EPA & trekking food

EPA at ASMC – high-quality trekking food for extreme conditions

For outdoor enthusiasts embarking on demanding adventures in the wilderness, proper nutrition is crucial. This is where EPAs (Einmannpackungen) come into play – specially developed trekking rations tailored to the needs in extreme conditions.

What characterizes EPA food?

paratrooper-boots

EPA food is designed for long shelf life. Thanks to advanced preservation methods such as freeze-drying, nutrients and flavor are retained while weight and volume are minimized. This allows EPA food to withstand harsh conditions and remain stable even under extreme temperature fluctuations or high humidity.

EPA food has a high nutrient density

Each portion of EPA food provides you with a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. This is crucial for supplying you with energy and supporting your body during long hikes, mountaineering or other outdoor activities.

Easy preparation

Preparing EPA food is simple and usually only requires the addition of water. Some variants, such as our canned bread, can even be eaten without adding water, which can be an advantage in situations where water is scarce.

Carrying systems are designed to enable the user to carry all pieces of equipment and have them ready to hand at any time. We offer a wide range of high‑quality frames and harnesses from premium brands such as Tasmanian Tiger or Zentauron for professional use in everyday service or on outdoor tours. The hard‑wearing carrying systems from our top brands have proven themselves in the field and win over demanding users from the military and police.

The variety of EPA flavors and meals offered by ASMC – from breakfast options such as chocolate muesli to hearty main courses and desserts – ensures that your diet does not become monotonous on longer tours.

Rugged gear for uncompromising performance on duty

Our range also covers special dietary needs. We therefore offer you numerous vegetarian, lactose-free and gluten-free alternatives.

Buying EPA: What you should bear in mind

Buying Bundeswehr EPA rations: Consider the destination and duration of your trip

Short trekking tours (1–2 days): For short hikes, lightweight, quick-to-prepare EPA options such as freeze-dried fruit, nut mixes or high-energy snacks like energy bars are ideal. These provide you with quick energy and are easy to carry.

Multi-day mountain tours: On multi-day tours in the mountains, you need EPA food that is rich in calories and nutrients to cover your increased energy requirements. Meals such as TrekN Eat tinned bread or high-calorie single-ration packs from the Bundeswehr are recommended.

Longer expeditions: For longer expeditions, it is advisable to choose a variety of EPA foods that offer different nutrients and flavors to prevent palate fatigue. Here, combinations of main meals, snacks and high-energy foods such as pumpernickel or canned meat dishes can be useful.

Storage and weight of EPA trekking food

On your next outdoor tour, you should pay attention to lightweight packaging and long shelf life for your EPA rations. Choose freeze‑dried meals if you value low weight and saving space. For trips where you rely on longer‑term storage, products like canned bread or long‑life snacks are ideal. This selection ensures a reliable, nutrient‑rich diet that covers your energy needs without adding unnecessary weight to your pack.

Expert tip: What can you use as a pot substitute for cooking EPA trekking meals?

If you’re out in nature and don’t have pots available to prepare your EPA trekking food, you can use large leaves as an alternative, for example from banana plants. Simply wrap your food in the leaves. They are excellent as a cooking wrapper. Sometimes it’s better to use several layers so your food doesn’t burn. Depending on the type of leaves, you can heat or cook the food directly in the fire or on glowing coals. But remember to find out before your trip which plants with large leaves grow in your destination area and which of them are non-toxic.