NUTRITION/ FOOD
"The Ten Essentials" were first identified by The Mountaineers in 1930. They were updated in the early 2000s and now include Ten Essential "Systems":
1. Navigation (map and compass)
2. Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
3. Insulation (extra clothing)
4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
5. First-aid supplies
6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)
7. Repair kit and tools
8. Nutrition (extra food)
9. Hydration (extra water)
10. Emergency shelter
Hiking in the great outdoors often leads to a sense of accomplishment. The up and down throught the hills and strenuous activity results in working up an appetite. It's always advisable to have some additional food. I usually wind up over packing. Something sweet, like a piece of fruit and it's simple sugars is usually what I wind up eating first. The energy is often useful in keeping me moving. My kids love granola bars, and who can argue? Healthy, they are often filling. But to really fill up (besides water) one must consume some protein. Beef Jerky is the staple of hikes for our household. Kids will often just go on the hikes if they know there is beef jerky (and a geocache) to be gained.
I recently introduced them to GROP (Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts) with some mini marshmallows and M&Ms thrown in. It’s quickly becoming a favorite on the longer hikes.
When camping overnight though, food can become a liability, especially in bear country. Bears will seek out food, scaring geocachers across the land. The good news is you don’t have to run faster than the bear, just faster than a fellow geocacher. Raccoons are also problematic. Most of this problem can be avoided though if you set up a good system to keep the food off the ground though.