Fueling the Arctic: How smart nutrition powers extreme expeditions

When setting off on a 23-day ski expedition across Svalbard, it’s not just physical strength and mental resilience that are put to the test, nutrition plays a critical role. In his detailed article “Ernæring på ekspedisjon”, adventurer Even Sverdrup shares valuable insights into how he plans and manages his diet during long, grueling expeditions.

Sverdrup documents his 583 km journey with 25,553 meters of elevation gain, pulling an 85 kg sled through Arctic conditions. Over the course of 189 hours on skis, he recorded his nutritional intake: 17,030 grams of carbohydrates, 3,617 grams of protein, and 5,594 grams of fat amounting to an average of 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.

His high-calorie diet included 68 REAL Turmat meals, over 3 kg of oats, 5.5 kg of chocolate, and nearly 1.5 kg of butter, foods chosen for their energy density, simplicity, and resistance to freezing. Sverdrup emphasizes that the key to staying fueled lies in constant carbohydrate intake, balanced with fat and protein, to maintain performance and minimize weight loss.

Curious about how to survive and thrive in extreme environments? Dive into Sverdrup’s full article for data-backed strategies and real expedition experience:

It’s an essential read for anyone preparing for a challenging outdoor adventure.