Bringing along the right foods on a hiking or camping trip will assure a successful and pleasant trip. When hiking and searching for a campsite, the weight of the pack should be kept as minimal as possible. Depending on the combination, whether it be back country hiking and camping--which may require trekking a long distance to reach a campsite--more nonperishable foods are recommended. For setting up camp and driving directly to a campground, heavier foods can easily be brought along and then stored.
Meats
One thing that many campers enjoy eating while camping is fresh meat from hunting or meat brought along from home. Meat should always be kept frozen or cold until ready to cook. Meat should also be one of the foods that is eaten within the first 48 hours of camping--to prevent spoiling. For hiking trips, meat can be kept cool with a small backpack cooler, or eaten shortly after being caught.
Nonperishable Items
Nonperishable items, such as granola bars, nuts, seeds, trail mixes, canned goods and packaged fruit, are satisfying and safe options for any hiking and camping trip. They are often lightweight and can be brought along without having to worry about spoilage and preparation. Many nonperishable foods serve not only as snacks, but as meal replacements for those who don't wish to prepare large meals.
Dehydrated Foods
Dehydrated foods can be taken along on both hiking and camping trips. They serve as a lightweight foods that are tasty and provide a good source of protein and nutrients. When foods are dehydrated, the water is basically drawn out of the food items. From there, all of the vital nutrients, calories and flavor remain intact. Most dehydrated foods have either a crunchy or chewy texture and resist spoiling. Examples of dehydrated foods may beef jerky, dried fruits, soups and pastas.
Freeze Dried
Freeze dried foods may often be associated with disaster preparation and doomsday survival planning but in reality, it offers a safe and portable way to transport, prepare and eat food in the wilderness. Freeze drying occurs when foods are freeze dried to temperatures 60 degrees below zero. Foods are then slowly heated back up until they reach a sublime phase in which they become packaged. Some types of food have a shelf life of several years. Examples include meat, vegetables, soups, pastas, cake, desserts, and even ice cream. Most freeze dried foods are lightweight, making them portable and convenient for hiking and camping.
Dairy
Dairy foods are a popular choice on camping trips. These types of foods are not suitable if they cannot be kept in a cooler or under ice. Dairy can spoil quickly and develop bacteria that can be harmful and lead to food poisoning or illness. Dairy foods, such as eggs, milk, cream, and cheese, may be helpful when camping and hiking. They are more beneficial for campsites where there will be a great deal of cooking for multiple campers. Small dairy items, such as individual milks or packaged cheeses, can be brought along on hikes, but should be kept cool with an ice pack and consumed within the first hour of warm weather exposure.
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