More than 3.1 million tent campers and 2.1 million RV campers stayed in National Park campgrounds in 2009, according to the National Park Service. The one thing all campers have in common? The need to nosh. The best foods to take on a trip to the great outdoors meet three criteria, outlined by the USDA: they require little or no preparation, so you won't need to bring many pots; they need minimal refrigeration; and they're healthy, providing the nutrients necessary for strenuous outdoor activity.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Whole apples, pears, bananas, grapes and plums make convenient and prep-free snacks on a hike or back at camp. Before heading out from home, pre-cut carrots and celery sticks and pack in zip-top plastic bags. Potatoes and corn on the cob are two of the tastiest veggies for roasting over a campfire.
Dried Fruits, Seeds and Nuts
They don't call it "trail mix" for nothing: dried fruit, seeds and nuts are loaded with complex carbs, protein, healthy fats and fiber for long-lasting energy while hiking or enjoying other active adventures. Dried fruit has just as much nutritional value as its fresh counterparts, with the added benefit of no-mess eating. Buy ready-made healthy trail mix or blend your own with your favorite fruit, seeds and nuts.
Breads and pasta
A camping staple, dried pasta is lightweight, easy to pack and needs no refrigeration. Just boil water over a fire, add pasta, and cook for eight to 10 minutes. Drain and add your favorite tomato sauce, or combine with cheese sauce and cooked crumbled hamburger for a filling one-dish meal.
Whole wheat bread is the healthiest choice for camp sandwiches and breakfast toast. Though bread doesn't need refrigeration, condensation can form inside its plastic bag in warm temperatures and cause the bread to mold. Keep bread in a cool, dark place while in camp.
Canned Goods
Canned foods require almost no preparation besides popping the tops, and the contents can be heated right in the cans over a grill. Cans are heavy, so they're not the best idea for a long hike or overnight backpacking adventure. Some canned foods like soup or baked beans also contain a lot of salt, so choose low-sodium and organic canned foods if possible.
Dehydrated Foods
Just add water to dehydrated or freeze-dried foods for a fully reconstituted meal. Dry soup mix, available at any grocery store, is not only easy to prepare; it makes a rewarding hot treat after cold-weather activities. Camping outfitters sell lightweight pouches of everything from freeze-dried beef teriyaki to lasagna.
Prepared Foods
For hearty meal options, cook chicken, hamburgers or other meat at home and seal in airtight containers or zip-top bags. Keep on ice in your cooler until you're ready to warm up the cooked meat on the grill. This process lessens the risk of food-borne bacteria in uncooked meat. Bring along store-bought healthy dips, hummus, natural peanut butter and jelly for convenient, mess-free snacking.
Member Comments