, can really get your bowels moving! However, I find that this can often be a lifesaver, as trip food, a lack of fluids, having to go to the toilet outside, and all the moving around can make you constipated. In this case plums are great.
  • A little dextrose in the water bottle tends to bring back focus and energy very quickly, albeit very briefly.
  • A carrot. It doesn't have much energy by weight either, but the few times someone has brought a carrot, I've been so happy. There's something about chewing on a fresh, crispy carrot on your trip that just feels luxurious.

February 07 2022