Thought I would start another thread about food and supplies.


Dan, Jason, guys, new people feel free to register and join in.

Things we have found the last several years.

The Moutainside or Backpackers Pantry dried meals are pretty darn good. It's okay to try them out at home first to find one you like. If you don't like spaghetti don't get the spaghetti one.
Light and easy.

AVOID THINGS IN CANS. You have to pack out your trash (technically the mules do) stuff in cans is messy and smelly. And heavy

Breakfast bars are great.

Jerky is great.

Summer sausage is great.

Clif Bars are really good for the hike in and out. Try them ahead of time for a flavor you will like. Way better than power bars etc, and WAY WAY better than the gels IMO.


THERE ARE TWO LITTLE STORES AND A CAFE IN THE VILLAGE 2 MILES FROM CAMP.

I have never hiked up there from camp, except on the way out. On the way in however you can stock up on chips, crackers, candy bars. Etc.. They have pop, gatorade,bottled water, red bull, juice (the good stuff) everything you would want. Even fruit if you dare. It is two miles from camp though.

The cafe has a pretty good menu. And fry bread. And sometimes they sell fry bread and soda down by the campground. (always a bonus) It is a nice reward after 8 miles on the trail for lunch on Sunday.

There is a water spring in the camp. DOES NOT require treatment or boiling.

I will have a backpacker stove and a two burner camp stove and a 2 quart container for boiling water.

There are only picnic tables and outhouses no other amenities.

IT IS A REQUIREMENT BY ME YOUR HOST that you go by yourself to one of the falls and just sit and stare at it and reconnect. Really it is why you go. It is why I go. Why anyone goes. Two trips ago my friend Keith and I went down to 200 foot Mooney falls and had the whole place to ourselves for a good half hour. We just sat on opposite sides and zoned out. To the point I got within five feet of him and he never saw me. That's what it is all about.

So if you just walk or otherwise do some moderate training from now until May 14th you will have a great experience coming your way. This is my fourth year in a row and I hope you are as excited as I am.

The 220 foot Mooney Falls from the top.

Chile w/ sourcream and cheddar cheese in a tortilla is great.

crackers ,sardines ,oysters ,smoked gouda cheese are great. Helps you get down the trail , too

Pineapple Upsidedown cake is great and is slated for sunday / monday potluck. And maybe some cornbread- W/ honey and ghee.

Cocoa is great. Green tea is great.

-protein/carb drink( premixed and frozen) is really good for the hike down. HOney, can keep you jazzed, as well as a couple peanut butter jelly sandwiches( frozen, too).

Freeze water bottles for the trip down- one should be thawed..

Also, consider taking extra calcium, magnesium, potassium to keep things working, instead of cramping. Of course, snacking a little ,and frequently ,helps keep us moving.

I bought a backpack and will be carrying some good food in the form of dried fruit, sandwiches, sun chips, nuts, and what ever dried stuff I find I like. Maybe some top ramen noodles and some sea weed and dried shrimps. For cooking, I might get a few light camping items and a few dishes/utensils. I wanna keep the bag lite as possible and still bring a mess of goodies!

Ya, all those are goood. You're going to want to nibble on stuff- especially going back up.

YOu can't spare a can of tuna/chicken for your ramen? Where do you find dried shrimp in cowboyville?


I got a backpackstove(standard propane cylinders). I figure that should work fine for all of us.

I just fell in love w/ a pair of 3/4 length Spenco arch supports. I don't know how I've survived this long without them. FEET are priority number one on this trip.

Tomorrow- gotta go hiking.