Mary Patterson, Team RWB Grant Manager, first encountered the Appalachian Trail during a family Thanksgiving trip to Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia when she was 8 or 9 years old. She saw hikers with large backpacks and learned the trail went all the way to Maine.

Here are three essential strategies for on-the-go nutrition to thrive in any scenario. Stay hydrated with clean water, master trailside cooking with lightweight gear, and fuel your endurance with portable power options. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or just preparing for the unexpected, these tips are your key to success.