What kind of food should I take camping?

	Ask the Expert Dorcas Miller Outdoor cookbook author Dorcas Miller believes ingredients should have zing - or they should stay at home. Ask Dorcas a question Meet Dorcas Previous Answers

Take food you like. Make a list of the kinds of foods you eat at home, then check the supermarket or specialty stores for items that will allow you to prepare those foods on trail. Cookbooks are a good source of ideas, too. Conversely, don't pack foods that you don't like on the assumption that they will taste better on trail. They won't.

Include comfort foods and special treats. What makes you feel good even when the weather is bad or the wind is against you? Mac and cheese, your favorite brand of coffee, lemon bars, toasted nuts--take what boosts your spirits.

Go for variety in flavor and texture. Having the same thing every day can boring. It's easy to plan for variety in taste (salty, sweet, spicy) and in texture (smooth, lumpy, chewy, crunchy, al dente). Include spices in the food or in your spice kit.

Figure out what you need: Are you headed out for a casual or a strenuous trip? Summer or winter? Short or long? Think about how many cups of breakfast or dinner you will want to eat, and how many calories you'll need to keep you going. Then plan accordingly.

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