There are as many opinions on what to carry as there are food choices. I made a short video to cover some of the choices I like to make before taking a trip into the woods.

The last trip I took was a three night four day excursion into the Pisgah National Forest. The temperature at night got down into the teens. Keeping you body warm in an environment like that takes a lot of calories, even with a bomber sleeping bag.

Another killer of calories is the rucking out to the site. When you carry a large pack as I do, you’ve got to keep some simple carbs handy. This is why I like the fruit strips and 5 hour energy. That simple sugar will give you the boost you need to keep walking down the trail and up the hills.

Both of these calorie burners don’t even take in to account the calories you’ll burn gathering firewood, setting up shelter, collecting water and even running it through a filter. These little things add up and you will get tired before you know it. The Pisgah trip that I mentioned previously, I started at 199 lbs. I finished the trip at 185 lbs. This was eating 3 times a day with snacks.

I’m a big fan of the dehydrated variety, when it comes to camp food. Water equals weight, so if you’re packing light and counting on finding water, this would be an excellent choice for you as well. The menus I have tried have been good for the most part. Some are better than others. For instance, beef stroganoff and spaghetti with meat sauce are excellent choices but the western omelette tastes like an over cooked, under seasoned, dirty dish sponge. As in anything, you’ll just have to try some and form your own opinion. You could always post a question and I’ll be happy to let you learn from my mistakes.

Food is such a morale booster when you’re far from civilization. I’ve spent many nights as a soldier and a civilian with no hot chow. It feels like you’re missing some part of you that makes you human and when you finally get that first steaming pile of food, it’s the most wonderful thing you’ve ever passed across your lips.

If you’re like me, I’d prefer to go out into the wilderness and hunt, trap, fish or scavenge for food. A lot of times this is not possible because of little things called “Laws”. Meat is one of the precious things I miss on trips such as this. My friends, don’t worry. Average Beau has developed a pretty easy way to take some meat with you. Below are the steps.

I like to buy the pre-seasoned pork tenderloins that are vacuum sealed. Put that “Sum Bitch” in the deep freeze for a day or two. Before you leave for your trip, wrap it up in a grocery bag and a sweatshirt, jacket, whatever will keep the cold in. Place it in the center of your load, (I prefer with my clothes for added insulation).

Now, when you get to your site, depending on the season and ambient temperature, you’ll have a frozen or partially frozen pork tenderloin ready to thaw by the campfire and end up on the cooking implement of your choice. I also like the pork with the built in, pop out, temp. sensor. This will ensure you cook it completely and not end up with a case of the trotskis.

One thing I had in the video that I didn’t mention was a pack of ramen noodles. This is, for me, just an ingredient. We had a saying in the Army Infantry and it was called, “Sexed up”. Ramen noodles are the easiest thing to “Sex Up”. Add a bit of beef jerky, as it will add seasoning and re-hydrate just as the noodles will when put in boiling water. You have not lived until you’ve had some ramen, laced with jalapeno cheese spread and beef frankfurters. My point is, be creative.

Whatever you chose to pack, just be mindful of weight and nutritional value. Carry food that is nourishing, tastes good and is light weight. Whatever you do, Stay Alert and Feel Alive!