I need energy but...

I am going to be going on a 31 mile hike where I will be hiking three days straight---stopping only to sleep at night under the stars!!!

 I know I will need energy to have enough strength to get through, but I do not want to be eating junk. What do you suggest to eat for these three days that is nutritious yet energizing? (How can I get in all my food groups when I cant bring food that needs refrigeration?)

Thanks!!

Pack nuts, beef jerky, pemmican, and anything else you can think of that would have been in the trail pack of an army ranger.

 Canned corned beef is good, so is blocks of baking chocolate or other high-energy food. And oatmeal.

 Don't be too concerned about junk; you'll probably do better if you include at least some things that could be described as junk in your meal plan. You're looking for high energy/low volume food that'll keep for a few days; the energy density in a couple pounds of peanuts will be helpful ;)

Dried fruits, nuts, chocolate in a trail mix is a good source of energy food. That's why they call it trail mix, lol. Instant oatmeal for breakfast is good, but you will probably need more than one packet. Beef jerky is a terrific idea for some protein.

Good luck on your hike.

Dehydrated food is great. It is best if you can make your own.  You can find a wide selection at most outdoor stores.  Not all of it is tasty though.  pasta is a decent choice if you can take the water or refill along the way.  peanut butter (you can buy tubes at the outdoor store to avoid jars), Hard cheese can usually be stored unrefrigerated for a few days.  Summer sausage does not need refigeration.  Tuna and chicken in pouches are light weight and tasty (pack out your trash).

Are you cooking on the trail?  Pancake mix is good. 

by the by - you will have more down time than you anticipate.  Bring a book, drawing pad, harmonica, cards or other entertainment.  31 miles sounds huge.  But over 3 days its very doable and you will have a lot more time to twiddle your thumbs than you think!

Energy bars are made for stuff like this, and not for snacking because "I don't have time" excuse. Just saying....

UD

MRE! meal-ready to-eat. they are packed w/ cals (one meal has many components that add up to 2500cals total)  that give you energy and are tastey and portable. i lived off them while training. you can pick them up @ most army surplus stores. :-D

Well You know they make bars and drinks that are pretty health ( and not junk) that would help you (: !

You could also make your own energy bars, trail mix, etc.  For some excellent suggestions on meals try: www.freezerbagcooking.com for stuff that is WAY better than MREs.  They will also be much less bulky/heavy; MREs are not lightweight and are not really intended for backpacking. 

Another great thing to do is make meals that you love to eat at home, and dehydrate them, to rehydrate and eat on the trail.  Just don't try to dehydrate anything fatty, and make sure ingredients are cut in sort of smallish, consistently sized pieces.  As a backpacker, I find my food dehydrator to be one of my favourite things!  Especially since you can dehydrate your own fruit and then it doesn't need added sugar. 

For more excellent ideas check out the food forums on the backpacker.com forums: 

http://www.backpacker.com/cgi-bin/forums/ikon board.cgi?act=SF;f=512107219

It is important to remember that eating ENOUGH which means many more calories than you woudl normally eat at home is much more important than sticking to a diet.  Just bring healthy stuff, but don't be afraid to put some M&Ms in your trail mix!

My favorite backpacking foods are: Oatmeal/dried fruit mixed with reconstituted dried soymilk; bagel/peanut butter/honey; energy bars; tortilla/hard cheese/onion/dried black beans cooked over an open fire for dinner.  Apples pack well and are great for a snack.  Everything tastes better when you are backpacking!