Kayla’s Big Fat Recipe Showdown!!!

Right so currently, I’m at the stage in my planning where I’m looking at my food/resupply strategy. I know I will use some of my tried and true recipes from my last big hike, but I want to see if I can switch things up a bit and find some new (and perhaps healthier?) favourites. In addition, I’ll have to change some stuff up on account of not being able to find some of the same items here in Canada as in the US (tuna in foil packets I’m looking at you).

My main objective when looking for a good recipe is definitely taste, but in addition to that I really want it to be something that is easy to find/put together. I don’t have a food dehydrator and I don’t have a ton of money so those are things to take into consideration. If I could find everything I need in a small grocery/convenience store that would be great, but I’ll also look at making some more complex meals beforehand since I have to mail some resupplies anyway.

My evaluation of the recipes is going to be very subjective since I can be picky with my food. What I like or don’t like might end up being very different than for other people so keep that in mind if you are considering trying any of them for yourself!

That being said, I made two categories to judge:
1) Taste
     – Does it taste good (especially on trail)? 
     – Is it filling? / Does it give a good amount of energy?
     – Does it cook/rehydrate well?
     – Does it have a flexible flavour palate (ie flavour variations)?
2) Practicality
     – Does it require a lot of different ingredients?
     – Are the ingredients easy to find in stores?
     – Is it expensive?
     – Does it require a lot of prep time off trail / on trail?

Based on these I’ll come up with a rating out of 5 stars for each category. And I’ll also write my general thoughts on how each meal turned out. So look forward to me posting this type of thing in the coming weeks! If you have suggestions for favourite meals of yours to try, or perhaps something you are not feeling adventurous enough to try yourself, feel free to let me know!

Trail work ahead? Yeah, I sure hope it does

Join me as I endeavor to explore and experience the beautiful world we live in. In 2017, I hiked a large section of the Pacific Crest Trail in the US. Ever since then all I can think about is getting back out on trail, to see even more amazing places, meet more amazing people, and maybe make some art along the way.

For my next adventure, I will be heading to the Great Divide Trail in my home country of Canada. I’ll attempt a NOBO thru-hike in 2019. I already know it’ll be a lot of planning and hard work to get me there and then to get me to the finish line, but I’m up for the challenge! You can keep up with my planning and trail journals here and on my instagram @modern.naturalist. Enjoy!