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Trail to Table: Navigating the Ethics and Practicality of Eating Meat as a Hiker

Daily writing prompt What are your feelings about eating meat? View all responses

As someone who has walked thousands of miles across some of America’s most stunning landscapes, I often find myself pondering the relationship between what fuels me and the environment I cherish. Hiking teaches us to respect the natural world, but what does that mean when it comes to the food we pack, especially meat?

In this blog, I’ll explore the complex feelings and decisions surrounding eating meat as a hiker, from the ethical dilemmas to the practical realities. Whether you’re a meat lover, a vegetarian, or just trying to make better choices, let’s unpack the connection between our food, our bodies, and the trails we tread.

Why Meat Matters to Hikers

Meat has long been a staple for hikers because of its dense calorie and protein content, essential for fueling long, grueling days on the trail. Jerky, summer sausage, and freeze-dried meals with meat are ubiquitous in hiking circles for a reason: they’re lightweight, shelf-stable, and nutritionally dense.

Yet, the convenience of meat comes with questions. How sustainable is it? What about the animals behind those meals? And can we balance our need for efficient trail food with our desire to leave no trace—not just in nature, but in the broader ecosystem?

The Ethical Debate: To Meat or Not to Meat?

For many hikers, the ethical considerations of eating meat begin to weigh heavier as they develop a deeper connection to the natural world. Watching a herd of elk graze in Yellowstone or hearing coyotes howl in Death Valley, it’s hard not to wonder about the life cycles of animals and their value beyond human consumption.

Factory Farming vs. Wild Spaces

The industrial farming system, with its high carbon emissions, habitat destruction, and questionable animal welfare practices, feels at odds with the ethos of hiking. Choosing meat from these sources may seem hypocritical when we’re out to appreciate pristine wilderness.

Hunting as an Ethical Option

Some hikers embrace hunting as a more ethical way to consume meat. Harvesting wild game directly connects people to their food sources and can be done sustainably. But hunting isn’t for everyone—it requires skill, licensing, and a particular mindset that not all hikers possess or agree with.

Practicality on the Trail

From a practical standpoint, eating meat can sometimes feel unavoidable on long treks. Meat provides amino acids and fats that are harder to source from plant-based options, especially in a lightweight, packable format.

Trail-Friendly Meat Options

• Jerky: High in protein and easy to store, jerky remains a go-to for hikers. However, look for brands that prioritize grass-fed or ethically raised animals.

• Canned Meat: While heavier, items like tuna or chicken can be a quick protein boost. Look for brands using sustainable fishing practices.

• Freeze-Dried Meals: Many brands now offer ethically sourced meat in their dehydrated meals, though they often come with a higher price tag.

Exploring Plant-Based Alternatives

For hikers who want to avoid meat, plant-based options have come a long way. From dehydrated tofu to lentil-based protein bars, there are countless ways to stay fueled without animal products.

Pros of Going Plant-Based on the Trail

• Lightweight Options: Dehydrated beans, lentils, and textured vegetable proteins (TVP) are easy to pack and cook.

• Eco-Friendly: Plant-based diets have a lower carbon footprint, aligning with the Leave No Trace principles.

• Shelf Stability: Many vegetarian foods last longer without refrigeration.

Cons to Consider

• Caloric Density: Plant-based foods are often less calorie-dense than meat, requiring more food to meet energy needs.

• Preparation Time: Some plant-based meals, like lentils or quinoa, take longer to cook, which can be challenging in areas with limited water or fire restrictions.

My Personal Journey with Meat

My relationship with eating meat has evolved over the years. Growing up in Alabama, barbecue and fried chicken were staples of life. Yet, spending so much time in nature, I’ve grown more conscious of the environmental and ethical costs of those choices.

When I worked at the Grand Canyon, I started experimenting with reducing my meat intake, driven partly by the camaraderie of vegetarian coworkers and partly by the stunning wildlife I encountered daily. However, as a hiker, I still pack jerky or summer sausage for particularly demanding trips. The balance I’ve found lies in being intentional: I try to source meat responsibly and supplement with plant-based options when possible.

Tips for Ethical Eating on the Trail

1. Plan Ahead

Research brands that prioritize sustainability, like those offering grass-fed or free-range options.

2. Mix It Up

Combine meat-based and plant-based foods to diversify your trail diet and reduce meat consumption overall.

3. Support Local Farmers

When restocking in trail towns, opt for locally sourced meat or fresh produce to support regional ecosystems.

4. Go Dehydrated

Dehydrate your own meat or plant-based proteins at home to control ingredients and reduce waste.

5. Be Mindful of Packaging

Opt for products with minimal or recyclable packaging to minimize trail trash.

The Bigger Picture: Sustainability and Impact

As hikers, we often pride ourselves on being stewards of the land, but our food choices can have ripple effects beyond the trail. Reducing meat consumption, choosing sustainable options, or going plant-based altogether can lessen our environmental impact.

At the same time, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your nutritional needs, hiking style, and personal values will all play a role in shaping your trail diet. The key is to make informed choices that align with your ethics while meeting the demands of the trail.

Final Thoughts

Eating meat as a hiker is a deeply personal decision influenced by ethics, practicality, and the realities of trail life. Whether you’re chomping on jerky at the summit or savoring a plant-based stew under the stars, what matters most is awareness.

By thinking critically about the food we carry, we not only fuel our bodies but also take steps toward a more sustainable future—one that preserves the wild spaces we love to explore.

So, what’s your approach to eating meat on the trail? Let me know in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation going as we strive to balance nutrition, ethics, and adventure.

The Ethical Meat Handbook, Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition

Leigh will teach you how to raise animals, butcher them, and cook and cure their meat. Even better, she explains what it means and why it matters.

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