Wild Camping Guide Pt. 4 - Food, nutrition & supplies

Use a bear-proof container

As already discussed, some areas can be inhabited by dangerous animals. When travelling in such areas, we strongly advise you to take a ‘bearproof’ container with you to store your food in. This usually comes in the form of a jar of about 10L, depending on the capacity you choose. Alternatively, you can choose not to carry any food with you at all. This is only possible if you’re sure to find enough food while on your travels (supermarkets, restaurants etc.). Remember that the capacity of a bear jar is limited. Choose foods that contain a lot of energy (very high calories) for low weight and volume. For example: peanut butter, oatmeal, energy bars, nuts and dried fruit, milk powder, dark chocolate - i.e. foods that contain very little or no water – and enough to last to last 4 days. It’s quite rare not to find a shop after 4 days, especially if you're travelling by bike. If you’re somewhere very remote, add another day on to that to be on the safe side. Replenish your food as soon as you have an opportunity, even if you still have food left.

Go to a restaurant

You don’t always have to eat outside or cook on your camping stove. Restaurants can provide a nice bit of comfort and luxury on your trip, and also allow you to experience something of the local cuisine. Of course, there may not be any restaurants around if you're somewhere super remote.

Use a water filter to lighten your baggage

As recommended above, try to take only low-water foods with you to lighten the weight of your bag. To meet your water needs, bring a good water filter with you. Often they only have a capacity of one litre, but you can filter all the water you find along the way (rivers, lakes, etc.). Once the water has been filtered, mix it with your milk powder, some oatmeal and some dried fruit and you'll have a superb breakfast!

Waste in the garbage can

Once you finish eating, you often only want to do one thing: take refuge in your tent and go to sleep, because you know that the next day is going to be a long one. However, avoid any negligence and don’t leave your waste out in the open: food waste is smelly enough to attract all kinds of animals. If there’s no garbage can nearby, store it in an airtight container (box, airtight plastic bag). If you’ve got food on your clothes, you have two options: either wash them before going to bed, or hang them on a tree where you left your bear jar. Of course, you can also stuff them into the jar if you have room left.

Cold meals only?

Eating only high-calorie, cold and inexpensive food is not for everyone. Remember that food is a great source of motivation on a tiring camping or bikepacking trip. Eating poorly or not enjoying the food you eat will make the experience less pleasurable, so there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being demanding when it comes to food. At addnature.co.uk you’ll find a wide choice of freeze-dried and powdered dishes for bikepacking and backpacking expeditions. They meet the same criteria as those mentioned above: they're light, high in calories and low in water and you only have to heat them up to eat them. You can vary your meals: there's loads available, from potato stew with onions to spaghetti bolognese and countless others! Preparation is quick and easy - just add water and simmer. This option is particularly good if your trip is short and you have less budget constraints. That marks the end of our four part wild camping series. We hope you've enjoyed the articles, and stay tuned for more camping-related content.