Tree climbers diet. Do you care?

While reading “ Wild Trees”, I was struck by a few comments about the lead characters in the book struggling through heavy undergrowth and logs in search for the Holy Grail of tall trees while nearly running out of fuel from lack of food. It appears they did not have enough food with them and they often ran out of steam. I have seen this phenomenon often at the jobsite too where hard working climbers would not even think about eating before they got foggy and exhausted. Then these foggy climbers run to a junk food store and wait for their tired bodies to recover with fast food garbage (pardon the rant).

So here’s the question. Do climbers here even think about quality fuel (food) and when to eat it? Is it only by chance that they get proper nutrition or does it take the hand of a woman to show them the way as it so happened in Richard Preston’s “Wild Trees” book.

Food is usually my biggest concern! I always evaluate how long I will be out and how long i MIGHT be out. I am mindful about bringing a snack, sandwiches and/or drink to keep me happy for time i'll be out, AND if I'm going to a wilderness area, I try to carry a little more.

3climbr and I went out a few weeks ago to climb a tree. We were only gone a few hours, but I brought granola bars, apples, peanut m&ms, and gatorade. We didn't eat all of it...but it was nice to know it was there if I want it.

I'll be honest, sometimes I'm having too much fun to stop and eat!

Usually when I don't bring food, I regret it later.

love
nick...i want ice cream

As a Wildernest Adventure and Outdoor Educator, it is important to have the proper diet and will great short term and long term fuel resources. This does not include cupcakes and coke and chips.

You need a high protein and diet that uselly has a high calorie intake. Nuts, jerky, dried fruit, etc. are very good. When hiking or canoeing or horseback riding to get some where (even if it is to climb a tree) needs fuel reserves. Most the time it is more snakes items(this does not include chips and cup cakes) such as nuts, fruit, ceral. etc.

Wate is another factor. Need lots of water, but if you are drinking coke or othe items then you have a quick high and a quick crash.

Go to backpacking websites -- they have a chart that will assist you.

You must tell me about the "snakes items." I really dig snakes--uhhhh....like snakes. Please tell me how they fit into your diet. Canned rattle shake meat....heard it is a good protein source. Quite poplar in Texas where I was raised as a kid.

I think snakes = snacks.

- Link

Seems like MREs would be good for long periods of climbing/tree camping. Light weight, compact, warm food, easy to cook in a tree, just add water. Anyone ever use them?

I have not done that much "wild tree" or far away climbs BUT I agree that WATER and similar items are most critical . Once I was working pruning a tree at a lady's back yard and I stayed in the tree working for about 4 hours I suddenly felt dizzy and about to Throw up ( severally dehydrated). I realized that I needed to get down from the tree immediately or I was about to pass out hanging there without anybody nearby to rescue me. That was a good lesson to learn and to keep an eye on my water intake and level of activity. I now carry more Gatorade and granola bars during my climbs. I guess my first Aid Training training help me recognized the signs of dehydration.

It is snacks not snakes. I was tired and in a rush. But snakes can mightly tastie.

I sure care! I'm really fortunate in that I somehow got interested in good nutrition almost 30 years ago, and Judi is even more serious about it than I am and sees to it that I eat well.

I learned a good lesson when I was a serious bicyclist: I made myself eat and drink "on schedule" rather than when I felt a need. The problem with the latter (as Oldtimer said) is that by then, it's too late.

Wildrice, maybe we can enjoy a meal of snake meat together sometime! I've never had any, but am willing to do it. The REAL problem I would have is killing the snake: I have so much respect for them that it would be very hard for me to kill one. Strange that I don't feel that way about rabbits, squirrels, etc.

All right already. You can make fun of my typos as well. Sorry Wildrice. I was just itching for a chuckle an' ya took it well (as they say in Texas).

Back to the issue at hand. Who else monitors and controls their climbing diet?What do you take along for the climb and how often do you eat?

How about liquids. Do folks monitor their fluid intake or just guess? Gonna be a hot one this year. Who keeps track of how much is gulped down? Do you drink when you are not thirsty?

Treeman it is ok.

I did a program for a wilderness group and in the post it stated to bring snakes.

I had 137 people with plastic snakes.

PS. I respect Mother Earth which supplies many things for man. Food, shelter, water, etc. It is a Hoop of Life.

Back to main discuession:

Wate is the biggest factor. If you provide drinks that may replish electrolights(I hope I spelled that work correctly) that is good. But many of these items will produce oders that attract wildlife.

I have had new campers use power-aid and then put them in there tents(there was no other drinks or food). And then went off for a hike. When they came back there tent was ramsacked by bears.

So if you use these type of drinks you I would suggest to put them in a bear bag at night (I would not put them in my car either. I have seen cars paint scratched, broken windows, dents, etc). Please note that it would not only be bears but raccoons and other critters as well.

Please reff. to backbacking or wilderness adventure websites

I seldom seem to get a chance to be aloft long enough for lack of food to matter

But, I always regret it if I don't drink enough water. Thirst hits you much faster than hunger.

Store bought items can be high in salt. It needs to be noted that in a wilderness setting or any rec. activity that ones sweets alot. So it may be be that salt needs to be replished as well. This all depends on the individual and other factors.

Just drink water. But do not gulp it down---- Sip the water.

Slow burn carbs (complex carbs) mixed w/protein work for me. Morning of the climb, oatmeal (not instant) mixed with walnuts or pecans, apples and raisins and milk. When I reach the tree, eat fried egg sandwich: whole grain bread, lettuce and tomato. If it's going to be 4-5 hours in the tree carry a second similar or same sandwich on my saddle. Water and a couple Clif bars also carried.
-moss

I agree with Moss about the protiens, for me i carry PJ on wheat pita - each in their own baggie (i case i drop one from the tree), raisins, walnuts, a camel back filled with water, then on the ground is always more pj, a boiled egg and a yogurt smoothie. I like to eat a snack before i climb too.

RULE 1 - have more then you need, someone is always hungry.

jz