Light outdoor food - these are the foods you should definitely have with you when you're on the go

No matter how beautiful, relaxing and idyllic nature with its unique beauty may seem to us, one thing remains undisputed - a trip into the countryside can also involve exertion that must be taken into account. Not only is the terrain more demanding and sometimes impassable, the associated reduced mobility also has a daily impact and is very tiring over longer stretches.

In order to get this loss of strength under control, a high-quality and above all constant supply of food tailored to this is essential in order to be able to continue to perform at a high level. The art in the outdoor sector is to master the fine line between minimal packing size, weight and utility and to be able to transfer this to your own nutritional plan.

convenience food from the supermarket

Ideally, you would like to take all the good food that you are used to at home with you into the field and enjoy it during your breaks. However, this approach would have two major negative aspects that should be avoided at all costs. Firstly, the experience of nature is not as intense with such "normal" dishes and procedures as if you only stuck to outdoor cooking . It is not just about eating, but also about feeling and enjoying the preparation in the middle of nature with every single action as a whole.

The dishes from home would spoil this atmosphere and you would not remember a real nature experience . This approach also has another disadvantage, which brings us to point 2 - food that we prepare within our own four walls is extremely heavy and would take up an incredible amount of space in our backpack!

At first glance, ready-made food from the supermarket, such as rice or pasta in packets, seems as if the problem described above can be solved by buying this food. At second glance, however, it must be concluded that behind the facade often lies not the nutrients that one could actually use in nature.

In many cases, the cheap food has too few calories and also has to be cooked in a pot. If you decide to use this method, you have to make sure that you have enough fuel in your backpack, including the right stove. Washing up in the field is also often difficult and has to be taken into account.

Light outdoor food in the supermarket

There are now many manufacturers on the outdoor market who have specialized in high-quality and easy-to-prepare ready-made food . At first glance, these foods look like the bag options mentioned above from the supermarket, but it is what is inside that makes the enormous difference.

These ready meals perfectly combine lightness and nutritional density. These products often have a calorie content of over 600 kcal per pack, so you can quickly regain your strength. With a weight of between 100 and 200 g per pack, this is a first-class deal in terms of weight and pack size, considering the energy boost that awaits you here.

The dishes are offered in all possible variations, so that even vegetarians and vegans will get their money's worth. Lactose-free menus are now also being produced. The lavish menu selection is reminiscent of a restaurant menu, so many dishes are now offered by the manufacturers. All-rounders containing vitamins and minerals , which can also be prepared quickly and have a long shelf life. An ideal option, especially on longer tours.

Your own composition of light outdoor food

Putting together your own outdoor food is clearly the more effective and individual approach. You can tailor the composition completely to your own preferences and wishes and also react much better to local travel conditions. Various options have proven to be the best over time and the outdoor fans of these products are accordingly large.

Dried fruit, for example, contains everything you need in the field. The biggest advantage? You don't have to prepare anything and can consume the energy of these smart power boosters straight away. Almost all fruit is now also available dried. During the drying process, the water is removed from the fruit and what remains is a more flavorful, easy to store and high-calorie end product. If it is dried properly and to a high quality, it also contains numerous vitamins and minerals that are important for the body. It also contains more fructose and less folic acid. A real nutritional outdoor champion!

Couscous is no longer used exclusively in North African countries for cooking - it is becoming increasingly popular, especially among outdoor enthusiasts. The grain product has over 300 calories per 100 grams, and it also contains very little fat, but a high amount of fiber. The protein content is also high - couscous contains around five times more protein than potatoes! Practical, energetic and quick to prepare! An absolute ultra-light must-have for the outdoors.

Nuts and bars are easy to store, are usually ready to eat in one go and provide energy back into the body very quickly when you are out and about. It is important, however, that you should not generalize about all bars. The options offered in the supermarket are usually nothing more than sugar bombs that have no useful properties for providing long-term energy.

The bars specially made for outdoor use, on the other hand, come with all the ingredients you really need and usually provide over 200 calories per piece. Unsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, iron, magnesium and vitamins are found in abundance in nuts. Whether peanuts, walnuts or cashews - nuts are first-class foods for the body and brain that no backpack should be without. The fact that they have such enormous benefits and can be easily bought in any supermarket underlines the fact that you definitely shouldn't do without this outdoor snack.

Have you discovered it yet ? In a previous article, we discussed how you can find plant-based foods in nature for emergencies . Here, too, you'll find useful information and tips on various foods that Mother Nature has prepared for us.