What are calorie-dense foods for backpacking?

Calorie-dense foods are those that offer the most calories and nutrition with the least amount of weight. Look for foods that have 100+ calories per ounce, such as instant grits, protein powder, powdered eggs, TVP, real bacon bits, refried beans, hummus, instant potatoes, dried vegetables, couscous, mac and cheese, instant oatmeal, and coconut milk powder.

How do I measure portions for dehydrated backpacking meals?

Use a small lightweight bowl and a digital scale to make portioning meals easy, especially since many dehydrated foods are tough to accurately measure with cups/spoons. A 100-gram meal is usually sufficiently filling for an average hiker, and 150 g is satisfying for a large or very hungry hiker. Aim for a ratio of ⅓ protein, ⅓ starch, and ⅓ sauce/vegetables, etc. for a total of about 100-150 grams.

How should I package and store dehydrated food for backpacking?

Measure and repackage ingredients at home to minimize the number of wrappers and garbage you’ll have to carry on the trail. Use heavy-duty Ziploc-style bags for short-term use (2 weeks or less), or vacuum-seal your meals for longer-term storage. Use a permanent marker to label your servings with the date, recipe title, and the approximate amount of water to add. Package small bags of toppings, condiments, oil packets, etc. with your meals so you don’t forget them. Alternatively, mark the bags with reminders (example: “Add tortillas from freezer,” or “add tuna packet”).

What are some tips for reducing waste when dehydrating food for backpacking?

Dehydrating is a great way to save food that might otherwise go to waste, but it’s easy to create a lot of garbage when buying and repackaging food. The most eco-friendly way to purchase ingredients for making backpacking meals is to buy in bulk at the grocery store. Bring or buy reusable containers to purchase bulk foods whenever possible and try to recycle packaging. Wash lightly used Ziploc bags and dry them by hanging them upside-down (open) with a magnet on your refrigerator.

How long does dehydrated food last for backpacking?

Properly dried and vacuum-sealed meals last for months at room temperature, but they can also be kept in the freezer (stops all biological processes) until you need them for up to a year. It’s best to label your servings with the date, recipe title, and the approximate amount of water to add so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored.

What are the benefits of using a vacuum sealer for dehydrated backpacking meals?

Vacuum-sealed meals are compact, low-odor, and the bags are durable enough to hold boiling water to cook your meals. They also have a longer shelf life than meals repackaged in Ziploc-style bags. If you plan on making quite a few dehydrated meals, it’s worth it to invest in your own vacuum-sealer, as well as a supply of vacuum-seal roll/bags.

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