Only around 20% of hikers who start the Appalachian Trail reach the finish. The most common reason for quitting isn’t injury or gear failure — it’s the mental and emotional weight that builds quietly over weeks and months. This is the part of thru-hiking that guidebooks gloss over. It deserves its own conversation.
The goal is not to carry as little as possible. The goal is to carry exactly what you need — no more, no less. Pack smart, train hard, and go further than you thought possible.
Ingredients 1 cup finely ground almond flour 3 tablespoons psyllium husk powder 3 tablespoons linseed (flax) flour 1/2 tbsp xantham gum 1 teaspoon sea salt 2 large eggs ⅓ cup boiling water Instructions Place the almond flour, psyllium husk powder, xantham gum, salt, linseed flour, and eggs into a bowl and mix thoroughly. Add the water and mix for 30… Read More »Almond Flour Tortillas
Why is pack weight, so important and why can helping reduce the weight you carry improve your performance and enjoyment? % of Body Weight Description Training Recommendations 0-15% Lightweight Hiker Focus on general cardiovascular fitness (running, cycling, swimming) and lower body strength (squats, lunges, step-ups) to build a solid foundation for longer distances and varied terrain. Core strength exercises (planks,… Read More »Pack Weight % Body Weight
With fat containing twice as many calories (9 per gram) as carbohydrates and protein, a keto-friendly diet can help to reduce a backpacker’s load to travel faster. Keto bricks are predominantly made from Cacao Butter and MCT Oil, which with their very high fat content provide an exceptionally calorie-dense and nutritious snack. These “bricks” are very stable at warm temperatures… Read More »Keto Bricks
This is my favourite dehydrated trail meal. A tasty mix of cheese and chilli are a warming combination at the end of a long day. Make sure to rehydrate the chicken well otherwise it can be a little chewy. Ingredients – 1 meal 2 large Chicken breasts 1/2 Broccoli head 1/4 head of Cauliflower 1 Bell pepper 6 tsp /… Read More »Chicken with Chilli, Cheese and Broccoli
This recipe rehydrates well, provided that the beef is dehydrated with some mixed coconut flour – This is a keto alternative to using breadcrumbs and in my testing more stable than almond flour. The quantities listed below are for one large meal with approximately 1200 calories when olive oil is added. Ingredients – 1 meal 300g Beef (360cal) or 2… Read More »Beef Coconut Thai Curry with Cauliflower Rice
Do you spend time planning trips covering a variety of conditions and terrains. If so then you will want to tailor your pack contents to minimise risks, optimise your comfort and achieve your backpacing goals.
