What I Actually Eat on the Trail

I used to be that hiker trying to cook fried chicken on a portable stove. Spoiler: it was messy and took forever. Over time, I’ve learned that simple is better when you’re exhausted at 3,000 meters. This is what my food bag actually looks like now.

My Rules

1. If it takes > 10 mins to cook, it stays home.
2. Heavy packaging goes in the trash bin before I leave the house.
3. Calories > Flavor (sometimes).

My Menu Classics

1. The Savior: Oatmeal

I know, boring. But it’s lightweight and warm. I mix in chocolate powder or dried fruit so it doesn’t taste like cardboard. It’s the only thing I can stomach at 5 AM before a summit attack.

2. Lunch: Bread & Peanut Butter

No cooking. Just spread and eat. It sucks the moisture out of your mouth, so I drink lots of water with it, but it keeps me full for hours.

3. Dinner: Canned Tuna + Instant Rice

This is my gourmet meal. I heat up the tuna (in oil, for extra calories), mixing it with instant rice. It’s warm, salty, and oily—everything my body craves after sweating all day.

4. Snacks

• Chocolate: Obviously.
• Palm Sugar (Gula Jawa): My secret weapon. A small chunk gives instant energy without the sugar crash of candy.

I hike to see views, not to win MasterChef. This menu keeps me moving!