On the trail Multivitamin?

S

soapboxpreacher

Joined
Apr 3, 2010
Messages
955
Just wondering if anyone takes a vitamin with them on the trail/camp out...and which one for that matter? I would thing this would be so important considering the lack of proper nutrition do to the limitation of what we can carry...supplementing in my mind is critical here.
 
I am in the Army and when we go to the field I take Multi vitamins with me, also they should be part of a larger Survival Kit, BOB, Camping Kit what ever you want to call it.
 
Powder or liquid filled capsules would be best, as hard packed stone-like pills are difficult to digest.
 
If that trail time is less than a week I wouldn't worry about it. Also, learning a bit about wild foraging can go a far way towards supplementing your needs. A few choice berries here, a bit of green foliage there added to that noodle cup. Apart from medicine (immodium and antihistamines are a godsend in the bush), bringing along the 'space age' pill for basic nutrition sort of misses the point of 'getting back to nature'.
 
kgd said:
...bringing along the 'space age' pill for basic nutrition sort of misses the point of 'getting back to nature'.
Click to expand...

:thumbup:

I don't worry about the multis when I'm bumming around, but I still keep a few in my survival kit. They won't keep you alive by themselves but they'll help you think clearer which should lead to better decision making. A big plus in a true survival situation.

That's the way I see it, anyhow...
 
IMO, believing in vitamins is falling into the traps set by tv commercials. I've lived a long, healthy life, some of it in very adverse conditions, and never felt the need for vitamins or supplements. I've said this before and will repeat it again here: the entire world susbists on FIVE basic foods---wheat, rice, beans, potatos, and corn. A combo of any two of them with a bit of meat or fish added and our amazing digestive systems can and will synthesize any nutrient needed. Spending money for vitamins is very like buying crap to put in your car's gas tank to increase the mileage and they don't work either....
 
Old CW4 said:
IMO, believing in vitamins is falling into the traps set by tv commercials. I've lived a long, healthy life, some of it in very adverse conditions, and never felt the need for vitamins or supplements. I've said this before and will repeat it again here: the entire world susbists on FIVE basic foods---wheat, rice, beans, potatos, and corn. A combo of any two of them with a bit of meat or fish added and our amazing digestive systems can and will synthesize any nutrient needed. Spending money for vitamins is very like buying crap to put in your car's gas tank to increase the mileage and they don't work either....
Click to expand...

I hear what your saying but from what I know of farming the crops we plant do not reap the nutritional value they once did. And to continue to grow them we simply put NPK back in the ground. The yellow corn we grow is garbage from a nutritional stand point. The indian corn that was here before was far better but it yielded less therefore makes less money for a farmer. After 3 seasons even with crop rotation the soil is no where near what it was. Wheat...as long as it isnt bleached out to nothing in flour. Rice same way brown is better then white. But back to the farmers, they do not get paid for quality but quantity...tonnage and bushels. Supplements are far more important then you thing. Even the meat we eat. Grass feed cattle is much more nutritious (not to mention tastes better) than the Corn feed counterparts. Supplements are far more then expensive piss...ask any body builder...minus the ones who take roids...their piss is even more expensive. What I dont think most see is how supplements prevent problems down the road. What I know of vitamin at least over the past few mouths is staggering. Big Pharma doesn't want you on vitamin...most aliments are from deficiencies for a lack of a mineral your body doesnt get enough of! And big pharma generally doesnt cure anything they treat. Its a lot cheaper to take vitamins now then a prescription later. Just my 2 cents. Not trying to cause friction here but there is a significant amount of merit to them. They just need to be ones your body can absorb. Not that I am a vitamin nut but check out "Food Matters" it is worth a listen. And everyone in it is creditable!
 
Last edited:
kgd said:
If that trail time is less than a week I wouldn't worry about it. Also, learning a bit about wild foraging can go a far way towards supplementing your needs. A few choice berries here, a bit of green foliage there added to that noodle cup. Apart from medicine (immodium and antihistamines are a godsend in the bush), bringing along the 'space age' pill for basic nutrition sort of misses the point of 'getting back to nature'.
Click to expand...


This is where I am at as well. I take several nutritional supplements at home or travelling but only take a few basic medicines when I am on a trip in the outdoors.
 
On longer trips, I take regular ol' hardpack vitamin pills. Emergen-C seems to provide a good boost as well.

Here's Mrs. Tradja with our vitamin stash on our CDT thru-hike. Fish oil, multis, and calcium/D. Protein shake too.
Resupplying with vitamins was a bit tricky on this hike but we always found something.
IMGP1885.jpg


We each lost more than 20% of our body weight on that hike, starting with slim/athletic frames. We were eating 6K-8K calories/day, but just couldn't keep up.

Various CDT snacks:
sub.jpg

IMGP1848.jpg

IMGP3385.jpg


Vitamins are good, but fresh foods are a great source that pack well for a few days:

IMGP1846.jpg

IMGP2851.jpg


I'm not entirely convinced of the nutritional content vs. gathering effort of most N. American forage (at least on extended trips, YMMV) but it sure is tasty and feels good to eat:
IMGP0638.jpg
 
^ 20% of your body weight- wow!

although I often lose 7-10 lbs on a week trip ~ 3.5-5%, so I can see definitely see that on a multi month trip

week long trip- no worries about vitamins, a longer thru hike I'd be packing them though :)
 
casual outings & camping trips are a far cry from the 12000 to 14000 pack carrying treks up & down switchbacks. i believe vitamins are somewhat always beneficial. at 72 i sometimes carry a pre made protein shake in my sandwich ice box if facing real long days or even extremely difficult white carpet cleaning jobs. it certainly makes a difference & if i was still hiking idaho & the sierras in calif. i would carry rice protein powder, a multivitamin, & if in really hot situations maybe electrolyte supplements.--dennis
 
mtwarden said:
^ 20% of your body weight- wow!

although I often lose 7-10 lbs on a week trip ~ 3.5-5%, so I can see definitely see that on a multi month trip

week long trip- no worries about vitamins, a longer thru hike I'd be packing them though :)
Click to expand...

Huh....I usually get fatter....Must be the less walking and more eating practice I engage in :D

DennisStrickland said:
i would carry rice protein powder, a multivitamin, & if in really hot situations maybe electrolyte supplements.--dennis
Click to expand...

Excellent advice on the electrolytes. This can be your best asset for recovery after suffering from dehydration! Good reminder Dennis!
 
I carry Emergen-C drink supplements. Light, easy to pack, make my water taste better if I have to treat it with capsules, and loaded with vitamins.

 
Another solid vote for the EmergenC... it will even keep you going through a full day of museums in Europe !
And, for whatever it might be worth, Bear is a spokesman (paid. I'm sure) for a supplement called Juice PLUS. I've tried them both and can assure you that the Juice+ has never given me the urge to dive into rivers where I don't know the bottom topography, or to dirik elephant piss...
 
docgra said:
Another solid vote for the EmergenC... it will even keep you going through a full day of museums in Europe !
And, for whatever it might be worth, Bear is a spokesman (paid. I'm sure) for a supplement called Juice PLUS. I've tried them both and can assure you that the Juice+ has never given me the urge to dive into rivers where I don't know the bottom topography, or to dirik elephant piss...
Click to expand...


It even works Europe..... among the French :)

Erasmus said:
I did an Emergen-C packet each day on the JMT. Was a very good idea.
Click to expand...

I have NO idea what the JMT is.............. but I'm sure the vits helped. ;)
 
Cascade_mtn's said:
I carry Emergen-C drink supplements. Light, easy to pack, make my water taste better if I have to treat it with capsules, and loaded with vitamins.

Click to expand...


I have used these for years especially during hot weather. They're a great little pick me up without all the junk in the energy drinks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top