will1378, if you're not carrying a stove--"going cold" as the long distance hiking community says--I would recommend the following:
1. Gatorade mix. It has calories and electrolytes. If you should get sick for any reason and can't hold down food, this may be a lifesaver. Budget for 1 serving per day.
2. Bars. Protein bars and, yes, candy bars.
3. Beef jerky. And dental floss.
4. GORP. Walmart actually has tasty mixes. Or do something like almonds and dried cranberries.
5. Flour tortillas and peanut butter. And a sturdy spoon for spreading, like from Wendy's or an MRE.
6. Something in the salty/crunchy food group. I take potato chips, crushed and eat with a spoon or just pour from the original packaging. Or Triscuits. Or Wheat Thins.
7. Something sour. You can see the heavy salt and sweet in the above menu. A simple gummi worm or stick of gum can lift morale after 4 days of the above.
As for how much of what to take, estimate your daily calorie needs by taking into account your current "reserves" (weight), level of fitness, total packweight, anticipated miles per day and terrain. If your goal is to get from point A to point B on an established trail, you're going to spend most of your time walking. If you're going to be bushwacking, you'll be moving much, much more slowly, but still be on your feet most of the day. If your goal is to carry as little as possible, I would recommend about 1,500 calories MORE per day than your current weight/activity level requires. Exercise actually suppresses appetite. Let’s say you need to eat 2,200 calories a day to maintain your current bodyweight. You’d want to carry 3,700 calories a day.
Will you be hiking on the AT, by chance? If so, I can advise further. Just send me a message.
