Expedition food with more calories for less weight

By Kenny Stocker 16 Sep 2024 · 3 min read

Prioritize nutrition and hydration for your expedition. Staying fueled keeps your body and mind sharp, so you can conquer the challenges ahead.

This article is the fifth recipe in 6 weight saving recipes to shave weight off your DofE expedition kit list, a series of articles to help you save weight on your expedition kit without compromising comfort or utility, helping you to make more sustainable choices and invest in kit that will last a lifetime.

What better to round off the day than with a yummy meal. It's a great motivator and keeps team spirits running high, even when running on empty. You need food that's not only good for you and gives you lots of energy, but also doesn't weigh a lot, is easy to cook, and minimises the amount of rubbish you will have to carry out. It's all about finding the right balance between getting the nutrients you need and making sure your food is practical for carrying and cooking outdoors. Create a menu that tastes good, and is super easy and quick to make. This way, you can focus on enjoying your expedition without worrying about meal times. For more expedition and hillwalking advice, browse our wider hiking pages.

How can you save weight on your DofE expedition?

The DofE publish a recommended expedition kit list which is a great place to start if you are kitting yourself out for the first time. Using this we have compiled a list of alternatives that will help you reduce the weight of your pack. Our recommendations are a guide - you should always check with your Expedition Leader that the kit you choose is suitable for your particular expedition.

Your takeaway guide to expedition food

Don't waste your time going around in circles, focus on what matters and put what you learn into practice.

The fundamentals of your expedition cook systems

1. Portable lightweight camping stove and fuel
2. Lightweight camping cookware
3. Non-perishable dehydrated or wet exped meals
4. Reusable utensils
5. Waterproof matches or lighter
6. Water purification system
7. Water bottle

How to prepare your cooking system for your expedition

• Plan meals ahead and portion out ingredients.
• Prepare meals which require minimal cooking to conserve fuel.
• Practice using your stove before the trip; choose a fuel you feel safe with.
• Estimate how much fuel you will need for the duration of the expedition.
• Choose high-energy, lightweight food options.
• Throw in some treats; with all these weight savings, you can afford it!

Try this in the field

1. Use your camping stove away from your tent, never inside.
2. Store food securely away from wildlife.
3. As you consume food, your backpack will get lighter. Consider how bulky your waste will be to maximise this reductionist effect.
4. Water is heavy; not much you can do about that other than to plan where you can refill and drink as you go along. Don't get to your refill point and swig the 2 litres you have been carrying for 3 hours.
5. Clean up using biodegradable soap and dispose of waste properly.

The next step

Look into bear-proof strategies if navigating through bear country.

Our final recipe promises to be rather illuminating weighing up lighting solutions for around camp.

DofE Expedition Series

This article is part of our complete guide to lightweight DofE expedition kit:

• DofE Expedition Equipment That Works - Overview and 2kg weight saving strategy
• DofE Expedition Clothing Essentials - Save 250g with smart layering
• Is Your DofE Expedition Rucksack Too Heavy? - Save 600g on your pack
• Which Headtorch for Your DofE Expedition - Essential lighting solutions