Food & Fuel Decision Flowchart
Start Here: What Type of Trip Are You Taking?
➡ Short Trip (1-2 Days) → Skip fresh food, focus on no-cook or quick-cook options.
➡ Multi-Day (3-5 Days) → Balance freeze-dried, dehydrated, and fresh food for variety.
➡ Extended (6+ Days) → Plan resupply, high-calorie density foods, and caching if necessary.
Do You Need to Cook Food?
➡ Yes → Choose a stove:
🔹 Canister Stove → Fast, easy, works in most conditions.
🔹 Liquid Fuel Stove → Best for extreme cold or large group cooking.
🔹 Alcohol Stove → Lightweight, simple, but slower cooking.
🔹 Twig Stove / Esbit → No need to carry fuel but fire bans may restrict use.
➡ No → Plan for energy-dense no-cook options: wraps, nut butters, trail mix, protein bars.
➡ Unsure? → Consider cold soaking as a backup method.
What Are Your Food Priorities?
➡ Lightweight & Calorie Dense? → Choose freeze-dried meals, nuts, oils, cheese, jerky.
➡ Balanced Variety? → Mix dehydrated meals, fresh food (apples, hard cheese, tortillas).
➡ Minimal Fuel Use? → Opt for cold soaking, instant oats, couscous, and quick-boil meals.
➡ Comfort & Morale? → Bring small luxuries like coffee, spices, flavored drink mixes.
How Will You Store & Protect Food?
➡ In Bear Country? → Use BearVault, Ursack, or hang food (PCT method).
➡ Cold Weather? → Insulate fuel canisters and plan for higher calorie intake.
➡ Extended Trek? → Cache food or plan resupply stops.
➡ Wet Conditions? → Store food in waterproof bags or dry sacks.
Do You Have Enough Fuel?
➡ Yes → Ensure efficient use with windscreen and lids.
➡ No → Recalculate based on meal plan (e.g., 50–100g canister fuel/day).
➡ Unsure? → Carry an extra backup meal that requires no cooking.
✔ Final Check: Does your Food & Fuel strategy match your trip needs, weather, and cooking preferences?
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