Arnotts VitaWeat Biscuits 9 Grains are one of our standbys. Each biscuit is approx 8 grams and 100 kj or 25 calories (3 per gram) so that about 6 biscuits (150 calories) plus some nutritious topping makes an adequate lunch. We store them in lightweight plastic freezer portion containers to prevent breakage.
I have already mentioned peanut butter as an excellent topping (See: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/peanut-butter-toast-soldiers/) Another favourite topping is D’Orsogna Traditional Romano Italian Salami (which does not require refrigeration until opening – and we find keeps fine for the three days it takes us to eat in @ 20C temperatures – ditto the following cheese) and Mainland Noble Cheddar or Colby. The Noble is a delicious new low fat cheddar which you might find hard to source.
Both salami and cheddar were invented (way back in the Middle Ages) for just such a purpose (ie long life compact food) and it is hard to beat them. Both the salami and the cheese are over 400 kj or 100 calories per 25 gram serve (ie over 4 calories per gram). Della and I find that a 200 gram pack of cheese plus a 200 gram salami last us with 36 biscuits for three days’ lunches. Per day each of us is eating 67 grams of salami/cheese plus 6 biscuits 270 + 150 = 420 calories each , quite enough for a nutritious lunch on the trail!
Another favourite lunch standby is Della’s Coconut Rice plus a sachet of tuna. (See: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/dellas-coconut-rice-hiking-food/) or if we want something hot one of the CupaSoup meals is great (For example: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/hiking-meals-continental-hearty-italian-minestrone/ Bon Appetit!
Thank you so much for your website you really need to write a book. I am 59 years old and getting back into backpacking. Tyvek was not around didn’t even know it existed until a few days ago. Luckily I have a connection in the construction business and have a great quantity at my disposal. Two things I have questions about if you have a minute. One is it’s described as one directional I noticed you have the labeling pointed to the inside instead of outside is there a reason at all. Also any hints for the actual showing of tie out thanks again for all your wisdom
Thank you Rusty. Good luck with your DIY tents. I like the clean white appearance to the world is all. I have been using it mainly for prototyping as it was (relatively) so cheap and came in 10′ wide rolls so I could easily make things on the lawn. I have recently constructed a large lay-out table and have sourced some cheap silnylon so I can make things directly in that, but also I have finessed some of my designs so that I am not playing around quite so much. I am surprised you can’t spot how I reinforce and sew the tie-outs on some of the (many) photos of Tyvek projects. Perhaps I need to do a post just about this/ I sew a small square of the same material on to the edge where I am going to put the tie-out, making sure it covers where the hem will be. Only need to sew it on three sides as when I sew the hem it will be sewn on the fourth. Then I fold over the hem and sew it so that that piece of the hem is four thicknesses of fabric, the =n I ew the tie ou to the hem. I just start about 3″ away from where the tie-out loop will be, sew it on leave a loop, then sew on the other three inches on the other side. If you have catenary curved it (https://www.theultralighthiker.com/2016/04/20/catenary-curves/) the material pulls out much better this way.Probably use a stronger gross grain or even a webbing for the main (peak) tie out. Next time I am making a tent I will take some photos and do a special post about it. Cheers, Steve. PS: I think the instructions for the 10 x 10 tarp (https://www.theultralighthiker.com/2019/09/06/two-great-poly-tarp-configurations/) are sufficiently clear for you to be able to make a copy. This should convince you of the efficacy of making a ‘fire shelter’ and of the desirability of a shelter which can be sued both as a tent and as a hammock tarp. The Grey Flyer is going to be even better but maybe I will get a partner who wants to manufacture some of my things.