On-Trail Nutrition for New Zealand Hiking and Bikepacking

When it’s leg power alone driving your adventures your fuel source is the food you eat. With the high energy and hydration requirements of long days on the trail you need to be sure you’re getting everything you need nutrition-wise. 

At Outside Sports we carry a huge range of nutritional supplies that are perfect for taking along in your pack. They’re very light to carry, energy rich, and are made specifically supply you with the protein, carbs, vitamins, and minerals you need to stay satisfied and hydrated when you’re far away from home cooked meals. 

Freeze-dried meals have taken over from simple dehyrated food as the preserving method of choice for the foodies out on the trail. Freeze drying produces more delicious meals for several reasons: 

Freeze-dried meals usually taste better than dehydrated meals because the preservation process is gentler on flavour, texture, and aroma. Here’s why: 

Freeze drying removes water by a process known as sublimation where ice turns directly into water vapour. Because the food never heats up significantly, its cell structure stays intact. So when you rehydrate it, your meal regains its original texture and natural flavours. You get crisp veg, identifiable meat pieces, and fluffy rice rather than mush. 

On the other hand, the dehydration process involves heating the food so the moisture in it evaporates. But the heat also breaks down aromatic compounds and natural sugars and takes away the subtle flavours and aromas than make food delicious and appetising. 

The Back Country Cuisine, Radix, Real Meals and Outdoor Gourmet ranges of freeze-dried foods are most popular with our customers Outside Sports. They are all quick and easy to prepare, and really delicious which is a lovely reward to look forward to, for breakfast and after hours on the trail. 

The range of freeze-dried food available from our top brands mean you can create large menus of delicious meals. In fact, you could be on the trail for months and never need to eat the same thing twice. We have meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and sweet treats for desert. And if you decide to have a party in the back country – no problem – try a non-alcoholic cocktail mix from Easys. 

Along with mouthwatering pre-prepared meals we also have energy gels and snack bars to keep your energy levels topped up during the day. Tuck a couple in your pocket for when you feel your energy sinking. 

Hiking and bikepacking are high energy output activities, and a by-product of burning energy is heat, which your body controls by sweating. Fluid loss that’s not continually replaced makes you feel tired and in extreme cases can be dangerous to your health. 

Along with fluid you also lose minerals which your body needs to function effectively.

Electrolyte supplements added to your drinking water as directed will help restore them to healthy levels in your bloodstream. 

Here’s why maintaining your electrolyte levels is some important for hikers and bikepackers: 

When you sweat you lose sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Plain water can’t replace these, which can lead to headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and even nausea.  

Everyone hates getting cramp – especially at night! Low sodium and magnesium is one of the main causes of leg cramps on long, hot hikes and bikepacks. Electrolyte supplements help your muscles fire properly so you’re less likely to cramp late in the day or overnight. 

You absorb water better when electrolytes are present.  

Electrolytes support nerve function and help your body use carbohydrates more effectively. Many electrolyte supplements include glucose, which improves absorption and helps keep your energy at a good level. 

When you’re settled in one place for a day or two, it’s a great time to augment your nutritional intake with a recovery supplement which are designed to help you rapidly rebuild muscle and help reduce inflammation. 

Outside Sports stores at Te Anau, Queenstown, Arrowtown, Wanaka, and Tekapo are located near, or literally right on, all the main tracks and trails in the Southern Lakes area and we’re online too, so whether you’re passing through or preparing for your trip it’s easy shopping with us.  

As well as nutrition we also stock everything else you need for hiking and bikepacking, for bikes and hiking footwear to clothing and sleep systems – all from the world’s leading brands. 

You can take a deep dive into what you need to have with you for hiking here and bikepacking here.