Complete guide to what to eat while camping

Bivouacking is an exhilarating adventure that allows you to fully immerse yourself in nature. To get the most out of it, it's essential to eat well to maintain your energy and health. This guide will help you understand the importance of good nutrition while bivouacking, as well as how to choose the right meals to stay in shape throughout your trek.

Find tips for packing your backpack in our previous blog: “ Prepare your backpack .

Importance of good nutrition when bivouacking

Why eating well is crucial on a trek

During a trek, your body can be subjected to intense physical and mental stress. Hiking food provides the energy you need to keep moving forward while maintaining your focus. Eating well also helps you recover faster after a difficult day.

Impacts on physical and mental performance

A balanced diet while hiking directly influences your physical and mental abilities. Carbohydrates, for example, provide the immediate energy you need to tackle arduous climbs, while protein aids in muscle repair. A deficiency in certain nutrients can lead to fatigue, decreased motivation, and a reduced ability to cope with physical challenges. Here's a comparison table of foods and their impacts:

Prevention of deficiencies and fatigue

To avoid dehydration and nutritional deficiencies, it's crucial to plan your diet well in advance. Here's a step-by-step list for preparing a meal kit:

Hydration : Plan on 2 to 3 liters of water per day.

Protein : Include sources like cheese or nuts.

Carbohydrates : Choose rice or whole-wheat pasta.

Vitamins and minerals : Add dried fruits or food supplements.

Fats : Don't forget foods rich in healthy fats like avocado.

Food storage is essential, and electric coolers powered by your vehicle are perfect for ensuring you have quality products when you leave. Discover the Dometic CFF 35 and CFF45 electric coolers as well as the Ecoflow cordless portable refrigerator .

Basic principles of a balanced diet when hiking

A balanced diet is essential for staying healthy and efficient while trekking. Macronutrients and micronutrients each play an important role in maintaining your energy and well-being.

Necessary macronutrients

Proteins, carbohydrates, and fats are the cornerstones of your backpacking diet. Here are some sources of each macronutrient:

Proteins : Dried meat, nuts, legumes

Carbohydrates : Muesli, rice, pasta

Lipids : Cheese, avocado, olive oil

Essential micronutrients

Vitamins and minerals are equally important. A deficiency in these elements can lead to health problems. Here is a table of essential vitamins and their sources:

Easy options to prepare with and without a stove

With a stove, you can prepare vegetable fried rice or pasta with tomato sauce. Without a stove, opt for cheese and ham wraps or pre-prepared quinoa salads. Here's a list of options:

With stove : Freeze-dried soup, vegetable pasta

Without a stove : Cheese wraps, cold salads (preferably stored in a cooler)

The Disco Series iKamper is the ideal backpacking/bivouacking stove. You can take the entire Disco (tripod, burner, etc.) or just the burner and gas bottle for a minimalist, lightweight stove.

You can learn more in our previous blog: “ Portable stove for cooking in the great outdoors ”.

Freeze-dried food: advantages and disadvantages

How to Choose and Prepare Freeze-Dried Meals

Choose freeze-dried meals that meet your calorie needs and are easy to prepare.

For a quick, light and ideal nutritious meal from lunch to dinner; Tactical Foodpack freeze-dried rations are ideal!

Many different dishes are available with excellent flavors during your bivouacs. Ideal if you don't want fresh or preserved products.

• For breakfast
• Meals
• Evening soups

In total, 23 different flavors available!

You will learn more with our previous blog: “ Freeze-dried meals, what are they? ”.

Eating during the day while trekking

Foods to favor for sustained energy

High-calorie foods, such as muesli or energy bars, are great for maintaining your energy intake.

Snacks and light snacks for breaks

For snacks, choose dried fruits, nuts, and cereal bars. Here is a list of recommended snacks:

Dried fruits : Raisins, apricots

Nuts : Almonds, cashews

Cereal bars : Oat, chocolate

Maintain adequate hydration

Hydration is essential when trekking. Drink water regularly and supplement with electrolytes to avoid dehydration. For water storage, we suggest the Dometic 11L water bottles . Compact, easy to store and ideal with the Dometic touch tap , it will allow you to keep a good quantity of water to drink, to wash or even to do the dishes.

Hygiene and eating practices in bivouacs

Food management to avoid contamination

Store your food in airtight containers and keep them away from camping areas to avoid contamination. Here's a video explaining best practices for food storage.

Tips for staying clean and organizing your meals

To stay clean and organize your meals, wash your hands regularly and use separate bags for each type of food. You'll find everything you need to know about this in our previous blog: " Washing Methods While Trekking ."

Choice and use of cooking equipment in bivouac

The right cooking equipment is essential for successful outdoor dining. Choose a lightweight stove and multifunctional utensils.

Essential equipment for a successful bivouac

Here is a list of essential equipment:

• Gas stove
• Light meals
• Multi-function knife
• Filter bottle

With all these techniques, you can leave with peace of mind!