Wednesday Food: Gorp, Scroggin, and Trail Mix

Around this time every year members of my immediate and honorary family set out on a backpacking excursion.  Past trips have included summiting Mt. Whitney and traversing through King’s Canyon, though we’re beginning to shy away from all routes that require bear canisters.  These “working vacations” are breathtaking in both scenic beauty and physical effort, but are generally less than amazing in terms of cuisine.

A number of challenges prevent backpacking food from being anything you would voluntarily eat.  The first consideration is the added weight to what may already be a 30 pound pack.  This means more appetizing things like fresh produce provide less energy than their weight is worth, apples, for instance.  Also due to weight limitations, food must require minimal preparation.  Above the treeline or in fire areas, the only heat with which you have to work is a single butane or propane burner (hexamine if you’re fancy.)  Spoilage is of great concern, as anything hauled must be consumable for days without refrigeration (few cheeses make the cut).  And finally, nutrition requirements limit food items to those which pack in great amounts of protein and carbohydrates.

These considerations are why dried fruit and nut mixes are so typical of hikers.  Other staples would include an assortment of bars, jerky, instant soup and potatoes, not to mention an array of Mary Jane’s Farm and Mountain House pouches.  Within two days of every trip I find myself repulsed by any food product that includes the words “cliff,” “balance,” or “just add water.”

This year was different as we decided to go for something less strenuous and made Santa Cruz Island our destination.  Arduous miles and freezing temperatures were exchanged for casual day hikes and warm nights.  A lack of weight restrictions also meant that anything we could carry from the boat to campsite was allowed, and so fresh tomatoes and beer happily made the cut.  I was relieved that certain party members left their tins of Libby’s Vienna Sausage at home, but there were still the unavoidable packs of plain tuna and endless bags of peanuts.

Not everyone sees exposure to bugs and sun, higher altitude, or sleeping on the ground as appealing.  But I find the feeling of self-reliance and minor risk taking exhilarating, not to mention the absence of human sound and clear view of the Milky Way.  In these circumstances the role of food changes from pleasure-inducing to necessary, and my respect for how and what I consume becomes elevated.