Top 8 Trekking Foods and Meals

We all love food, but eating while on a trek is a little trickier than it seems. While trekking, we need to keep in mind our stamina and how much we can carry without any spoilage or spillage. It isn’t just about the fact that you have to eat so that you stay active and energetic throughout the trek, but it is also about the fact that you enjoy what you eat. Food is not just food, but an emotion to many. So why compromise on taste when you are trekking? Don’t you worry, here are the top 8 foods and meals that you can carry while on a trek and still enjoy eating them.

Instant Oatmeal

Be it Quaker Oats or Saffola Oats, Indian market has quite a few of these magic foods. They are not only healthy and easy to carry in your backpack, but cooking them is hassle-free and quick. And if you are worried about the taste, don’t be! From Chinese flavored oats to Indian masaledar oats, there is a wide range of tasty flavors to choose from. Oatmeal is packed with B vitamins and manganese and are a great source of carbs. Try choosing the right oatmeal by reading the ingredients. Avoid the ones that contain added sugar as they are unhealthy for trekking or any activity that requires one to have high stamina.

2. Powdered Milk

Dairy products are a big no for trekkers and backpackers. Dairy products usually need refrigeration and can get spoiled very easily. But powdered milk contains almost the same amount of nutrients that fresh milk might contain. Like fresh milk, powdered milk is a great source of protein, calcium and potassium. As Indians, we love our chai and powdered milk is a bonus if you want to drink chai on the go. Carrying them in your backpacks is easy as they are powdered and hence, dry. Remember your childhood when your mom used to tell you how healthy drinking milk is? Well, a trekker can apply that while trekking too with this product.

3. Dried Fruits

Fresh fruits are juicy and yummy, but on treks, they are perishable and sticky. Dried fruits are healthy and can be stored for a long time. Dried fruits are rich in nutrients like fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and carbs. Especially raisins are said to contain resveratrol that is very good for heart health. Dried fruits are a great snack option for trekkers who are needed to eat less, but often. These can also be sprinkled all over your bowl of oats so that your meal is not only yummy, but also pleasing to the eyes.

4. Protein Bars

Proteins are great for your muscles and take a long time to digest, hence keeping you full and off the pain of hunger. Protein bars have a long shelf-life and do not need refrigeration. Also, are you vegan? Then do not worry because there are a few companies that make vegan protein bars, just make sure you check the ingredients before purchasing. Like the name of the product suggests, these are high in protein and are made to please your palate.

5. Preserved Meats

If you are a meat lover and eating vegetarian food makes you feel incomplete, you can opt for preserved meat. Salami and pepperoni are taste great and have good shelf-life. These meats are low in moisture and high in sodium content. But like any processed foods, they can be harmful to the health if eaten too often. Hence consume them in less numbers and you are good to go!

6. Poha (Flattened Rice)

Poha is one of the main breakfast dishes for us Indians. Some like it with spices and peanuts while some prefer it soaked in milk. For trekking, it is easy to soak poha in the powdered milk you mix with water. Avoid adding sugar because like I mentioned before, sugar might give you instant energy, but it is not healthy while on treks as it can slow you down.

7. Sprouts

Sprouts like green grams, horse grams, etc. are again a great choice of snacks while hiking or backpacking. Even as children we were forced to eat sprouts by our parents for its nutritional value. They are rich in nutrients like vitamins, C, A and K, protein, fiber and many more. They just require overnight soaking and can be eaten with a pinch of salt or even just like that.

8. Nuts and Seeds

If you are not allergic to nuts or seeds, this is a snack option you can count on. Just like dried fruits, they are moisture-free and have a long shelf-life. They are said to be high in calories even though they are tiny and this just tells us how great they are as a trekking snack! Almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds are some examples of nuts and seeds you can carry while trekking.

The length or the duration of your trek should not matter, healthy, durable and portable food and meals are a must when you are a trekker. Life is short and making memories is a must. As a trekker, you are exploring nature and making some beautiful memories. Eat healthy and stay fit and do what you love doing – Trek!

Compiled by: Shrija Bhattacharya

shrija.b9@gmail.com

If you wish to go on a trek or a camp anytime soon, let us take you with us. To book your slot visit www.getbeyondlimits.com

For any further details contact us via email – connect@getbeyondlimits.com

Differences Between Monsoon And Summer Treks

Monsoon treks are wet, lush green and splashy, while summer treks are more about sunshine on your face and sweat dripping down your back. But is this the only difference between a monsoon trek and a summer trek? To find out, you need to experience these seasonal treks to understand better. While some like the rain and some like the feel of the harsh sun right above their heads. Seasonal treks are all about your personal preferences. However, if you’re looking for the differences between these two seasonal treks, here are a few.

Seasonality

Monsoon treks are organised in the rainy season between the months of June to September, whereas summer treks are organised between the months of March to May. However, July and August have the heaviest rains in the western ghats and if you’re a rain-lover, this is the ideal time for you to take up trekking. If you’re a first-time trekker, you’d want to go trekking in the later monsoon months, so that the rain is not too harsh and your first-time trek experience is amazing.

Difficulty Level

Both the seasonal treks are equal on the difficulty scale. However, during monsoon treks, the rains are so heavy that even the walking trails have water flowing in them. And every stream that you will cross will have waist-deep water. The trails are very slippery and after it stops raining, there are leeches ready to suck your blood. If you like challenges, a monsoon trek is the perfect type of trek for you. Summer treks have no leeches, but if you don’t keep yourself hydrated during these type of treks, you will face the sun’s wrath. Trekking is a rigorous physical activity that involves a lot of sweating already. Hence, summer treks will churn out every ounce of energy inside you. The trails are dry and the streams you encounter will be very less on water content.

Clothing

It is generally advised by experienced trekkers to wear light clothing on both the treks because, even if it is monsoon, due to so much walking, your body will be sweating profusely anyway. However, raincoats are a must during monsoon treks. In terms of footwear, we’d advise you to wear waterproof or water-resistant shoes. Rain boots that reach up to your calves can also be worn to avoid leech attacks. During summer treks, clothes made of cotton, linen or breathable material is preferred. This will ensure air circulation and help your skin to breathe. Any comfortable shoes can be worn in this season’s treks, but do ensure that your footwear has good grip. Caps or hats are very important when it comes to summer treks as the sun shines harshly above your head.

Other Essentials To Carry

Basic trekking gear and necessities are a must for both the seasonal treks, but when it comes to monsoon treks, you must pack a few mosquito repellents and leech repellents. Even though cream-based repellents can be easily washed away by the rain, it is usually advised that you carry them. Salt and deodorants will help you keep the leeches away. Similarly, summer treks can also use mosquito repellants, but leeches aren’t a problem at this part of the year. Sunscreens are a must here as the sun’s rays can be harmful to your skin. Any sunscreen with SPF 30 or above is advisable.

Food Requirements

Food is an essential amenity at all times, especially when you are outdoors and are engaged in a physically exhausting activity like trekking. You need to eat less, but more often so that your body has enough energy to push through. During monsoon treks, cooking out in the campfires is difficult. Ensure that you collect enough dry wood at the outset, but even after that, cooking under the rain is not possible. Carry your meals in tiffin boxes and spare the effort of cooking on treks. In summer treks, cooking under the sky is not difficult, but it is often seen that the quest to stay hydrated often tend to fill your stomach with fluids and kill your appetite. Hence, eating well is kind of a challenge for both.

To make choice making easier for you, here are the top 5 monsoon and summer treks that Get Beyond Limits has to offer. You can check out our website for more details on these beautiful treks-

Monsoon Treks

Kudremukh Trek
Tadiandamol Coorg Trek
Kodachadri Trek
Nishani Motte Trek
Galibeedu Peak Coorg Trek

Summer Treks

Gokarna Beach Trek
Kodachadri Trek
Nilgiris Waterfalls Trek
Hampi Bouldering and Heritage Trek
Chikmagalur Trek

As this monsoon season graces us with its presence, let’s make the most of it. Let’s trek under the rain and embrace nature in its most beautiful form. They say raindrops are like diamonds falling from the sky, so let’s soak in them and make memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re a person who loves the feel of raindrops against their skin, what are you waiting for? Book a monsoon trek with us now!

If you wish to go on a trek anytime soon, let us take you with us. To book your slot visit www.getbeyondlimits.com

For any further details contact us via email – connect@getbeyondlimits.com

TOP 5 CHEAP AND BEST BRANDS FOR TREKKING GEAR

If there is one thing that every trekker should have, it is good quality trekking gear. But shopping for these is a troublesome task as finding good trekking gear can be a little expensive. As any trekker might suggest, do not compromise on the quality as being broke at the end of the month is always better than coming back from the trek with blisters and injuries. But what if you knew the right brands to go to? Brands that promise good quality gear and also go a little less harsh on your wallet? Well, here are top 5 cheap and best brands for trekking gear that are also available on amazon.

1. The North Face

North Face is the one stop shop for all your trekking essentials. From adequate trekking shoes and backpacks to active wear and camping supplies, they got it all. The San-Francisco based climbing equipment retail store was founded in 1966 and since, it has been one of the best in its field.

Best item – The Packable Fanorak Pullover

You can shop with North Face on their website – www.thenorthface.com or also on www.amazon.in

2. Columbia

Named after the Columbia River situated in the Pacific Northwest region of North America, this company is literally the “river” of trekking gear when it comes to the variety of products. Columbia is famous for its jackets which are made of breathable waterproof fabric and interchangeable shells and liners. However, do go through the all other trekking equipments they have to offer.

Best item – Roan Mountain Jacket

You can shop with Columbia on their website – www.columbia.com or also on www.amazon.in

3. Marmot

Marmot was founded in 1974 by two students from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Since its founding, the company has made quite a name for itself by manufacturing quality trekking gear. Marmot is known for its tents and sleeping bags, but do look into their clothing section for some great jackets and tees that will keep you stylish even when you are burning calories while trekking.

Best item – Tungsten Ultralight tent

You can shop with Marmot on their website – www.marmot.com or also on www.amazon.in

4. Quechua

It is a French company founded in 1997 that was named after the Quechua language, an indigenous language from South America. The six-year-old company is already one of the 10 largest global brands in mountain gear. Quechua is known for its climbing shoes that are of fine quality and style alike. If you want to trek in style and comfort, Quechua is a great option.

Best item – Mid MH500 shoes

You can shop with Quechua on their website – www.quechua.com or also on www.amazon.in

5. Wildcraft

Founded in 1998, Wildcraft is a Bengaluru-based company. The company’s products are sold in over 175 exclusive stores in India and abroad. The company’s first product in the 90s was a dome tent, but now it sells bags, shoes, clothing and anything that will help you with your trek. Wildcraft is known for its backpacks and rucksacks.

Best item – Hypalite Backpacks

You can shop with Wildcraft on their website – www.wildcraft.com or also on www.amazon.in

Trekking enables one to push past any sort of barriers and overcome all inhibitions. While trekking, confidence and comfort are two things that play a vital role in the overall enjoyment of a trekker. Hence, shop smart when you are planning your trek. Do your research and buy the gear that give you the best experience at best prices.

If you wish to go on a trek anytime soon, let us take you with us. To book your slot visit www.getbeyondlimits.com

For any further details contact us via email – connect@getbeyondlimits.com