So what is trail mix ? (sometimes called GORP) well basically it is a snack food that usually consists of dried fruits and nuts and the addition of things like granola pieces designed to be taken on a hike and you need to be able eat it on the go and it doesn't require any preparation other than combining the ingredients beforehand. It is generally lightweight and not bulky to carry and the basis of the mix should at least try to cover a few points in that it is nutritious, contains some carbohydrates to provide energy quickly from things like dried fruit and oats, and the nuts and their fats provide a more sustained energy release while containing some protein. That is it, no magic, no secrets.
So what is a good recipe? well if you try to cover the points above it can contain a good variety of items. The trail mix I'm enjoying at the moment consists of 150g of peanut M&M's, 50g of toffee popcorn, 150g of Jelly Babies and 200g of a shop bought fruit and nut mix containing yoghurt coated cranberries. I also usually mix in 200g of maple oat granola pieces, but couldn't find any on this occasion. This amount normally would last me 4 to 5 good long days hiking and snacking on small amounts throughout the day.
So what is a good recipe? well if you try to cover the points above it can contain a good variety of items. The trail mix I'm enjoying at the moment consists of 150g of peanut M&M's, 50g of toffee popcorn, 150g of Jelly Babies and 200g of a shop bought fruit and nut mix containing yoghurt coated cranberries. I also usually mix in 200g of maple oat granola pieces, but couldn't find any on this occasion. This amount normally would last me 4 to 5 good long days hiking and snacking on small amounts throughout the day.
If you do make this up in advance it will easily store for a few weeks if kept in an airtight container.(It won't spoil, but tastes better when fresh) I usually make it up just prior to a trip. A couple of points to note, chocolate is a nice addition, but melts easily in the warmer weather so I generally would only include it in the cooler month's of the year and try not to add too many sugary items and focus more on the dried fruits and nuts to provide a more nutritional balance.
Why not experiment with your own mix and post me your ideas with some pictures.
I will cover some other snack items I usually take out hiking with me in a different blog and I plan to review some backpacking foods also.
Get out there and enjoy the outdoors.
Why not experiment with your own mix and post me your ideas with some pictures.
I will cover some other snack items I usually take out hiking with me in a different blog and I plan to review some backpacking foods also.
Get out there and enjoy the outdoors.