Best Resupply Items: SOBO Days 48 – 50

No matter how political or silly or insightful my trail conversations become with fellow hikers, the topic always turns to food.

It must be the caloric deficit.

Hiker Hunger

One of the first concepts I learned in thru-hiking was “hiker hunger”. NOBO’s we passed, ridgerunners, day hikers, bloggers, everyone was talking about it.

“Hiker hunger” is simply the phenomenon of increased (like, very increased) appetite due to increased calories burned from miles of walking every day with a heavy pack.

Ducky’s Hiker Hunger

Everytime I’ve thought that I was starting to experience hiker hunger on trail, it’s just gotten more intense.

On trail, it’s hard to keep up with nutritional needs. But in town, I went back for seconds, thirds, and fourths at the Dartmouth College cafeteria in Hanover. I ate an entire pizza at the Vermont Tap House. It’s mind-boggling to be able to eat so much and feel fine, feel great, and honestly, sometimes, feel like you could still eat more.

Favourite Resupply Items

Unfortunately, I haven’t yet managed to pack out pizzas for my trail suppers. The Hanover Co-op did have a lot of great options for my first few days hiking into Vermont though. This resupply was above and beyond. Here are some of my favourites from this resupply, and those before it.

• Mushroom Stroganoff Knorr’s: I’ve subsisted on a lot of Knorr’s on trail. And other than the Spanish Rice, which is a close second, this one has been my favourite. Although I did recently notice a pesto option that I’ll have to give a whirl.
• Kodiak Chocolate Chip Protein Oatmeal: Oats already pack a punch as a source of protein in the morning, but these oatmeal packets are superior to all other than I’ve found. Plus they’re tasty. Don’t forget to add a scoop of peanut butter for extra goodness!
• Clif Peanut Butter Builder Bar: I’ve explored a lot of different protein bar options on trail. I love variety, so every time I go into a store, I buy a new flavour or a new brand. But Clif remains a classic favourite, despite the higher sugar content.
• One Peanut Butter Cup Protein Bar: On the other hand, this protein bar is a newer discovery, and of course peanut butter cup is the best flavour. Although the cookie dough is pretty awesome too. This is a lower sugar option that sometimes makes me feel a little healthier.
• Liquid IV, any flavour: Liquid IV is definitely on the pricey side, and would absolutely blow my budget if I used it daily. However, WOAH. This stuff is effective. Hands down the best option for electrolytes. Mio Sport Berry Blast is my usual go-to, also great, but tough to find without caffeine in stores. And there’s no reason for me to have the equivalent of three coffees a day. I’d probably be in Georgia by now.
• Peanut M&M’s: A classic crowd pleasure and hearty enough to withstand the hot, hot days of summer. I’m testing peanut butter M&M’s this week and even I’ll admit they’re just not the same.
• Jalapeño Cheese Strings: I love spicy food. This wouldn’t be the top of my list in the real world, but cheese strings just do better in the heat than a brick of cheese. So, these are a current favourite to add to wraps.
• Seaweed: One of my best friends in university made a lot of sushi bowls for lunch. Thanks for the inspiration, because seaweed has become the only green staple that manages to survive in my food bag for a few days. Special mention to seaweed mixed into couscous and bonus points if you add miso paste.

Honourable Mentions

I could seriously go on for days with this list. Food is fuel and on trail; that means there needs to be a lot of food consumed. And right now, food is the center of my universe.

My favourite foods are constantly changing, but no matter what, the peanut butter and chocolate combination will always rule.