Most of us know that eating a sandwich is a great way to get the calories and nutrients we need while hiking.
Not all sandwiches are created equal, however. Some sandwiches are better suited for hiking because they will stand up better to the elements and won't get soggy or squished in your pack.
Here's what you need to know when packing a sandwich for hiking.
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The best bread for hiking sandwiches
First, you'll want to make sure your bread is sturdy enough. You don't want it to get squished in your bag or smashed into the bottom of your pack.
The best way to do this is to choose something too dense or thick, like a baguette. Choose lighter and fluffier breads with air pockets to make them less likely to get crushed.
White bread works well for sandwiches, like sourdough and hearty whole-grain bread. If you're looking for something with more nutritional value, you can also try making your sandwich with sprouted grain bread.
The best fillings for hiking sandwiches
You'll also want to make sure your sandwich will hold up in the elements, especially if you're hiking during lunchtime and won't be able to keep it in a cooler or wrapped in ice packs.
The best filling for hiking sandwiches is moist but not mushy. If you like tuna, choose pouches over cans to reduce the weight and the smell (it's better for everyone). You can use slices instead of shredded cheese for the cheese to make it less likely to spill out.
The best wraps for hiking sandwiches
Finally, if you want to make sure your sandwich will stay together, you'll want to use a wrap. Most tortillas work well, but you can also try wraps made from collard greens or the large leafy part of a head of lettuce.
What type of meat and cheese should you choose for hiking sandwiches?
You'll also want to choose meat and cheese that are less likely to spoil or go bad.
If you're packing your sandwich for the morning, then salami, pepperoni, ham, turkey, roast beef, and other cold deli meats work well. If your hike is during lunchtime, you can pack smoked salmon or even slow-cooked beef.
Stick with hard cheeses like cheddar or Swiss for cheese instead of cream cheese or other softer varieties. Cheese spreads are another option to consider if you want something that will hold everything together but still taste good.
How to pack a sandwich for hiking?
Now that you know what type of bread to use, which filling will work best, and how to wrap your sandwich up, it's time to put it all together.
Start by placing your bread on a plate. Then layer your meat, cheese, and veggies down the middle. If you like condiments, then go ahead and spread them on the bread now (or whatever else you want to include).
To hold everything together, you'll want to fold one side of your bread over the filling, tuck it under and then repeat on the other side. Grab some toothpicks and use them to keep things tight so they won't fall out while you're hiking.
Finally, wrap your sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can even use a tortilla to do this, then place your sandwich in a reusable container and pack it in your backpack for lunchtime.
If you're packing more than one sandwich and want to keep them separate, you can wrap each one in plastic and pack them all in a larger container. Then give your Hiker Hunger Packs out as you need them.
When you're ready to eat, unwrap the sandwich and enjoy! You can also use wax paper or parchment paper to wrap sandwiches if you don't have access to plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Tips for keeping a hiking sandwich fresh
If you're going to be hiking for a long time and want to keep your sandwich fresh, then you can try using ice packs around your food or even packing it in a cooler and keep it cold with ice packs until lunchtime.
Ensure that the cooler is well insulated and doesn't have any holes, so none of your sandwiches get squished (or any other food you want to keep fresh).
The last tip is to pack your sandwich into a Ziploc bag. Once you're ready to eat, remove it from the bag and enjoy!
And remember: if you don't pack out your trash, then take extra care to make sure all of your sandwich wrappers get packed out. Leave no trace!
Other considerations when packing a sandwich for hiking
There are a few other things you should consider when packing a sandwich for hiking.
- First, if you choose peanut butter or any other type of nut butter, put it in a small container so that animal crackers or chips don't get mixed in. You can also place the nut butter between two slices of bread to make sure your sandwich will stay together while hiking.
- Another tip is to pack some type of dipping sauce, like ranch, to go with your meat. This is a great way to add some additional flavor and keep things from getting too dry or stale while hiking.
- And always remember that the best sandwich for hiking will depend on where you're going and how long you'll be gone. In general, though, this type of sandwich is a good way to pack hearty and nutritious ingredients that will satisfy your hunger while keeping you energized for your next adventure.
Read Next: Is peanut butter sandwich good for hiking?
If you're still struggling with what kind of sandwich to bring on a hike, then here's some additional information that may help -
- Cold cuts or deli meat: Not just for lunch! Add these between two slices of bread, tuck it inside your tortilla, or pack it in a bag for an on-the-go snack.
- Bread with stuffings: Try this if you want something warm but don't have access to a microwave.
- Meat and cheese combinations: Be creative! Make your sandwiches interesting by mixing up the ingredients or choosing different breads.
- Vegetarian options: Great for those who want to save money and cut down on their meat consumption. Make sure you pick filling ingredients that will keep your sandwich from getting soggy or squished.
The most important thing is to make sure you're packing a sandwich that has the right ingredients and helps meet your nutritional needs while still satisfying your taste buds.
Once you've done that, pick out some yummy breads, meats, veggies, spreads, and sauces to make the perfect hiking sandwich.
And don't forget all of the other great things we brought on our hike: fresh fruit, beef jerky, nuts, and iced tea.
Read Next: Are bananas good for hikes?
Conclusion
So there you have it! The perfect way to pack a sandwich for your next hiking trip. Just make sure you bring along plenty of bread, meat, cheese, and other fillings, as well as some dipping sauce.
And don't forget the ice packs and Ziploc bags! Oh, and don't forget to clean up after yourself when you're finished with your hike. Leave no trace behind!