Food to Keep You Hiking

Not necessarily a recipe, this is a compilation of some of my favorite trail snacks – a subject not to be taken lightly. Snacks are important when hiking. They're sometimes all that keep you going, as in: when I get to that vista point, I'm going to sit down and have my snack.

Everyone is different on this subject. I know people who love Goo products. (I hate them.) Others like cheese sticks. (I like them, but not when they're soft and gooshy like they get in a hot backpack.)

Some go health food store healthy. Some go the candy and chocolate route. Me, I'm in between. I like my protein and have to have a bit of sugar thrown in.

GORP – not an appetizing name and not a real satisfying food at home either, but when you’re on the trail, GORP is delicious. Who can explain it? Not I. There’s no science to it: it just melds well with the outdoors.

GORP (an old acronym for Good Old Raisins and Peanuts) can be a blend of any of your favorite nuts, seeds and grains.

It’s purpose: to provide your body with sugar, carbs, and protein, in easy-to-grab handfuls while you walk. It’s other purpose: Trail snack and indulgence – since you’re burning so many calories anyway.

GORP Recipe: the basics

Start with equal parts peanuts and granola; toss into a ziplock bag.

Add half as much raisins as oatmeal.

Then make it your own with your favorite additions, such as:

• Sunflower seeds (nice, salty addition)
• Pumpkin seeds
• Craisins – adds a sweet touch
• Whole almonds
• Nuts – any of your favorites.
• Dried banana chips
• Coconut chips
• Dried fruit bits

I like GORP to be sweet, salty and nutty all at the same time. Too many banana chips and that’s all I’m tasting. Too much coconut? Same result. So, taste as you mix.