Who doesn’t like the idea of venturing out into the unknown with just a backpack? But as romantic as it may sound, it doesn’t mean that you are exempted from the entire process of planning just because it’s a backpacking trip. Depending on your travels – whether you’re hopping cities and countryside or actually planning to camp at places far away from civilization here are a few pointers that should help in keeping you in ‘the pink of your health’ throughout your trip.
1) Travel global, eat local
Always try and figure out the local favourites. You’ll never be devoid of quality and nutritious food if your taste buds take a liking for the street favourites of your destination. So be it the ‘Tapas’ of Spain, the ‘Durums’ of Istanbul or Hong Kong’s delectable Egg Waffles – all are guaranteed to tingle your palate, and they’re easy on the pocket too!
2) Carry a pickle
You can scour the internet looking for back packing tips but only an Indian can assure you that it’s a great idea. Make sure the pickle jar isn’t leaky and you don’t need to carry a big jar. But why carry a pickle? That’s because even when you run out of rations on top of a hill and are left with just a packet of oats, the pickle will help you gulp it down as if it were the main dish of a seven course meal at a Michelin star restaurant.
3) Instant food sachets
Agreed that they’re not the perfect choice if you’re concerned about preservatives in your food, but these are the best alternatives you can find to carrying kilos of raw food. They’re rich in carbohydrates and provide your body with the energy required for your travel adventures. Moreover with an instant noodle packet in your back pack, you’ll never have to worry about finding food.
4) Lots of nuts & an energy bar
Almonds, cashew nuts, walnuts, seeds – these are great alternatives and can be carried in regular zip pouches. Most dry fruits and nuts are considered super foods because they’re nutrients dense and a small amount of these can take care of you bodies nutritional needs. Similarly energy bars take care of your hunger pangs and are easy to carry.
5) Dehydrate food at home
Imagine having your favourite homemade meals on your backpacking trips. Learn how to dehydrate food at home and carry it along. The easiest way to do this is through your regular oven. Just cut your veggies and fruits in quarter inch slices and line them on the sheet pan at the lowest setting. It usually takes about 6-8 hours to dehydrate. Once done, you can carry them with you and make your favourite meals on top of a hill where the networks don’t reach
6) Carry a filter
The thumb rule is that the minute you feel unsure about the quality of water, don’t drink it. Apart from that a regular portable water filter will go a long way in ensuring that you’re not affected by water borne diseases like malaria and cholera. This is a must.
7) Seal your food properly
There are various techniques and while some may be fancy others are quite simple. But the idea here is to seal your food properly so that it doesn’t rot and it doesn’t flood your backpack. Powder milk and other sticky foods should be double sealed; and in case you don’t have a vacuum sealing machine, just fold the packaging of the foods tightly and pass it through a candle’s flame. Viola! It’s done.
8) Pick the right ingredients that will keep you happy and satiated
A good meal can overcome all sorrows and difficulties! Don’t carry sachets of mushroom soup if you’re not fond of the taste. Before deciding on what to pack, pass them through this checklist and only if it ticks all the boxes, carry them. Consider the taste, calories, nutrition, weight & bulk, ease of preparation, water required to cook and the amount of fuel (firewood / portable burner) that’ll be require to cook the items. If the choices you make pass through this stringent test, then you have a winner.
9) Reward yourself
Days on the road can be tiring, and it is important to reward yourself to a good meal every now and then. You may choose to go to a restaurant or just get your supplies from the local market and cook something you love.
10) Enjoy your food
After all we do what we do to be thrilled; to be awed or just be surprised. We do what we do to experience the surreal and to make everlasting memories. Plan well and venture into the unknown. Keep a check on the nutrition factor and experiment. In the end, the most important thing always is to enjoy yourself!
About the author:
Manish Chandra Singh handles content and marketing at Untravel(https://www.untravel.com/), a travel company devoted to customizable travel trips.
Love traveling.
