Yes. Both. We pack in great food. Even on multi pitch climbs. We also pack freeze dried foods. A real home cooked meal is such a morale booster in adverse conditions though. The extra weight is well worth it. We fish, hunt and gather food while out in the wild also. Eating great food is awesome. Providing for ourselves wherever we are it's a huge plus. Teaching my kids the right way from day one.
My daughters love to find wild raspberry's and eat them on the go out save them for later to eat with some greens
I'm with you! I have backpacked all over the Sierra Nevada for four decades. All the food that my buddies and I bring is purchased at the supermarket. The prepping, cooking and eating of great food surrounded only by nature's beauty and no other humans is one of the greatest joys in my life!
Fresh meats and vegetables baby! Well worth the extra weight.
Typical backpacking meals:
First night dinner (mandatory): Ribeyes with sauteed mushrooms and onions, fried rice. I carry a lightweight wire grill for the steaks over the fire.
Beef tacos with fresh lettuce, tomatoes and cheese.
Pasta with fresh and sun-dried tomatoes and herbs
Pancakes/bacon with real maple syrup
Chorizo and eggs burritos.
Etc.
Now, we don't usually go on marathon trips where mileage is king. We make a five to ten mile push into a base-camp and then explore the surrounding area with day hikes.
Cam