Food and Footwear for Comfort on the Trail

Common Sense Advice to the Female Camper

Nov 4, 2009

There are certain things that are always needed on a campout. Food and adequate footwear are among the most important.

Footwear for the Trail

When in the outdoors, exposure to wet weather is inevitable. Dry feet can be one of the most difficult challenges to even the experienced camper. Waterproof is a term that is somewhat loosely applied, and the wise shopper goes forth prepared to evaluate the waterproof claim on footwear.

Leather can be treated and be nearly waterproof or temporarily waterproof, but to keep truly protected from moisture coming into a shoe or boot, it must be rubber or plastic. Breathable is good, but it won't keep rain and snow moisture out. Goretex is breathable and waterproof and maybe the only exception to the rule. When snow or rain is in the forecast though, go rubber or plastic.

Long periods of exposure to deep cold can be endurable, even comfortable, but not in running shoes or hikers meant for 70 degree days. A camper must have the right footwear for the weather conditions at the time.

The right footwear includes socks. Wool is the choice of experienced and frequent campers. Wool socks are great, but sensitive skin and smart wearers require polyester liners inside the wool socks. Wool will provide some warmth even when damp. Cotton soaks up water and takes long periods in dry air to return to a comfortable condition. They should also appear above the shoe or boot. No-show socks will not protect ankles from blisters inside a hiking boot.

Edible Supplies and Cooking Them

Food on a camping trip can add to the fun, but it will also trip up the novice. For one thing, a fire or camp stove is needed to prepare any hot meal. Attempting to light wet wood is difficult, if not impossible. Fuel may not be available at a campground. Buy wood or bring some charcoal, especially if it has been raining in the camping area recently. Be sure to note policies on transporting firewood into an area. Call the campground or park ranger to confirm the presence of local firewood for sale.

Bring food that doesn’t require cooking in case of a downpour. Granola bars, trail mix or non-perishable sandwiches will meet the need if a fire isn’t possible.

Bring easy to cook foods. Hot dogs are a staple of campouts for a reason. Once the fire is going, almost anyone can cook a wiener on a stick. Don’t bring a new Dutch oven and a complicated recipe if it is a first time challenge that cannot be met. On the other hand, experiment with some new ideas. Pie irons may remind one of Girl Scouts, but they are remarkably easy and versatile. Bread, spaghetti sauce, pepperoni and cheese will make an excellent pizza substitute in a matter of minutes in a pie iron. A breakfast of grilled cheese sandwiches with ham hits the spot. Don’t forget the margarine or cooking spray for the pie iron. New models are coated with non-stick surfaces, but it pays to be careful.

Never is a Long Time

Never leave food out at night. If a vehicle is available, put the food in and lock the doors when unattended. Food in a campsite will bring unintended visitors. Raccoons and skunks can be counted on to find any open food, even in the tent with sleeping humans. Seeing a white stripe in the dark of a campsite will give anyone pause. It need not be pointed out that bear country is a bad place to have food in the campsite. Bear bags and food lockers are needed in areas where vehicles are not allowed.

Never build a fire outside a fire ring. Fire rings are there to contain the fire, but also to keep people from ruining more spots of land. Where a fire has been built, it can take years for vegetation to grow again.

The copyright of the article Food and Footwear for Comfort on the Trail in Backpacking, Hiking & Camping is owned by Eilene Toppin Ording. Permission to republish Food and Footwear for Comfort on the Trail in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.