Quantities – We calculate total food required roughly based on 2 – 2.5 pounds per person per day. (approx. 1 kg) The figure used depends to a certain extent on the team as well as the timing of the expedition. Earlier in the season temperatures are much colder and much more food is needed.

Quality – We aim to supply the freshest quality ingredients that we can acquire and that are practical. We stay away from cheap imitations of known products and go as far as providing “gourmet” cheeses and specialty Alaskan products such as smoked salmon and reindeer sausage. Without being extravagant, you’ll be eating as well as anyone on the mountain.

Packing - Food is planned in 5-day rations and provided in large plastic bags for each cook group of 2-3 people. The team must supply their own bags for carrying on the mountain in a system that best suits their ascent plan.

We strip most of the commercial packaging and re-package into tie-up plastic bags.

Food Planning – Our philosophy is that you should eat big and eat well on the lower mountain (up to Advanced Base Camp, 14,000’).

Above ABC we recognize that your appetite and motivation to cook will both be diminished. Foods are simpler (and easier to digest). Quantities are slightly less.

The Ration Packs –
5-day rations seem to break a large amount of food into more easily managed quantities. Also, for the standard route on Denali, the timing breakdown seems to be convenient for planning loads and caches.

Each 5-day pack includes one dinner that consists of 1-2 quick and easy de-hydrated meals for when you’re too tired to think about anything more than boiling water.

Most meals require some preparation and cooking. If you want only de-hy meals you do not need our service. Just go buy the meals. (But you'll spend a lot of money and it will not be as good. And you'll very likely be sick of it after the first week!)

Menus –
Breakfast – Each box will have a variety of breakfast items. Many will be prepared individually by each team member based on their whim of the morning. The occasional big breakfast is thrown in complete with bacon, eggs and hashbrowns.

Snacks – This is the real climbing fuel. Variety is key to being able to put down the quantity you need day after day. You won’t have the same type of gorp mix in every box for example. We provide a mix of chocolate, nutty, salty etc… We don’t provide any Gu-type “power gel” substances but we do provide a few Power Bars and Cliff Bars in addition to the standard candy bars, pretzels, crackers etc.

Dinners – Dinners are packaged up with just about everything you’ll need and instructions on how to prepare it.

Spices, staples, drinks etc. – You’ll get a variety of spices to suit whatever taste you’re craving and to go with the dinners provided. Your basic spice kit will go all the way up the mountain with some specialty ingredients added with their related dinners.

We’ll provide enough hot drinks for at least 3 per person per day including a variety of teas and hot chocolate.

Allergies, preferences and special diets -- We pack over a ton of food for climbing McKinley each season. We do it all pretty much the same and have recently lowered our rates to reflect our new efficiency. The food includes a lot of pasta, crackers, nuts, cheese and other dairy products. Some meat is included as a good source of protein and needed fat.

If you have diet constraints that will cause problems with any of the above foods then we may not be able to help you on your expedition. Severe nut and gluten allergies cannot be accommodated.
Please understand that we will not provide detailed menus or food lists until you have booked our service.

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