By Taz Dawson, Queenstown

The enjoyment of sipping back a glass of wine with cracker and cheese while sitting on the top of mountain, the banks of a river or simply outside a hut in the bush at the end of long day of tramping, makes for a great outdoor experience.

Yet many people do it so hard when they go tramping…skimping on food because they’re concerned about the potential weight of the pack.

If that sounds like you, then ask yourself what’s going to fuel you to keep your body going to carry the pack in the first place?

A fruit bar or power bar for breakfast and some peanuts for lunch will not provide the energy to keep you going for the whole day!

Ed Hilary climbed Everest on tinned food and potatoes. Top world multi-sports athletes eat pizza and sandwiches when racing.

So the key (in my opinion) is to eat food that you normally eat and enjoy. Sure, you may have to change a few things to make sure you can carry everything you need. But if you have to leave something behind, it shouldn’t be the nourishment.

If you’re a little doubtful, try this food for a day the next time you go out.

Morning - Toasted sandwiches, pre-made with Cheese, Ham and BBQ sauce. Pan-fry to your liking.

Lunch - Cheese and crackers and water.

Dinner - Chicken Pasta, Pasta packet mixed with chicken or Ham (pre-cooked) mushrooms, onions. Pre-cut your mushrooms and onions before leaving for the tramp.

Have a glass of wine or whisky, after dinner if that’s what you usually do.

Then relax, devour the scenery and enjoy the great atmosphere of your surroundings (not hard to do in this country).

And always remember - drink water all the way through the day!!!!! Enjoy your tramp.