A Rant from a Backcountry Food Addict

The famed cook, Julia Child, couldn’t have said it better: “The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.” No one should look back in time and regret what they ate. The backcountry however, has never been revered as a place of quality cuisine. Of course, we can argue that good food is heavy. Why bring a fresh apple when a dried one will do? Yes the dried apple probably has the texture of cardboard and could in theory be older than you, nevertheless it’s still preferred as it weighs almost nothing. And what are we doing with all the weight we’re saving? Some people use it by bringing “necessities”, like iPods and solar chargers. Others go the extra couple kilometers down the trail, getting in as much “enjoyment” as they can before the Monday office meeting, as mileage determines if the trip was a success or not. Whether you enjoyed it is irrelevant.

I’ve done backcountry trips my entire life. Some trips have been long, others short. Over time, I’ve become more skilled in the woods. I can easily follow a map, work a compass, and plan trips in the wilderness. I’ve learnt to buy better tents, stoves, and clothing. I’ve realized what is necessary and what isn’t. Bring the extra socks, leave the pillow, bring the down jacket, leave the camp chair. There’s one necessity that I’ve never learnt to escape and that’s always bring good food. It’s a holiday after all, not a forced-prison-march-to-starvation (hopefully).

If the heavy food becomes unbearable and weighs you down. Just eat it. Problem solved.

Of course, food doesn’t always need to be carried. It can be caught.

Or it can be foraged. Nothing’s better than fresh food, especially when it’s local and free.

Always keep snacks accessible.

Good choices begins with good association. Try and do trips with people that also like good food.

And always bring the booze.

If the trip is for a celebration, act accordingly.

Food only improves the special moments.

Remember, first we eat, then we do whatever else. Don’t skimp on the food, live to eat, not just eat to live. Especially in the woods.