Here is our hiking food recommendations for those heading out on our Tasmanian Iconic Walk
Tasmanian Iconic Walks event will take place on the Tasman Arch to Fortescue Bay track (taking anything from 5-10 hours to complete) and as we would very much like to see you enjoy your day we thought we’d mention a few things about hiking food that you may not have considered. When heading out of an extended day walk it is important to understand the importance of good, energizing food that is suitable for hikers. We have had inexperienced hikers bring a lunch comparable to what they would bring to work where they sit at a desk all day (that’s not enough food in our opinion). This walk is hard and long – so select the right hiking food that will provide energy to walk all day.
First please carry adequate water
There is no drinkable water on the track and the water at Fortescue Bay is not recommended for drinking without boiling it first. There are no canteens or shops. How much you carry does very much depend on the weather, how much you sweat, and how long you expect to be out. Please carry at least half a litre for each hour you expect to be out, more if it is hot (we held an event a few years back and it was 37 degrees – in Tasmania that’s hot). If it’s cold you might want to pack a small thermos of tea or coffee. It is always hard to offer absolute advice regarding what to take into the Tassie wilderness as the weather can change quickly. Always be over prepared! We highly recommend you carry a water bladder with a ‘straw’ so you can walk and drink simultaneously.
Hiking food suitable for day walks
Here is a very important tip. Bring durable food that won’t break or turn to sludge easily (ie no tomato or beetroot sandwiches). We recommend:
- Dry biscuits – corn crisp breads, Ryvita, vita-wheat rather than water crackers
- Salami / cheese / canned tuna / dips like hummus or pesto
- Mountain bread / wraps / dense bread / scrolls
- Fruit, nuts, dried fruit, energy balls
- Avocado in a tube (hiking is the only time this is a good idea)
- Carrot and celery sticks
- Muesli bars, bliss balls, scroggin – also known as trail mix (click on this link for the best recipe ever)
Over the day you will stop for a rest and / or a photo. This is the perfect time to pop a little snack in your mouth. Scroggin or trail mix should be delicious and easy to access so you can nibble as you walk. Scroggin should also be a mix of nuts, seeds and sweets and if you’d like to view the best scroggin recipe in the world it is here!! If it’s just lollies your blood sugar levels can crash while the nuts provide slow and steady energy release.
Ensure your hiking food is sealed in your pack so zip lock bags or similar are very handy and stop the contents of your bag smelling like fish! Of course, carry all your wrappers out with you – there are no bins on this walk!
Interested in the next Tasmanian Iconic Walk? Please join our early bird list here.