Daily Calorie count for packing in

[JMSZ]

That is a good point Multi-SpeciesHunter. I am 5'11" and around 180lbs. Not sure how to determine calorie needs, but for me its not based on how hungry I am. I have a worksheet that will calculate the calories per day that I am carrying, but many times I think I am probably doing only 1300 to 1400 calories per day on a 7 day 70 mile section of the CDT. Never hungry, eat all I can, and weight is down to around 165lbs by the time I get off the trail. One of the other hikers, who is bigger than me, carries about twice what I carry, eats almost all of it, and doesn't lose nearly as much weight as I do. I've tried but I couldn't begin to eat that much. He also lives in Colorado Springs while I'm in Missouri. To many variables to say definitely cause and affect, but when I found doing research that it takes two weeks for your body to adjust to what your doing to it, it got my attention.

The Live Strong website tells you figure out your Basal Metabolic Rate, which is the number of calories your body requires just to stay alive. They then have other charts that help you get an idea of how many additional calories your body will burn based on the type and level of activity that you're doing.

I do know that military mountain and artic warfare rations are designed to supply 3000 - 4000 calories per day.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/259763-how-to-calculate-daily-energy-expenditure/

 

[25contender]

This has turned into a great thread!! I have gotten a lot of great ideas and some great suggestions. Tough to change older ways but I will definitely make some changes. I am really trying to lighten the load yet get keep the nutritional value. I can all ready see a few pounds coming off the pack. Keep them coming. Thanks to all for the suggestions.

 

[JMSZ]

Mark, take a look at the energy replacement drinks that are sold at cycling and running shops. Mixing them in your water will not only supplement your calorie burn, but help to maintain your electrolyte balance and allow your body to recover quicker from heavy exercise. I'm taking in freeze-dried stuff for morning and evening, and adding cheese, Costco crumbled bacon, nuts and fruit for modified trail mix, and I'm snacking frequently during the day. Since I'm an "old guy", I also take in plenty of Tylenol and some cognac in a small Platypus bladder. It's nice to have a little thimble-full of something while I'm hovering over my spotting scope in the evenings!

A guy who was camping at the site I was at last fall had some Patron Anejo... I'd only had Jose Quervo before then, yack... That Patron is some good stuff.

I didn't take anything up with me, but a little bit of that went a long way to take the edge off. I will be including that this year.

For those of you that have used the Wilderness Athlete, is it a big enough improvement over Gatorade to justify the additional cost?

I did see that they have meal replacement shakes, but they only come in a bucket, so not very useful for taking along. I could make multiple single-serving bags, but I've typically found that they don't hold up well after a couple of days - moisture gets in, they spill, etc.

Thoughts?

 

[Elk Hunter]

The Live Strong website tells you figure out your Basal Metabolic Rate, which is the number of calories your body requires just to stay alive. They then have other charts that help you get an idea of how many additional calories your body will burn based on the type and level of activity that you're doing.

I do know that military mountain and artic warfare rations are designed to supply 3000 - 4000 calories per day.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/259763-how-to-calculate-daily-energy-expenditure/

Thank you for the link JMSZ. Looks like I need about 3000 calories/day, with approximately half carbohydrates and the remainder split between protein and fat. I'm going to try it this year.

 

[Elk Hunter]

I've typically found that they don't hold up well after a couple of days - moisture gets in, they spill, etc.

Thoughts?

I use ziplock bags and I take a few extra just in case. No problems but then everything is in a bear canister. I keep the bear canister full with anything not needed on the trail as needed to minimize shifting.

 

[JMSZ]

I use ziplock bags and I take a few extra just in case. No problems but then everything is in a bear canister. I keep the bear canister full with anything not needed on the trail as needed to minimize shifting.

That reminds me, I was going to ask - Where do you keep the stuff that you eat on the trail during the day?

My question pertains to bears, etc. Does everything that comes in contact with food (including your clothes) go in your bear bag/canister or do you just stuff your snacks in the pocket of your coat and hope a bear doesn't come into your tent looking for your goodies?

I picked up some OpSacks, same company that makes the aLockSacks (sp?), I'll use those along with a bear bag as insurance.

 

[JMSZ]

This has turned into a great thread!! I have gotten a lot of great ideas and some great suggestions. Tough to change older ways but I will definitely make some changes. I am really trying to lighten the load yet get keep the nutritional value. I can all ready see a few pounds coming off the pack. Keep them coming. Thanks to all for the suggestions.

In case you're considering instant noodles and looking for options besides Top Ramen, here's the kind that I take, it's the Korean spicy kind.

http://www.amazon.com/Nongshim-Shin-Noodle-2-64-Ounce-Packages/dp/B000LQNK6E/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1370542760&sr=8-6&keywords=shin+ramyun

 

[Graylight]

For those of you that have used the Wilderness Athlete, is it a big enough improvement over Gatorade to justify the additional cost?

The biggest factor here will simply be the glucosamine for joint and muscle recovery. The sweeteners they use are all natural and taste good, without the dye that Gatorade uses. WA also replaces the salts and electrolytes I need with the glucosamine which is what makes it a great chioce. Gatorade alone, will not meet all of your bodies needs.

I have no use for their protein pak's - They are not what I want to choke down on a backpack hunt. Kippered herring snacks in the pulltab can are good energy foods, however that is separate from what the WA drink mix does.

A lot of people like the other powdered/drop drink mixes like Mio and crystal light, however those do nothing more than add flavor. You need to replace nutrients, not watch calories when it comes to hydration.

After the third to fourth day, the sleep will get MUCH better. It takes time for your red blood cell count to raise enough to handle the decreased oxygen absorption rates. After a week, you should be completely out of the woods and feeling pretty good, however, that just so happens to coincide at a time when your body is about done from the vertical hikes every day covering ground.... THAT is where the WA drink mix will save your butt.

 

[Elk Hunter]

That reminds me, I was going to ask - Where do you keep the stuff that you eat on the trail during the day?

My question pertains to bears, etc. Does everything that comes in contact with food (including your clothes) go in your bear bag/canister or do you just stuff your snacks in the pocket of your coat and hope a bear doesn't come into your tent looking for your goodies?

I picked up some OpSacks, same company that makes the aLockSacks (sp?), I'll use those along with a bear bag as insurance.

Good question. It would seem to defeat the purpose of using a bear canister if your carrying your snacks in your side pocket all day. Trash, toothpaste, snacks and all go in the bear canister, but not my clothing or my backpack. Hopefully their nose is sharp enough to detect the strongest food smell that poses the least amount of risk.

I don't see the bear canister as being a guarantee of no bear encounters. The biggest advantage I see is that if you are three days from anywhere thats going to become three days from anywhere without food if a bear does get it. Trees can't always be depended on to be where you need them either so it saves that hassle. I don't want to say anything that would cause anyone to let their guard down but I feel that the biggest problem would be in campgrounds where bears have become familiar with the presence of people and see them as a source of food. I have heard in the boundary waters bears have visually gone after backpacks with people in them because they have learned that is where the food is. I do sleep with at least a flashlight, bear spray and air horn, and if I am solo, a 357. I also don't travel far from my tent to urinate. Only once have I heard a bear. He took one sniff/snort next to my tent, which woke me up, and left. If I could smell me after a few days on the trail I would probably do the same. Based on my experience to date I would say being trampled by a herd of elk would be the biggest threat.

 

[JMSZ]

Good question. It would seem to defeat the purpose of using a bear canister if your carrying your snacks in your side pocket all day. Trash, toothpaste, snacks and all go in the bear canister, but not my clothing or my backpack. Hopefully their nose is sharp enough to detect the strongest food smell that poses the least amount of risk.

I don't see the bear canister as being a guarantee of no bear encounters. The biggest advantage I see is that if you are three days from anywhere thats going to become three days from anywhere without food if a bear does get it. Trees can't always be depended on to be where you need them either so it saves that hassle. I don't want to say anything that would cause anyone to let their guard down but I feel that the biggest problem would be in campgrounds where bears have become familiar with the presence of people and see them as a source of food. I have heard in the boundary waters bears have visually gone after backpacks with people in them because they have learned that is where the food is. I do sleep with at least a flashlight, bear spray and air horn, and if I am solo, a 357. I also don't travel far from my tent to urinate. Only once have I heard a bear. He took one sniff/snort next to my tent, which woke me up, and left. If I could smell me after a few days on the trail I would probably do the same. Based on my experience to date I would say being trampled by a herd of elk would be the biggest threat.

That's why I'm going to do the OpSacks and the bear bag - the sacks are supposed to prevent any odors from getting out, but just in case, hopefully hanging the bag will keep the bear away from my food, but more importantly, it will keep the bear from coming to into my tent looking for food.

I'm wondering about the snacks as far where to put them. I don't want to have to drop my pack every time I want a snack, but I don't want to have to hang my coat every night, either.

I have some pouches that go on the waist belt of my ruck, so the more I think about it, the more I'm leaning towards keeping my snacks for the day in those, bringing a small block and tackle and just hanging my ruck.

 

[JMSZ]

The biggest factor here will simply be the glucosamine for joint and muscle recovery. The sweeteners they use are all natural and taste good, without the dye that Gatorade uses. WA also replaces the salts and electrolytes I need with the glucosamine which is what makes it a great chioce. Gatorade alone, will not meet all of your bodies needs.

I have no use for their protein pak's - They are not what I want to choke down on a backpack hunt. Kippered herring snacks in the pulltab can are good energy foods, however that is separate from what the WA drink mix does.

A lot of people like the other powdered/drop drink mixes like Mio and crystal light, however those do nothing more than add flavor. You need to replace nutrients, not watch calories when it comes to hydration.

After the third to fourth day, the sleep will get MUCH better. It takes time for your red blood cell count to raise enough to handle the decreased oxygen absorption rates. After a week, you should be completely out of the woods and feeling pretty good, however, that just so happens to coincide at a time when your body is about done from the vertical hikes every day covering ground.... THAT is where the WA drink mix will save your butt.

That's good to hear. I also got a better pad, which will help with the back pain. I can actually sleep on my side on it (Synmat 9), plus it's got the insulation, which should also help.

I'm guessing that, in the end, getting gatorade and glucosamine pills would probably end up costing the same as the WA powder would.

How does that stuff taste and do you know if any stores sell individual packs?

And have you tried their meal replacement shakes? I'm think something like that might be good mixed in with the Carnation instant breakfast.

 

[Elk Hunter]

The ruck idea sounds good. Have to check out the OpSacks. Keep in mind you will still have the snacks out during the day and that smell or the smell of dinner will be on you. Even the smell of deodorant will attract them. Also, cooking/eating meals a safe distance from the tent is a good idea. Review the rules for backpacking/camping in Yellowstone or Glacier. They may seem a little fanatical, but gives you some ideas to think about. If there has ever been food in a container they want you to put it inside your vehicle, which won't stop a bear if he wants it. Taking all the precautions is good, but have a plan should one decide to check you out anyway.

 

[JMSZ]

The ruck idea sounds good. Have to check out the OpSacks. Keep in mind you will still have the snacks out during the day and that smell or the smell of dinner will be on you. Even the smell of deodorant will attract them. Also, cooking/eating meals a safe distance from the tent is a good idea. Review the rules for backpacking/camping in Yellowstone or Glacier. They may seem a little fanatical, but gives you some ideas to think about. If there has ever been food in a container they want you to put it inside your vehicle, which won't stop a bear if he wants it. Taking all the precautions is good, but have a plan should one decide to check you out anyway.

here's the link to the company that makes the sacks: http://www.loksak.com/products/aloksak

Understand about the smell on me. I'd say that I'd wash regularly, but from what I've read, anything that doesn't smell normal will get their attention and draw them in, so hand sanitizer or soap could be just as likely to draw them in.

That's why I also have a .45 with me and bear spray.

I've considering various methods of setting up an alarm or deterrent system, fishing line and bells or something. Preferably something that will alert me to their presence and even better if it scares them off in the process.

Something like this: http://www.electronicsurplus.com/item/6276/

Here's a video of a similar one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFz3yL7cTvk

Run 4 or 5 of those with trip wires and you should be able to provide 360 degree coverage around your tent. I think the noise and light would be enough to scare most bears (or anything else) away.

 

[25contender]

I use the bear bag and hunting areas with bear for the past 26 years ( Dang that seems like a long time!!) I haven't had any issues with bears in camp. I am more worried about Moose coming through the camp than a bear. I have had a few close calls at night with moose during the night in camp and they are not afraid of anything especially at night. Mark

 

[Elk Hunter]

Never tried one but I have been told that protable electric fences work great. Not familiar with this one but shows what I am talking about.

http://www.udap.com/bearshock.htm

 

[25contender]

Never tried one but I have been told that protable electric fences work great. Not familiar with this one but shows what I am talking about.

http://www.udap.com/bearshock.htm

I would probably forget about the fence about 3am and well you get the picture!! It wouldnt be pretty!

 

[Graylight]

IF you are above timber, you will VERY rarely have any issues with bears. i,e, high country muley hunts in September...

To answer the question in regards to the WA shakes - I have not utilized them, so I have little input. As far as the WA Hydrate and Recover, it comes in a flavor called Berry Blast... It's not bad - Granted, it is not as sweet as Gatorade but it goes down fine. Considering the benefits, I love it.

Once upon a time, WA gave us a ton of their product that I would have otherwise never purchased or utilized. After using the Hydrate and recover powder, I am sold and will continue to buy it into the future. Just as a FYI - I am not trying to sell this product or help push the stuff. Simply put, it works well for me and my friends who use it.

 

[Elk Hunter]

I would probably forget about the fence about 3am and well you get the picture!! It wouldnt be pretty!

Yeah, but you would probably only do it once.

 

[JMSZ]

I use the bear bag and hunting areas with bear for the past 26 years ( Dang that seems like a long time!!) I haven't had any issues with bears in camp. I am more worried about Moose coming through the camp than a bear. I have had a few close calls at night with moose during the night in camp and they are not afraid of anything especially at night. Mark

Do you take bear spray with you?

When considering this, on the one hand, I like to ere on the side of safety, on the other hand, I figure that people have been hunting, ranching, herding and camping up in the mountains for decades and, while there have been occasional problems, it obviously hasn't been enough to stop people from doing it.

Being a firm believer in Murphy and his antics, I just worry that now, if I decide not to get anything, he'll make me number 1,000,000.

 

[25contender]

Yes sir I keep a can close by. Like they say better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Do you take bear spray with you?

When considering this, on the one hand, I like to ere on the side of safety, on the other hand, I figure that people have been hunting, ranching, herding and camping up in the mountains for decades and, while there have been occasional problems, it obviously hasn't been enough to stop people from doing it.

Being a firm believer in Murphy and his antics, I just worry that now, if I decide not to get anything, he'll make me number 1,000,000.