Hi, Fiddleback-

When you make your comparisons, check to see if you are looking at the Carnation instant Breakfast, as prepared by adding to milk or just the powder.

Then look at the protein. IIRC, Instant Breakfast had about double the protein of a plain glass of milk. Double the powdered milk=double the protein and other nutrients. If you make your shake with Quik, then look at the nutrients in Quick made with nonfat milk and add the nutrients of a serving of plain dry milk. Quik comes in a sugar-free variety, too. If you prefer vanilla, try burying a vanilla bean in some milk powder for a period of time, then make your shake powder and add some sweeter of your choice. Or, if you package in advance, put a piece of vanilla bean in each serving.

Another idea-"Better Than Milk" soymilk has a vanila flavor. "Cheat" by adding powdered milk to the vanilla soy powder. You might also look at whey protein powder sold in "health food" sections of some store.

Generic "One-a-Day" multi vits should be a pretty cheap addition, and, I agree, an occasional weekend of trail food that is not perfectly balanced should not hurt a healthy hiker.

CM