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Food for Winter
Submitted by An Outdoor Idiots Team Member.
"Food is all very different in freezing temperatures"
Some words from the tipster:
In freezing temperatures, it is necessary to think carefully about what foodstuffs are suitable. Many things that are fine to carry in summer are not ideal for winter.
Some things that you might normally take, such as fruit, or sandwiches with salad, become like ice-cubes if it is cold enough.
Generally, food should contain an absolute minimum of water, so that it is not prone to freezing. There are plenty of foodstuffs that fit this bill, either in their "normal" state, or after they have been dehydrated.
Some examples of suitable food which does not need to be dehydrated are: Cereals, nuts, biscuits, cheese and chocolate. Food which is very high in fat is often suitable.
Some examples of dehydrated foods are: Rice, pasta, noodles, dried meat (e.g. beef jerky), dried fruit and powdered milk. Dehydrated food is also popular for backpacking in warm climates, because it weighs less. However, the emphasis on dehydrated food in freezing climates is even greater.
To Cook or Not to Cook
Cooking food is generally much harder in freezing temperatures. However, while it is comforting to have hot food and hot drinks in freezing temperatures, it is in no way necessary in order to stay warm.All you need is plenty of high-energy food and plenty of water. From that, your body will be able to generate its own heat to keep warm. There are plenty of foodstuffs that are suitable for freezing temperatures, but which do not require cooking.
What would Scott Say?
It is interesting to see what type of food was used on Scott's 1912 expedition to the South Pole. The list was fairly simple:Biscuits, Pemmican, Butter, Cheese, Sugar and Cocoa.
This provided a person with about 4,500 calories a day, broken down roughly as 30% protein, 20% fat and 50% carbohydrate. Pemmican, disgustingly, was basically pounded dried beef mixed with beef fat. It was usually made into a soup (with melted snow) known as "Hoosh", and was eaten with biscuits and butter. These days, chocolate is a very popular food in Antarctica.
What food do you take with you in winter? Tell everyone about it here.
If you can't be bothered to enter the forums, then shame on you! But you can still leave a comment below. Please try to avoid the profane ramblings of a madman. That's our job.
If you can't be bothered to enter the forums, then shame on you! But you can still leave a comment below. Please try to avoid the profane ramblings of a madman. That's our job.
Your Comments
On 5 May 2007, beany said:captian scott didnt make it back alive.if he had packed some dogs he would of made it like armundson..
The Outdoor Idiots.com Emergency Response Team says:
Amundsen possibly understood the nutritional value of dogs, as you suggest. However, we have demonstrated that Scott's demise was due to an inability to brew tea. Had he packed a Kelly Kettle, we feel sure he would be with us today, albeit rather old.
On 14 December 2006, Basemetal said:
Shortbread!
Butter shortbread, cheese shorbread, chocolate shortbread, whisky shortbread. It stayed edible at -30 C on Mt Blanc in Winter, when Mars Bars became icicles.
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