Eyes on the Trail, Mind on... FOOD

How we keep large groups fueled and fired up, ready for the long haul!

By: SCU Into the Wild + Save to a List

Staying healthy and hydrated are essential components of any excursion to the outdoors. Here are some of our favorite things to snack on and cook! We consider ourselves to be "the nuttiest group of nutella-loving, personal pizza connoisseurs west of the Grand Canyon" so if you have any meal suggestions, please comment and let us know. 

Campfire Hobo Stew
Brought to us by our leaders Sam, Christian, and Brewster...
Ingredients can include beef or chicken, garlic, tomatoes, onions, peppers, potatoes, carrots, jalapenos, sliced cheese, and seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder).
Lay out a piece of foil, shape it into a bowl, add any ingredients you want. Shape the foil into a ball and place on hot coals, cook for 30-60 minutes. Peel open the pouch and eat with a fork! 
Our leaders tried a variation with chicken, potatoes, onion, carrot, pepper, and pineapple. 

Date + Nut Coffe Bar
Want to upgrade from the normal power bar? Gather 2 cups of nuts (cashews, walnuts, peanuts, or a mix), 1/4 cup roasted coffee beans, 1 1/2 cup pitted dates, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. In a food processor or blender, blend nuts and coffee beans together until coarse. Add dates and salt and blend until the mixture starts to ball up. Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap and press down the date and nut mixture evenly. Put in fridge to set for an hour, and then remove and cut into bars. You could also experiment with coconut and cacao nibs!

Hot Chocolate Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a staple for our breakfasts here at Into the Wild. This variation of oatmeal goes over extremely well, even with oatmeal haters. Shun the non-believers!
Take 1 packet of instant oatmeal, 2 spoonfuls of peanut butter, either half or a whole packet of hot chocolate. Dump ingredients into a mug (make sure your mug is big enough or it will overflow and we will get ANTS). Add hot water, stir well, let sit, stir some more, give it a try, fuel for your day! You can also throw in dried fruit or nuts. Maybe chia seeds if you bring some along. 
Oatmeal is a great breakfast and trail food because the oats are slow release carbs that help you feel fuller for longer, and the fiber provides you the energy necessary to sustain until lunch. 

Mini Hot Sauce (Sriracha, Cholula, Tobasco...
Gives any dehydrated meal a little extra KICK. Don't you just love that?? Get fired up!

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Do you love the outdoors?

Yep, us too. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox.

Related

Nonprofit Spotlight: Outdoor Afro

Kelly Knauf

ProView: VSSL Java G25 Grinder Review

Patrick O'Hare

ProView: Black Diamond Coefficient Storm Hoody Review

Matthew Hutchins

Overnighter along the Highway 1 coastline near Santa Cruz, California

Christine La

It's been a long time coming... A precise new fit built specifically for women.

Nallely Bean