Backcountry Nutrition
We sat down with Peak Refuel Ambassador Sidney Smith to talk about macros, protein needs in the field, and how to maintain peak performance during challenging hunts.
Do most people over or underestimate their protein needs?
Sidney: I would say that they underestimate their protein needs as well as their calories. Getting in physical shape for hunting in the backcountry by exercising is important, but so is fine-tuning your nutrition. It’s a lot like preparing for a marathon: runners practice testing their nutrition for months to find their peak performance for race day. Hunters should be doing the same.
What’s your rule of thumb for calculating protein needs?
I try to find as much protein, fats, and calories as possible. Sugar/glucose and carbs for those morning bursts to quickly beat others to the hunting spots. Then protein throughout the day to feel fuller, and finish the evening with a protein and calorie-heavy meal to put me to bed. Again, I recommend practicing your nutrition with your hunting training program.
How do terrain/weather conditions change the way you fuel?
I find my body requires more calories in cooler conditions to try to keep up the fight to stay warm. It also depends on the terrain; more difficult terrain can also require more calories to replenish the calories burned on the trail.
What do you wish people understood better about fueling their bodies?
Try some of the foods before your hunt. Your body may not respond well to some of the granola bars out there. Nothing is worse than having runs or constipation on the mountain. Drinking more water than you think is also important at the higher elevation, even when it’s very cool outside you have to drink.
Favorite Peak meal?
That’s a hard one, so I have narrowed it down to two. Biscuits and Gravy because it’s that mother’s comfort food that would work well for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Also, I would say the Homestyle Chicken and Rice; you really can’t mess that meal up no matter how badly you may suck at boiling water.
