Eating and drinking while hiking: the right hiking provisions

A hike needs to be well planned: not only the equipment and comrades, but also the provisions should help to stay as fit as possible while hiking. In this article, we explain what you should eat and drink while hiking.

Hiking: when and what you should eat best

No matter which path you have chosen for hiking, the provisions should be well planned. After all, it should strengthen you throughout the day and take up as little space in your backpack as possible. But the day before the hike should also be included in your planning, because here too you should be preparing for your busy next day:

• The day before the hike, you should eat high carbohydrates to have enough stamina for the next day. Foods such as pasta, rice, oatmeal, whole grain bread, potatoes or muesli fill you up without being too heavy in the stomach.
• Fast foods such as pizza, burgers and fries, or greasy meat dishes should be avoided. You should also avoid alcohol.
• On the day of the hike, an extensive, balanced breakfast is mandatory so that you have enough energy for the day. The longer your hike should be, the more energy you need. Therefore, plan not only your own provisions, but also shelters with an assessment on your hiking route, where you can rest.
• While hiking, you should always use small, healthy snacks to give yourself new energy instead of waiting for a big meal. This relieves your digestion and blood sugar levels.
• In about every half hour, you should also drink between a quarter and a half liter at rest to return the fluid that you sweat out while hiking.
• Do not order hearty schnitzel, roast pork or heavy desserts such as Kaiserschmarrn when you stop at the hut. You should also prefer wholemeal bread, salad or hearty soup topped with fresh ingredients. Instead of lemonade or beer, you prefer to drink fresh spring water (if available) or juice spritzer. So you are still fit for the way back.

This food is best suited for hiking

If you are still looking for inspiration for the right hiking provisions, we have put together some ideas for you:

• Water, unsweetened tea and isotonic drinks are particularly suitable as drinks. Add magnesium to prevent cramps. Use a reusable bottle that you can refill at sources.
• As a snack you can have various whole grain breads, for example sweet with jam or honey, or hearty with cheese and butter.
• Potato and pasta salad are also good snacks, but need cutlery.
• You can also prepare some yogurt with muesli and fresh fruit, all you need is a spoon.
• You can buy pre-packed sulfur-free dried fruits, nuts, granola bars and glucose and have them quickly at hand.

In another practical tip we have presented you with a packing list for your hiking trip.