Show Notes: Episode 210 Today on the First 40 Miles, maybe you want to eat like royalty on the trail—but you don’t need a 15 piece place setting to make that happen.  What does it take to shovel food from your cook pot to your mouth?  Then we’ll talk about our top 5 favorite post trip meals.  Then, what are our recommendations for backpacking gear that can go seamlessly from trail to off-trail lunchbox?  And we’ll wrap things up with a quote from our favorite Dutch Post-Impressionist painter. Opening * Battle of the Utensils: Pros and Cons of each type of utensil * Fork, knife, spoon * Spork * Sponifork * Long-handled spoon * Chop sticks * Plastic/titanium/bamboo * What works? Top 5 Favorite Post Trip Meals Fried rice * Gem Lake hike when we were dating * Fast easy, prep before trip * Rice, frozen mixed veg, an egg, and some ham or bacon… oil and soy sauce. Taco soup * Fast, filling, warm * Can of corn, diced tomatoes, black beans (rinse and drained), taco seasoning or chili powder, chicken bouillon * Maybe some ground beef * Tortilla chips * Shredded cheese Burger/pizza joint off trail * Many restaurants off the big trails that cater to thru hikers * Big servings…lots of calories for the calorically depleted Super Salad * Takes some energy to put together, but it’s so worth it. Especially if you’re feeling veggie deprived from spending weeks on the trail * SImple formula: a green, a cut fruit, chopped vegetables, and some nuts. Top with poppy seed dressing. * I like Romaine with an orange that’s been sliced up, walnuts, red onion, red bell pepper and top with poppy seed dressing. Frozen food like ice cream or slushies * Dairy Queen * Especially if it was a hot trip After-hike food: What’s the thing you crave most at the end of a backpacking trip? SUMMIT Gear Review:  To Go Ware Bamboo Utensils + EcoLunchboxes Adventure Kit * These two items work on and off the trail * Great for packing lunches to work and school * Durable and work well for backpacking * Great to have multi use items for the trail that can be used at home as well Backpack Hack of the Week™:  Dollar Store Food Haul If you’re looking for food to take on your next backpacking trip, a trip to the local dollar store may have just what you’re looking for.   More and more, dollar stores are stocking food.  And they’re typically in smaller, more convenient sizes that are perfect for backpacking. * coconut oil * Jif-to-go packets * nuts * seeds * chocolate/fun size bars * ramen noodles Trail Wisdom “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” —Vincent van Gogh If you’re looking for fun backpacking books and merch, check out thefirst40miles.com/shop.