| Cold weather camping is much more harsh on your | | | | at a rapid rate, not only trying to keep your body |
| body than camping in warmer seasons, so it is | | | | warm, but to produce energy to hike as well. |
| important to place extra attention on taking care of | | | | High protein snacks like jerky, nuts, and trail mix are |
| yourself by staying warm and eating the right foods. | | | | great for eating throughout the day regardless of |
| If you are camping in cold weather, you should allow | | | | the type of weather conditions you are hiking in, but |
| yourself an additional 1,000 calories per day in your | | | | are especially important winter camping foods. Dried |
| diet. Winter camping meals and snacks should be | | | | fruits are also very beneficial to your body during |
| very high in carbohydrates to fuel your body through | | | | strenuous cold weather activities like backpacking and |
| the extreme cold and should also contain plenty of | | | | hiking. Bring along plenty of raisins, trail mix, and fatty |
| fats and proteins. | | | | type snacks. Chocolate is even a good snack for |
| Winter camping trips offer more flexibility for the | | | | winter camping and backpacking trips and it won't |
| types of foods you can pack because the cold | | | | melt along the trail! |
| temperatures are much friendlier to foods that may | | | | Camp cooking in the cold can be a tedious task, but |
| spoil quickly in the heat. Cooking and preparing your | | | | it is very important to eat well and to stay warm. |
| camping meals in the cold, however, is much more | | | | Plan your winter camping meals ahead of time and |
| difficult. You will want to plan winter camping meals | | | | consider the fact that things take longer to heat in |
| that are easy and quick to prepare and that are just | | | | cold weather. Avoid raw vegetables because it will be |
| as simple to eat. Plan on packing a good bit more | | | | nearly impossible to cook them at camp. You can |
| food when camping in cold weather and pack several | | | | prepare vegetables at home and simply warm them |
| emergency meals as well. | | | | to save time. Always cook with a covered pot or |
| Instant soups are simple winter camping meals that | | | | pan to retain more heat in the cold and warm your |
| help warm you up on a cold night. Bring along plenty | | | | meals faster. |
| of hot drinks, like cocoa or coffee, and a Coleman 14 | | | | Consider hearty winter camping meals that can be |
| cup percolator to keep your body temperature | | | | prepared in a single dish and eaten with little effort. |
| higher before you wrap up in your sleeping bag for | | | | Prepared canned foods, like beef stew or chili, are |
| the night. Lunch will most likely take place on the trail | | | | great energy providers, but can be heavy to pack. |
| so plan easy to eat foods that are high in carbs and | | | | Vary these heavier foods with light winter camping |
| proteins to keep your energy and strength | | | | meal selections, like foil packets of tuna, pasta, and |
| throughout the day. It is important to continue to eat | | | | bagels, for a healthy menu for your cold weather |
| all day long because your body will be burning calories | | | | camping adventures. |