lipbiter wrote:P.S. I'd really like to know what Ellen packs given her background.
I understand she has a special connection with crackers, sardines, and cream of chicken soup ...
Seriously, here are some things I like:
Trader Joe's Hummus (wrap in fleece and bury in pack)
Pita bread for the hummus
Dried fruit
Chocolate anything
Trader Joe's Force Primeval bread bars (a tad heavy but don't crush as easily as most)
Gu shots (or Cliff)
A few trail bars of some sort or other (did someone say "on sale?")
Basically, I want things that can be metabolised quickly (read "carbs") and easily, things like breads, fruits, vegetables, and sweets (never underestimate the restorative power of chocolate!). I don't want a lot of protein (nuts, cheese, lunch meat, etc.) because they take a lot of oxygen to metabolise and "weigh me down" on a hike. The "weigh me down" thing is less of an issue when not at altitude or when not climbing steeply.
I do carry trail mix, jerky, extra trail bars and extra Gu shots as emergency rations. Not that I (ahem)
have ever miscalculated and gotten back late.
In the winter I really like chocolate covered nuts. When I'm cold and needing calories but really whupped, TJ's chocolate covered almonds are a life saver. TJ's chocolate covered soy beans ain't so bad either.