While reading “ Wild Trees”, I was struck by a few comments about the lead characters in the book struggling through heavy undergrowth and logs in search for the Holy Grail of tall trees while nearly running out of fuel from lack of food. It appears they did not have enough food with them and they often ran out of steam. I have seen this phenomenon often at the jobsite too where hard working climbers would not even think about eating before they got foggy and exhausted. Then these foggy climbers run to a junk food store and wait for their tired bodies to recover with fast food garbage (pardon the rant).

So here’s the question. Do climbers here even think about quality fuel (food) and when to eat it? Is it only by chance that they get proper nutrition or does it take the hand of a woman to show them the way as it so happened in Richard Preston’s “Wild Trees” book.

Food is usually my biggest concern! I always evaluate how long I will be out and how long i MIGHT be out. I am mindful about bringing a snack, sandwiches and/or drink to keep me happy for time i'll be out, AND if I'm going to a wilderness area, I try to carry a little more.

3climbr and I went out a few weeks ago to climb a tree. We were only gone a few hours, but I brought granola bars, apples, peanut m&ms, and gatorade. We didn't eat all of it...but it was nice to know it was there if I want it.

I'll be honest, sometimes I'm having too much fun to stop and eat!

Usually when I don't bring food, I regret it later.

love
nick...i want ice cream

As a Wildernest Adventure and Outdoor Educator, it is important to have the proper diet and will great short term and long term fuel resources. This does not include cupcakes and coke and chips.

You need a high protein and diet that uselly has a high calorie intake. Nuts, jerky, dried fruit, etc. are very good. When hiking or canoeing or horseback riding to get some where (even if it is to climb a tree) needs fuel reserves. Most the time it is more snakes items(this does not include chips and cup cakes) such as nuts, fruit, ceral. etc.

Wate is another factor. Need lots of water, but if you are drinking coke or othe items then you have a quick high and a quick crash.

Go to backpacking websites -- they have a chart that will assist you.

You must tell me about the "snakes items." I really dig snakes--uhhhh....like snakes. Please tell me how they fit into your diet. Canned rattle shake meat....heard it is a good protein source. Quite poplar in Texas where I was raised as a kid.

I think snakes = snacks.

- _link_

Seems like MREs would be good for long periods of climbing/tree camping. Light weight, compact, warm food, easy to cook in a tree, just add water. Anyone ever use them?