[Maple Flag]

I’m looking for some fresh ideas on lightweight meal planning for extended travel on foot with no re-supply.

The objective is to come up with sufficient food for 14 days minimum of 5000-7000 calorie days of both on trail and cross country movement with a ruck within the following parameters:

-You will be moving on foot at all times with a ruck for up to 7 hours each 24 hour period.

-No living off the land, even to a limited extent. Everything you consume other than water must be carried with you the whole way.

-Cooking fires are out, but lightweight stoves are OK.

-You will not be sleeping in the same spot twice, and will not return to any point (ie: you can not cache any supplies).

-There will be no civilization or help at any point other than the beginning and end of the distance traveled (except for emergency medical evacuation).

-The environment will be hilly temperate forested region with daily temp ranges of 15-25C, and elevations of < 2000’ feet.

- Your load will consist of personal gear, team gear, and food supplies. Personal and team gear combined will weigh about 30 lbs per person.

-Food planning should be aimed at meeting nutrition needs for the above activity with minimal weight AND minimal bulk.

-The food should be uncomplicated and quick to prepare, should not have any negative digestive tract implications over two weeks, and should ideally keep some interest in food (ie: 200 powers bars in each ruck will not really enhance team morale…)

This exercise is for discussion purposes, but will likely be used in planning my a meal plan for a cross-country trip with the above parameters a few months from now.

Links, references, and insight from people experienced in self sustained distance foot travel, as well as those with nutrition and/or medical backgrounds would be especially appreciated.

Discusion is open. Fire away.