Home » Asides » Isle Royale Aside: A Two-week Long Backcountry Menu

Isle Royale Aside: A Two-week Long Backcountry Menu

Preparing for dinner at Little Todd

People often ask me, “What do you eat when you are out backpacking?” It is embarrassing to admit I never really know what to tell them; other than a vague recitation of staples, such as instant rice, couscous, pasta, etc.

When I was hiking along the Minong Ridge Trail on Isle Royale it dawned on me to write about my menu. Unfortunately, I never recorded my food beforehand, which would have made the process much easier. So when I arrived at Windigo, I spent a good portion of my rest day playing anthropologist, going through my garbage and recreating my menu from the six previous days on the island.

During the second half of the trip I did a much better job of recording what I consumed. Regardless, my notes were not complete and I went through the exact same anthropological procedure as before, except this time, it was a year later and I did it in the comfort of my own home. Yeah, you heard that right; I stored the garbage in my freezer for the past year, just for this occasion.

Although the following menu is a pretty good approximation of my diet for the two weeks I was on Isle Royale, it still is just that: an approximation. Although, the items consumed should be accurate enough, the serving sizes are estimates, since I cannot recall the actual amount measured off before leaving for my trip.


I omitted a few things from my menu. I did not include my vitamins, which included several different kinds during breakfast and dinner. Also, I carried several different dried spices in small resealable plastic bags. The calories from these are negligible, as is their weight.

The following table lists my entire Isle Royale menu by meal and date. Included are date, approximate location of meal, item, my serving size, weight in grams and Calories. Weight and Calorie totals for each meal, day and the complete trip are listed as well. Links to each blog post where the meal took place (although many snacks are omitted) and to a retailer where the item may be purchased are listed throughout the table.

Notice the second week is mostly just a copy of the first one, with slight modifications. When I packed for this two-week trip, I found planning my meals overwhelming, so I broke it down into two seven-day trips, which eased the effort somewhat. I figured that by the time the second week rolled around, the miles and the exertion would suppress my memory of the first week’s menu.

The meals got a little sparser near the end, since originally I planned to eat a meal at one of the Rock Harbor restaurants, which did not happen as they closed the Sunday before Labor Day. Included in the meals is my celebratory feast of confectionaries when I arrived at Windigo, and the Foster’s Lager oil can that I carried all the way from the frigid cold temperatures at Washington Creek Campground to Siskiwit Bay Campground.

Here is a table of my menu during the Isle Royale trip I took in late summer of 2011:

Date Location Meal Item Serving size Weight Calories
Aug 29

Rock Harbor Trail

PM Snack

Gatorade Perform 02 Powder Packet G2 – Grape

pouch

15.0

50
Naked Granola Taste Of California cookie

1 bar

70.9

200
Total

85.9

250
Daisy Farm

Dinner

Bumble Bee Foods Wild Pink Salmon

pouch

141.7

120
Wegmans Instant Rice

1 cup

88.0

320
Organic Just Corn

small handful

14.0

50
Endangered Species Extreme Dark Chocolate

1 bar

9.9

50
Ginger People Organic Crystallized Ginger

3 pieces

10.5

34
Mi-Del Ginger Snaps

2 cookies

12.0

48
Newman’s Own Hint-O-Mint Cookies

2 cookies

27.0

130
Total

303.1

752
Day Total

389.0

1002
Aug 30

Daisy Farm

Breakfast

Old Wessex Ltd. Instant Oatmeal

1 cup

80.0

320
Wegmans Whey Protein Powder

1 scoop

21.5

80
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Bran

1 tbsp

3.8

13
Bob’s Red Mill Organic Flaxseed Meal

1 tbsp

6.5

30
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Germ

1 tbsp

8.0

30
Crunchies Freeze Dried Strawberries

small handful

9.0

33
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Raspberries

small handful

7.0

25
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Blueberries

small handful

6.0

20
Simply Organic Cinnamon

1 t.

1.0

0
Woodstock Organic Brown Sugar

1 tbsp

4.0

15
Health Valley Organic Blueberry Cobbler Cereal Bar

1 bar

37.0

140
Celestial Seasonings Herb Tea, Mint Magic

1 bag

2.0

0
Total

185.8

706
Daisy Farm Trail

AM snack

Zone Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Nutrition Bar

half bar

25.0

105
Total

25.0

105
Greenstone Ridge Trail

Lunch

Wegmens Yellowfin Light Tuna in Water

pouch

8.5

80
Arnold’s Select Sandwich Thins – 100% Whole Wheat

1 roll

43.0

100
Spectrum Organic Soy Mayonnaise

1 tbsp

15.0

100
Woodstock Farms Dark Chocolate Almonds

1/4 bag

50.0

300
Yumnuts Naturals Cashews Chocolate

1/8 bag

17.8

100
Celestial Seasonings Peach Delight Green Tea

1 packet

2.5

0
Total

136.8

680
East Chickenbone Trail

PM snack

Zone Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Nutrition Bar

half bar

25.0

105
Gatorade Perform 02 Powder Packet G2 – Grape

packet

15.0

50
Total

40.0

155
McCargoe Cove

Dinner

Annie’s Homegrown Organic Shells and Real Aged Cheddar

half package

89.0

338
Ginger People Organic Crystallized Ginger

3 pieces

10.5

34
Doctor Kracker Seedlander Crackers

6 crackers

21.8

90
Mi-Del Ginger Snaps

2 cookies

12.0

48
Newman’s Own Hint-O-Mint Cookies

2 cookies

27.0

130
Endangered Species Extreme Dark Chocolate

1 bar

9.9

50
Mountain House Neapolitan Ice Cream Bar

1 bar

21.3

120
Golden Valley Natural Organic Beef Jerky Bar-B-Que

1/2 package

42.5

105
Total

234.0

915
Day Total

621.6

2561
Aug 31

McCargoe Cove

Breakfast

Post Grape-Nuts Cereal

3/4 cup

87.0

300
New England Naturals Organic Omega Hemp and Flax Granola

1/4 cup

26.0

120
Sliced almonds

1/8 cup

28.0

163
Sunflower seeds

1/8 cup

28.0

164
Wegmans Whey Protein

1 scoop

21.5

80
Emergen-C Raspberry

1 packet

8.0

20
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Bran

1 tbsp

3.8

13
Bob’s Red Mill Organic Flaxseed Meal

1 tbsp

6.5

30
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Germ

1 tbsp

8.0

30
Crunchies Freeze Dried Strawberries

small handful

9.0

33
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Raspberries

small handful

7.0

25
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Blueberries

small handful

6.0

20
Simply Organic Cinnamon

1 t.

1.0

0
Woodstock Organic Brown Sugar

1 tbsp

4.0

15
Kashi TLC Cereal Bar, Blackberry Graham

1 bar

35.0

110
Total

278.8

1123
Minong Ridge Trail

AM snack

Nature’s Path Organic Granola Bars, Pumpkin-n-Spice

half bar

17.5

70
Total

17.5

70
Minong Ridge Trail

Lunch

Justin’s Classic Organic Peanut Butter

1 pouch

32.0

200
MRE Blackberry Jam

1 packet

28.4

70
Arnold Select Sandwich Thins, Multi-Grain

1 roll

42.5

100
Kettle Valley Fruit Snack, Orchard Blend

1 bar

20.0

70
Woodstock Farms Dark Chocolate Almonds

1/8 bag

25.0

150
Yumnuts Naturals Cashews Chocolate

1/4 bag

35.5

200
To Go Brands Acai Energy Drink

1 packet

6.3

24
Total

189.7

814
Minong Ridge Trail

PM Snack

Gatorade Perform 02 Powder Packet G2, Fruit Punch

1 packet

15.0

50
Nature’s Path Organic Granola Bars, Pumpkin-n-Spice

half bar

17.5

70
Total

32.5

120
Todd Harbor

Dinner

Lipton Cup-A-Soup Chicken Noodle w/ White Meat

1 packet

13.0

50
Dr. McDougall’s Black Bean & Lime Soup Cup

1 cup

95.0

340
Ginger People Organic Crystallized Ginger

3 pieces

10.5

34
Doctor Kracker Seedlander Crackers

3 crackers

10.5

34
Mi-Del Ginger Snaps

2 cookies

12.0

48
Newman’s Own Hint-O-Mint Cookies

2 cookies

27.0

130
Endangered Species Extreme Dark Chocolate

1 piece

9.9

50
Celestial Seasonings Zingers to Go Herb Tea, Tangerine Orange Wave

1 packet

2.5

0
Celestial Seasonings Green Tea Decaf.

1 bag

2.0

0
Total

182.4

686
Day Total

700.9

2813
Sep 01

Todd Harbor

Breakfast

Organic Valley Nonfat Dry Milk

3 tbsp

26.0

90
Old Wessex Ltd. Instant Oatmeal

1 cup

80.0

320
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Bran

1 tbsp

3.8

13
Bob’s Red Mill Organic Flaxseed Meal

1 tbsp

6.5

30
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Germ

1 tbsp

8.0

30
Crunchies Freeze Dried Strawberries

small handful

9.0

33
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Raspberries

small handful

7.0

25
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Blueberries

small handful

6.0

20
Simply Organic Cinnamon

1 t.

1.0

0
Woodstock Organic Brown Sugar

1 tbsp

4.0

15
Health Valley Organic Blueberry Cobbler Cereal Bar

1 bar

37.0

140
Emergen-C Mixed Berry

1 packet

8.0

20
Total

196.3

736
Minong Ridge Trail

AM Snack

Zone Perfect Nutrition Bar, Chocolate Mint

half bar

22.5

95
Total

22.5

95
Minong Ridge Trail

Lunch

Fantastic Foods Original Hummus

1 serving

28.0

120
Atlantic Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 packet

14.2

120
Arnold’s Select Sandwich Thins – 100% Whole Wheat

1 roll

43.0

100
Kopali Organics Pineapple

1 packet

48.0

170
Kettle Valley Fruit Snack, Cherry

1 bar

20.0

70
Woodstock Farms Dark Chocolate Almonds

1/8 bag

25.0

150
Yumnuts Naturals Cashews Chocolate

1/8 bag

17.8

100
Healthy To Go! Omega To Go

1 packet

6.5

20
Total

202.5

850
Little Todd

PM Snack

Zone Perfect Nutrition Bar, Chocolate Mint

half bar

22.5

95
Gatorade Perform 02 Powder Packet G2, Fruit Punch

1 packet

15.0

50
Total

37.5

145
Little Todd

Dinner

Fantastic World Foods Organic Whole Wheat Couscous

half cup

90.0

340
Organic Just Corn

handful

14.0

50
Golden Valley Natural Organic Beef Jerky Bar-B-Que

half package

42.5

105
Ginger People Organic Crystallized Ginger

3 pieces

10.5

34
Doctor Kracker Seedlander Crackers

3 pieces

10.5

34
Mi-Del Ginger Snaps

2 cookies

12.0

48
Newman’s Own Hint-O-Mint Cookies

2 cookies

27.0

130
Celestial Seasonings Herb Tea, Mint Magic

1 bag

2.0

0
Total

208.5

741
Day Total

667.3

2567
Sep 02

Little Todd

Breakfast

Old Wessex Ltd. Instant Oatmeal

1 cup

80.0

320
Organic Valley Nonfat Dry Milk

3 tbsp

26.0

90
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Bran

1 tbsp

3.8

13
Bob’s Red Mill Organic Flaxseed Meal

1 tbsp

6.5

30
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Germ

1 tbsp

8.0

30
Crunchies Freeze Dried Strawberries

small handful

9.0

33
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Raspberries

small handful

7.0

25
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Blueberries

small handful

6.0

20
Simply Organic Cinnamon

1 t.

1.0

0
Woodstock Organic Brown Sugar

1 tbsp

4.0

15
Emergen-C Raspberry

1 packet

8.0

20
Kashi TLC Snack Bar, Baked Apple Spice

1 bar

35.0

110
Total

194.3

706
Minong Ridge Trail

AM Snack

Kashi TLC Fruit & Grain Bar, Raspberry Chocolate

1 bar

32.0

120
Total

32.0

120
Minong Ridge Trail

Lunch

Wegmans Albacore Tuna

pouch

8.5

80
Arnold Select Sandwich Thins, Multi-Grain

1 roll

42.5

100
Spectrum Organic Soy Mayonnaise

1 tbsp

15.0

100
Kopali Organic Chocolate Covered Goji Berries

half package

28.5

120
Kettle Valley Fruit Snack, Blueberry

1 bar

20.0

70
Celestial Seasonings Zingers to Go Herb Tea, Tangerine Orange Wave

1 packet

2.5

0
Total

117.0

470
North Lake Desor

Dinner

Eden Organic Vegetable Alphabets Pasta

half cup

55.0

210
Simply Organic Sweet Basil Pesto Seasoning Mix

packet

15.0

40
Atlantic Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 packet

14.2

120
Kopali Organic Chocolate Covered Goji Berries

half package

28.5

120
Ginger People Organic Crystallized Ginger

3 pieces

10.5

34
Doctor Kracker Seedlander Crackers

3 pieces

10.5

34
Mi-Del Ginger Snaps

2 cookies

12.0

48
Newman’s Own Hint-O-Mint Cookies

2 cookies

27.0

130
Celestial Seasonings Zingers to Go Herb Tea, Tangerine Orange Wave

1 packet

2.5

0
Total

175.2

736
Day Total

518.5

2032
Sep 03

North Lake Desor

Breakfast

Post Grape-Nuts Cereal

3/4 cup

87.0

300
New England Naturals Organic Omega Hemp and Flax Granola

1/4 cup

26.0

120
Sliced almonds

1/8 cup

28.0

163
Sunflower seeds

1/8 cup

28.0

164
Wegmans Whey Protein

1 scoop

21.5

80
Emergen-C Raspberry

1 packet

8.0

20
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Bran

1 tbsp

3.8

13
Bob’s Red Mill Organic Flaxseed Meal

1 tbsp

6.5

30
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Germ

1 tbsp

8.0

30
Crunchies Freeze Dried Strawberries

small handful

9.0

33
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Raspberries

small handful

7.0

25
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Blueberries

small handful

6.0

20
Simply Organic Cinnamon

1 t.

1.0

0
Woodstock Organic Brown Sugar

1 tbsp

4.0

15
Health Valley Organic Blueberry Cobbler Cereal Bar

1 bar

37.0

140
Total

280.8

1153
Minong Ridge Trail

AM Snack

Zone Perfect Double Dark Chocolate Nutrition Bar

half bar

22.5

95
Total

22.5

95
Minong Ridge Trail

Lunch

Justin’s Classic Organic Peanut Butter

1 pouch

32.0

200
MRE Blackberry Jam

1 packet

28.4

70
Arnold Select Sandwich Thins, Multi-Grain

1 roll

42.5

100
Endangered Species Extreme Dark Chocolate

1 piece

9.9

50
Kettle Valley Organic Real Fruit Snack, Strawberry

1 bar

20.0

70
Gatorade Perform 02 Powder Packet G2, Fruit Punch

1 packet

15.0

50
Mountain House Ice Cream Sandwich

1 sandwich

32.0

150
Total

179.8

690
Minong Ridge Trail

PM Snack

Zone Perfect Double Dark Chocolate Nutrition Bar

half bar

22.5

95
Total

22.5

95
Windigo

Windigo Snack

Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Candies

1 package

43.0

210
Minute Maid Juice Apple

1 bottle

430.9

209
Hunt’s Vanilla Pudding Cup

1 cup

99.0

120
Homemade apple pie

1 small slice

155.0

411
Total

727.9

950
Washington Creek

Dinner

Backpacker’s Pantry Shepherd’s Potato Stew with Beef

1 package

165.0

600
Gatorade Perform 02 Powder Packet G2 – Grape

pouch

15.0

50
Total

180.0

650
Day Total

1413.5

3633
Sep 04

Washington Creek

Breakfast

Old Wessex Ltd. Instant Oatmeal

1 cup

80.0

320
Organic Valley Nonfat Dry Milk

3 tbsp

26.0

90
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Bran

1 tbsp

3.8

13
Bob’s Red Mill Organic Flaxseed Meal

1 tbsp

6.5

30
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Germ

1 tbsp

8.0

30
Crunchies Freeze Dried Strawberries

small handful

9.0

33
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Raspberries

small handful

7.0

25
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Blueberries

small handful

6.0

20
Simply Organic Cinnamon

1 t.

1.0

0
Woodstock Organic Brown Sugar

1 tbsp

4.0

15
Kashi TLC Cereal Bar, Blackberry Graham

1 bar

35.0

110
Emergen-C Mixed Berry

1 packet

8.0

20
Celestial Seasonings Green Tea Decaf.

1 bag

2.0

0
Jennie’s Coconut Macaroon

1 piece

12.6

65
Total

208.9

771
Washington Creek

Lunch

Justin’s Classic Organic Peanut Butter

1 pouch

32.0

200
MRE Blackberry Jam

1 packet

28.4

70
Arnold’s Select Sandwich Thins – 100% Whole Wheat

1 roll

43.0

100
Endangered Species Extreme Dark Chocolate

1 piece

9.9

50
Ginger People Organic Crystallized Ginger

3 pieces

10.5

34
Doctor Kracker Seedlander Crackers

3 pieces

10.5

34
Mi-Del Ginger Snaps

2 cookies

12.0

48
Newman’s Own Hint-O-Mint Cookies

2 cookies

27.0

130
Kettle Valley Fruit Snack, Cranberry

1 bar

20.0

68
Sahale Snacks Glazed Nuts Almonds with Cranberries, Honey + Sea Salt

half package

57.0

302
Total

250.3

1036
Washington Creek

Dinner

Dr. McDougall’s Right Foods Vegan Lentil Couscous Soup, Lower Sodium

1 cup

62.0

190
Healthy To Go! Omega To Go

1 packet

6.5

20
Sahale Snacks Glazed Nuts Almonds with Cranberries, Honey + Sea Salt

half package

57.0

302
Total

125.5

512
Day Total

584.7

2319
Sep 05

Washington Creek

Breakfast

Post Grape-Nuts Cereal

3/4 cup

87.0

300
New England Naturals Organic Omega Hemp and Flax Granola

1/4 cup

26.0

120
Sliced almonds

1/8 cup

28.0

163
Sunflower seeds

1/8 cup

28.0

164
Wegmans Whey Protein

1 scoop

21.5

80
Organic Valley Nonfat Dry Milk

3 tbsp

26.0

90
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Bran

1 tbsp

3.8

13
Bob’s Red Mill Organic Flaxseed Meal

1 tbsp

6.5

30
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Germ

1 tbsp

8.0

30
Crunchies Freeze Dried Strawberries

small handful

9.0

33
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Raspberries

small handful

7.0

25
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Blueberries

small handful

6.0

20
Simply Organic Cinnamon

1 t.

1.0

0
Woodstock Organic Brown Sugar

1 tbsp

4.0

15
Kashi TLC Snack Bar, Baked Apple Spice

1 bar

35.0

110
Celestial Seasonings 100% Natural Lemon Zinger Herbal Tea

1 bag

2.0

0
Total

298.8

1193
Feldtmann Lake Trail

Lunch

Justin’s Classic Organic Peanut Butter

1 pouch

32.0

200
MRE Blackberry Jam

1 packet

28.4

70
Arnold Select Sandwich Thins, Multi-Grain

1 roll

42.5

100
Yumnuts Naturals Cashews Chocolate

1/4 bag

35.5

200
Woodstock Farms Dark Chocolate Almonds

1/4 bag

50.0

300
Kettle Valley Fruit Snack, Cranberry

1 bar

20.0

68
Gatorade Perform 02 Powder Packet G2, Fruit Punch

1 packet

15.0

50
Total

223.4

988
Feldtmann Lake

PM Snack

Naked Granola Taste Of Down Under

1 bar

70.0

220
Total

70.0

220
Feldtmann Lake

Dinner

Bumble Bee Foods Wild Pink Salmon

pouch

141.7

120
Wegmans Instant Rice

1 cup

88.0

320
Organic Just Corn

small handful

14.0

50
Ginger People Organic Crystallized Ginger

3 pieces

10.5

34
Mi-Del Ginger Snaps

2 cookies

12.0

48
Newman’s Own Hint-O-Mint Cookies

2 cookies

27.0

130
Emergen-C Mixed Berry

1 packet

8.0

20
Total

301.2

722
Day Total

893.4

3123
Sep 06

Rainbow Cove

Breakfast

Post Grape-Nuts Cereal

3/4 cup

87.0

300
New England Naturals Organic Omega Hemp and Flax Granola

1/4 cup

26.0

120
Sliced almonds

1/8 cup

28.0

163
Sunflower seeds

1/8 cup

28.0

164
Wegmans Whey Protein

1 scoop

21.5

80
Emergen-C Raspberry

1 packet

8.0

20
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Bran

1 tbsp

3.8

13
Bob’s Red Mill Organic Flaxseed Meal

1 tbsp

6.5

30
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Germ

1 tbsp

8.0

30
Crunchies Freeze Dried Strawberries

small handful

9.0

33
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Raspberries

small handful

7.0

25
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Blueberries

small handful

6.0

20
Woodstock Organic Brown Sugar

1 tbsp

4.0

15
Kashi TLC Cereal Bar, Blackberry Graham

1 bar

35.0

110
Total

277.8

1123
Feldtmann Ridge Trail

AM Snack

Zone Perfect Dark Chocolate Almond Nutrition Bar

half bar

22.0

95
Total

22.0

95
Feldtmann Ridge Tower

Lunch

Wegmens Yellowfin Light Tuna in Water

pouch

8.5

80
Arnold’s Select Sandwich Thins – 100% Whole Wheat

1 roll

43.0

100
Spectrum Organic Soy Mayonnaise

1 tbsp

15.0

100
Endangered Species Extreme Dark Chocolate

1 piece

9.9

50
Gatorade Perform 02 Powder Packet G2 – Grape

pouch

15.0

50
Kettle Valley Fruit Snack, Cherry

1 bar

20.0

70
Total

111.4

450
Feldtmann Ridge Trail

PM Snack

Zone Perfect Dark Chocolate Almond Nutrition Bar

half bar

23.0

95
Total

23.0

95
Siskiwit Bay

Dinner

Annie’s Homegrown Organic Shells and Real Aged Cheddar

half package

89.0

338
Ginger People Organic Crystallized Ginger

3 pieces

10.5

34
Mi-Del Ginger Snaps

2 cookies

12.0

48
Newman’s Own Hint-O-Mint Cookies

2 cookies

27.0

130
Golden Valley Natural Organic Beef Jerky Bar-B-Que

half package

42.5

105
Foster’s Lager

oil can

788.1

315
Total

969.1

970
Day Total

1403.3

2733
Sep 07

Siskiwit Bay

Breakfast

Post Grape-Nuts Cereal

3/4 cup

87.0

300
New England Naturals Organic Omega Hemp and Flax Granola

1/4 cup

26.0

120
Sliced almonds

1/8 cup

28.0

163
Sunflower seeds

1/8 cup

28.0

164
Organic Valley Nonfat Dry Milk

3 tbsp

26.0

90
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Bran

1 tbsp

3.8

13
Bob’s Red Mill Organic Flaxseed Meal

1 tbsp

6.5

30
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Germ

1 tbsp

8.0

30
Crunchies Freeze Dried Strawberries

small handful

9.0

33
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Raspberries

small handful

7.0

25
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Blueberries

small handful

6.0

20
Woodstock Organic Brown Sugar

1 tbsp

4.0

15
Health Valley Organic Blueberry Cobbler Cereal Bar

1 bar

37.0

140
Emergen-C Mixed Berry

1 packet

8.0

20
Total

284.3

1163
Island Mine Campground

AM Snack

Zone Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Nutrition Bar

half bar

25.0

105
Total

25.0

105
Mt. Desor

Lunch

Fantastic Foods Original Hummus

1 serving

28.0

120
Atlantic Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 packet

14.2

120
Arnold Select Sandwich Thins, Multi-Grain

1 roll

42.5

100
Kettle Valley Fruit Snack, Blueberry

1 bar

20.0

70
Gatorade Perform 02 Powder Packet G2, Fruit Punch

1 packet

15.0

50
Yumnuts Naturals Cashews Chocolate

1/4 bag

35.5

200
Woodstock Farms Dark Chocolate Almonds

1/4 bag

50.0

300
Kopali Organics Mango

1 package

51.0

140
Total

256.2

1100
Greenstone Ridge Trail

PM Snack

Zone Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Nutrition Bar

half bar

25.0

105
Total

25.0

105
South Lake Desor

Dinner

Dr. Mcdougall’s Black Bean & Rice Soup

1 cup

45.0

170
Celestial Seasonings Zingers to Go Herb Tea, Tangerine Orange Wave

1 packet

2.5

0
Ginger People Organic Crystallized Ginger

2 pieces

7 .0

23
Mi-Del Ginger Snaps

2 cookies

12.0

48
Newman’s Own Hint-O-Mint Cookies

2 cookies

27.0

130
Golden Valley Natural Organic Beef Jerky Bar-B-Que

half package

42.5

105
Total

136.0

476
Day Total

726.5

2949
Sep 08

South Lake Desor

Breakfast

Old Wessex Ltd. Instant Oatmeal

1 cup

80.0

320
Organic Valley Nonfat Dry Milk

3 tbsp

26.0

90
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Bran

1 tbsp

3.8

13
Bob’s Red Mill Organic Flaxseed Meal

1 tbsp

6.5

30
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Germ

1 tbsp

8.0

30
Crunchies Freeze Dried Strawberries

small handful

9.0

33
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Raspberries

small handful

7.0

25
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Blueberries

small handful

6.0

20
Simply Organic Cinnamon

1 t.

1.0

0
Woodstock Organic Brown Sugar

1 tbsp

4.0

15
Kashi TLC Snack Bar, Baked Apple Spice

1 bar

35.0

110
To Go Brands Acai Energy Drink

1 packet

6.3

24
Total

192.6

710
Greenstone Ridge Trail

AM Snack

Kashi TLC Chewy Granola Bars Cherry Dark Chocolate

1 bar

18.0

60
Total

18.0

60
Ishpeming Point

Lunch

Justin’s Classic Organic Peanut Butter

1 pouch

32.0

200
MRE Blackberry Jam

1 packet

28.4

70
Arnold’s Select Sandwich Thins – 100% Whole Wheat

1 roll

43.0

100
Kopali Organics Pineapple

1 packet

48.0

170
Gatorade Perform 02 Powder Packet G2, Fruit Punch

1 packet

15.0

50
Kettle Valley Organic Real Fruit Snack, Strawberry

1 bar

20.0

70
Mountain House Neapolitan Ice Cream Bar

1 bar

21.3

120
Total

207.7

780
Greenstone Ridge Trail

PM Snack

Kashi TLC Chewy Granola Bars Cherry Dark Chocolate

1 bar

17.0

60
Total

17.0

60
Hatchet Lake

Dinner

Mountain House Pro Pak Beef Stew

1 package

115.0

480
Celestial Seasonings Zingers to Go Herb Tea, Tangerine Orange Wave

1 packet

2.5

0
Ginger People Organic Crystallized Ginger

2 pieces

7 .0

23
Mi-Del Ginger Snaps

2 cookies

12.0

48
Newman’s Own Hint-O-Mint Cookies

2 cookies

27.0

130
Jennie’s Coconut Macaroon

1 piece

12.6

65
Endangered Species Extreme Dark Chocolate

1 piece

9.9

50
Total

186.0

796
Day Total

621.3

2406
Sep 09

Hatchett Lake

Breakfast

Post Grape-Nuts Cereal

3/4 cup

87.0

300
New England Naturals Organic Omega Hemp and Flax Granola

1/4 cup

26.0

120
Sliced almonds

1/8 cup

28.0

163
Sunflower seeds

1/8 cup

28.0

164
Wegmans Whey Protein

1 scoop

21.5

80
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Bran

1 tbsp

3.8

13
Bob’s Red Mill Organic Flaxseed Meal

1 tbsp

6.5

30
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Germ

1 tbsp

8.0

30
Crunchies Freeze Dried Strawberries

small handful

9.0

33
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Raspberries

small handful

7.0

25
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Blueberries

small handful

6.0

20
Woodstock Organic Brown Sugar

1 tbsp

4.0

15
Health Valley Organic Blueberry Cobbler Cereal Bar

1 bar

37.0

140
Emergen-C Mixed Berry

1 packet

8.0

20
Total

279.8

1153
Greenstone Ridge Trail

AM Snack

Kashi TLC Fruit & Grain Bar, Raspberry Chocolate

half bar

16.0

60
Total

16.0

60
Greenstone Ridge Trail

Lunch

Wegmans Albacore Tuna

pouch

8.5

80
Arnold Select Sandwich Thins, Multi-Grain

1 roll

42.5

100
Spectrum Organic Soy Mayonnaise

1 tbsp

15.0

100
Kettle Valley Fruit Snack – Berry blend

1 bar

20.0

70
Gatorade Perform 02 Powder Packet G2 – Grape

pouch

15.0

50
Kopali Organics Chocolate Cacao Nibs

half package

28.5

140
Total

129.5

540
Greenstone Ridge Trail

PM Snack

Kashi TLC Fruit & Grain Bar, Raspberry Chocolate

half bar

16.0

60
Total

16.0

60
West Chickenbone Lake

Dinner

Buffalo Guys Mild Buffalo Jerky

1/2 package

60.0

100
Fantastic World Foods Organic Whole Wheat Couscous

half cup

90.0

340
Organic Just Corn

handful

14.0

50
Emergen-C Raspberry

1 packet

8.0

20
Ginger People Organic Crystallized Ginger

3 pieces

10.5

34
Mi-Del Ginger Snaps

2 cookies

12.0

48
Newman’s Own Hint-O-Mint Cookies

2 cookies

27.0

130
Doctor Kracker Seedlander Crackers

8 crackers

29.0

120
Jennie’s Coconut Macaroon

1 piece

12.6

65
Total

263.1

907
Day Total

704.4

2720
Sep 10

West Chickenbone Lake

Breakfast

Organic Valley Nonfat Dry Milk

3 tbsp

26.0

90
Old Wessex Ltd. Instant Oatmeal

1 cup

80.0

320
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Bran

1 tbsp

3.8

13
Bob’s Red Mill Organic Flaxseed Meal

1 tbsp

6.5

30
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Germ

1 tbsp

8.0

30
Crunchies Freeze Dried Strawberries

small handful

9.0

33
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Raspberries

small handful

7.0

25
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Blueberries

small handful

6.0

20
Simply Organic Cinnamon

1 t.

1.0

0
Woodstock Organic Brown Sugar

1 tbsp

4.0

15
Emergen-C Mixed Berry

1 packet

8.0

20
Kashi TLC Snack Bar, Baked Apple Spice

1 bar

35.0

110
Celestial Seasonings Green Tea Decaf.

1 bag

2.0

0
Total

196.3

706
Indian Portage Trail

AM snack

Nature’s Path Organic Granola Bars, Pumpkin-n-Spice

half bar

17.5

70
Total

17.5

70
Moskey Basin

Lunch

Kopali Organics Chocolate Cacao Nibs

half package

28.5

140
Kettle Valley Fruit Snack, Cranberry

1 bar

20.0

68
Endangered Species Extreme Dark Chocolate

1 piece

9.9

50
Celestial Seasonings Zingers to Go Herb Tea, Tangerine Orange Wave

1 packet

2.5

0
Gatorade Perform 02 Powder Packet G2 – Grape

pouch

15.0

50
Total

75.9

308
Moskey Basin

Dinner

Eden Organic Vegetable Alphabets Pasta

half cup

55.0

210
Simply Organic Sweet Basil Pesto Seasoning Mix

packet

15.0

40
Atlantic Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 packet

14.2

120
Ginger People Organic Crystallized Ginger

1 piece

3.5

12
Mi-Del Ginger Snaps

2 cookies

12.0

48
Newman’s Own Hint-O-Mint Cookies

2 cookies

27.0

130
Jennie’s Coconut Macaroon

1 piece

12.6

65
Doctor Kracker Seedlander Crackers

4 crackers

14.5

60
Total

153.8

685
Day Total

443.5

1769
Sep 11

Moskey Basin

Breakfast

Post Grape-Nuts Cereal

3/4 cup

87.0

300
New England Naturals Organic Omega Hemp and Flax Granola

1/4 cup

26.0

120
Sliced almonds

1/8 cup

28.0

163
Sunflower seeds

1/8 cup

28.0

164
Wegmans Whey Protein

1 scoop

21.5

80
Emergen-C Raspberry

1 packet

8.0

20
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Bran

1 tbsp

3.8

13
Bob’s Red Mill Organic Flaxseed Meal

1 tbsp

6.5

30
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Germ

1 tbsp

8.0

30
Crunchies Freeze Dried Strawberries

small handful

9.0

33
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Raspberries

small handful

7.0

25
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Blueberries

small handful

6.0

20
Woodstock Organic Brown Sugar

1 tbsp

4.0

15
Kashi TLC Cereal Bar, Blackberry Graham

1 bar

35.0

110
Total

277.8

1123
Mt Ojibway

AM Snack

Zone Perfect Nutrition Bar, Chocolate Mint

1 bar

45.0

190
Total

45.0

190
Greenstone Ridge Trail

Lunch

Justin’s Classic Organic Peanut Butter

1 pouch

32.0

200
MRE Blackberry Jam

1 packet

28.4

70
Arnold’s Select Sandwich Thins – 100% Whole Wheat

1 roll

43.0

100
Kettle Valley Fruit Snack, Cherry

1 bar

20.0

70
Gatorade Perform 02 Powder Packet G2, Fruit Punch

1 packet

15.0

50
Mountain House Ice Cream Sandwich

1 sandwich

32.0

150
Sahale Snacks, Socorro Blend

1/2 package

70.0

400
Total

240.4

1040
Tobin Harbor Trail

PM Snack

Sahale Snacks, Socorro Blend

1/2 package

70.0

400
Total

70.0

400
Rock Harbor

Dinner

Dr. McDougall’s Right Foods Split Pea Soup

1 cup

54.0

110
Buffalo Guys Mild Buffalo Jerky

1/2 package

60.0

100
Endangered Species Extreme Dark Chocolate

1 piece

9.9

50
Ginger People Organic Crystallized Ginger

3 pieces

10.5

34
Mi-Del Ginger Snaps

2 cookies

12.0

48
Doctor Kracker Seedlander Crackers

4 crackers

14.5

60
Wegmans Whey Protein Powder

1/2 scoop

10.0

37
Arnold Select Sandwich Thins, Multi-Grain

1 slice

21.0

50
Total

191.9

489
Day Total

825.1

3242
Sep 12

Rock Harbor

Breakfast

Organic Valley Nonfat Dry Milk

3 tbsp

26.0

90
Old Wessex Ltd. Instant Oatmeal

1 cup

80.0

320
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Bran

1 tbsp

3.8

13
Bob’s Red Mill Organic Flaxseed Meal

1 tbsp

6.5

30
Bob’s Red Mill Wheat Germ

1 tbsp

8.0

30
Crunchies Freeze Dried Strawberries

small handful

9.0

33
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Raspberries

small handful

7.0

25
Crunchies Freeze-Dried Blueberries

small handful

6.0

20
Simply Organic Cinnamon

1 t.

1.0

0
Woodstock Organic Brown Sugar

1 tbsp

4.0

15
Health Valley Organic Blueberry Cobbler Cereal Bar

1 bar

37.0

140
Emergen-C Mixed Berry

1 packet

8.0

20
Total

196.3

736
Rock Harbor

Lunch

Kopali Organics Mango

1 package

51.0

140
Lipton Cup-a-Soup Hearty Chicken Noodle

1 envelope

16.0

61
Endangered Species Extreme Dark Chocolate

1 piece

9.9

50
Celestial Seasonings Peach Delight Green Tea

1 packet

2.5

0
Kettle Valley Organic Real Fruit Snack, Strawberry

1 bar

20.0

70
Arnold Select Sandwich Thins, Multi-Grain

1 slice

21.0

50
Arnold’s Select Sandwich Thins – 100% Whole Wheat

1 slice

21.5

50
Total

141.9

421
Day Total

338.2

1157
Trip Total

10851.2

37026

Since I have never analyzed a backcountry trip’s menu in such a way before, I was pleasantly surprised with the regularity of the meals in terms of calories and weight. The higher calorie days tended to be days of bone-chilling temperatures (my rest day in Windigo and the day after) or very long days where the extra Calories were necessary to cover the many arduous miles.

The breakfasts consisted either of the lighter weight/lower Calorie oatmeal or the higher weight/higher Calorie cold cereal. This may indicate I need to up my Calories when I bring oatmeal by either increasing the serving size or adding an extra cereal bar. The highest Calorie breakfast was 1193 at Washington Creek during the bitter cold just prior to leaving for Feldtmann Lake, with the lowest being a three-way tie at 706 between Daisy Farm, Little Todd and West Chickenbone Lake. The most efficient meal (i.e. highest Calories per weight) was Hatchet Lake, with the least being the next day’s at West Chickenbone Lake.

Lunches ranged from the low 308-Calorie meal at Moskey Basin to an 1100-Calorie one at Mt Desor. The type of dessert typically drove the Calories of my lunches, especially when nuts of some type were available. The most efficient lunch was along the Feldtmann Lake Trail (much needed on a cool and breezy afternoon), while the least was indisputably my last meal before departing the island at Rock Harbor (where I picked through the scraps of my food bag).

Of the main meals, dinner was the most consistent in Calories, ranging from 476 at South Lake Desor to 970 the day before at Siskiwit Bay, although this was due to the Foster’s beer. As for the most efficient dinner, Moskey Basin was the clear winner, while the one at Siskwit Bay was by far the worst, due again to the heavy Foster’s beer I hauled all the way from Washington Creek two days before.

This information should prove invaluable for planning my next long hike into the backcountry. In the future, a pre-trip analysis of menu should allow me to shore up some of my lighter meals to ensure I provide the proper number of Calories for the effort involved.

Bon appetite!


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