Compact Foods

[Flounder]

The official write-ups will appear in a couple places. I just sent over the first to Salsa. The print version won't hit until winter in Overland Journal.

[Adam Alphabet]

The official write-ups will appear in a couple places. I just sent over the first to Salsa. The print version won't hit until winter in Overland Journal.

Awesome! can't wait to hear about it and see the images. Nice to hear you made it back safe and had a good time.
Did you lose any weight at all or did you maintain your pre trip start weight?

[Flounder]

I'm a bit of a bean pole these days. I changed my diet a few years ago and went from an average 185 pounds to an average 160. I probably bulked up before the trip to a solid 170, but melted that off by day three.

I only suffered a couple moments in my 12 days whereby my calorie intake felt borderline low. Most days I rode for 12+ hours and that made for some tough moments in general.

[JRA]

I didn't notice if you mentioned using a stove or not.  Assuming you're traveling with a stove, instant mashed potatoes are very easy and don't require much stove fuel to prepare.  

http://idahoan.com/products/four-cheese-flavored-mashed-potatoes/

Caution: NOT for those with an aversion to processed foods. :-D



ETA: I'm not sure how many servings are in a pouch - it doesn't say on the website.  My guess would be 2-4 per pouch.

[Flounder]

Funny you should mention that. One pack of instant mashes sits in the bottom of my pack on almost every outing. It's my backup food as it's really a small package. Eats like wood pulp, but does the trick in a pinch.

[JRA]

Funny you should mention that. One pack of instant mashes sits in the bottom of my pack on almost every outing. It's my backup food as it's really a small package. Eats like wood pulp, but does the trick in a pinch.

I've enjoyed them on the trail when I was famished.  I tried them at home once and could barely gag them down.  It's all relative I guess.

[Eastman]

I grate up a lot of parmesan cheese and mix it into my potato flakes before hitting the trail.  It helps with flavour and calories.  Dump a can/pouch of tuna on top and you're golden! 

[Smo]

As for mashed potatoes . . .

Nick's guide to making a proper Spud Bomb:

1) Did you add butter?

2) Try throwing in some crushed fritos (crunch *and* calories).  And salt.  And the original fritos only have three ingredients!

3) Are you sure you have enough butter?

4) I love "Just Veggies" freeze-dried vegetables (i get them from amazon, 1 lb for 14 bucks).  sounds expensive but 1 lb freeze dried is equivalent to 5 pounds fresh, really not that bad

5) Are you really sure you have enough butter?

6) One packet of crystalized lemon or lime adds a great little tang . . .I found these in my regular grocery store, no idea which aisle.  baking?  I put them in all kinds of things.  You can also make a passable trail Margarita with them.

7) Maybe put in a touch more butter.

I do 3 oz potatoes, 1 oz fritos, 1 oz veggies, 1 packet lemon.  Sometimes I mix in other flavors and ingredients.  Nido dry whole milk is one thing you can add.  Makes a great breakfast, too.