It’s great to get out and go for a Sunday hike. Getting the right clothing is top of people’s list when prepping for a hike, but don’t overlook good food prep!
With so many indoor activities closed and inaccessible at the moment there has been a big increase in the number of people lacing up and getting out the door for a weekend hike. So, for this week’s Friday Favourites we thought we might share some of our own personal favourites when it comes to fuelling for the journey. They range from the practical to the ‘away from home’ comforts.
Here are our top 5 essentials to fuel your hike:
1. Protein Bar
Protein bars are great. They give you an energy boost to keep you going while not filling you up too much. They are handy to keep a perk in your step until your lunch stop as you can eat them on the go. There are so many brands and flavours of protein bars out at the moment that you are sure to find one that tickles your fancy. On a very practical level protein bars tend to be high in carbs and protein and so provide very effective fuel and nourishment for your body during a long hike. They also tend to be higher in calories and so, a small bar which will take up very little space will be effective in powering you over those hills and tough terrain.
We recommend Clif Bars as they have a lovely selection of flavours like chocolate chip, dark chocolate mocha, peanut butter and honey with sea salt, and salted caramel cashew. They also have energy gels which come in a variety of flavours too. You can pick one up at most checkouts!
2. Water
Water all the way! You’ll probably end up needing more water than you think. On a hike you’ll probably sweat lots, losing essential salt and water which you’ll need to replenish easily on the move. Good hydration is also vital for your leg muscles and will help to stop the quads from getting tight the next day. We normally drink about 1 – 1.5l on a hike depending on the distance and altitude. Carrying a bottle of water can be a nuisance so we recommend a water bladder which fits into your backpack. It’s flat against your back so you don’t notice you’re carrying it. There’s a spout which wraps around to the front of your backpack for easy access to the water. This is one of our best purchases.
3. Flask of tea or coffee
Definitely for Autumn or Winter hikes! It’s one of those simple comforts that you’ll appreciate so much on a hike if it’s cold! A flask of tea or coffee at your lunch stop will warm you up and re-energise you for the remainder of the hike. I use a Vango Vacuum Flask. Cheap and cheerful, and does the job!
4. Big hearty sandwich
What better to go with your flask of tea than a big hearty sandwich. If you’re on a full day hike then this will provide essential sustenance to keep you moving and having your favourite sambo is sure to propel you the last 1 or 2 km on the day! The key is having one that you know you are going to savour! Again, this is comfort food. I recall on a New Year’s Eve hike we made Christmas dinner sandwiches complete with stuffing! It was perfect. Another option I include is cheese and peanuts. Yes, you heard right! The peanuts will fuel the second half of your hike, trust me!
5. Guinness and Tayto!
This is a staple requirement for every hike we go on – we always finish a hike with a pint of Guinness and a packet of Tayto in a cosy pub! And if you didn’t pack enough water, you will definitely be thirsty!!
The post Friday Favourites: Fuel Your Hike! appeared first on Intrepid Lassies.
