Heading out on a backpacking trip is an opportunity to test your hiking skills while witnessing scenic views and wildlife. However, before you leave for the trip, plan your nutrition and meals for every day. Experienced backpackers often use dehydrated foods. Dehydrating reduces the weight of the foods by 60 to 90 percent without sacrificing caloric density. Prepare your own dehydrated foods before leaving, and then cook the foods on the trail by adding water to rehydrate the ingredients.
Preparation
Step 1
Wash all of the ingredients including the fruits, vegetables and other produce.
Step 2
Slice the beef and fruit into thin, 1/4-inch strips.
Step 3
Place the ingredients on the dehydrator trays. Use parchment paper if you have small pieces of fruit or vegetables, such as peas.
Step 4
Turn on the dehydrator and allow the ingredients to dry for five to 10 hours.
Step 5
Remove the ingredients from the dehydrator when they are dry and pliable but not sticky.
Step 6
Mix the fruit, vegetables, jerky, nuts and other ingredients into your designated serving sizes. Each ingredient in the meal is designed to provide carbohydrates, protein and fat for a balance of nutrients.
Step 7
Place the serving sizes into vacuum-sealer bags.
Step 8
Seal the packages with a vacuum sealer.
Step 9
Label each package with the contents, name and packaging date.
Cooking
Step 1
Boil 1 to 2 cups of water on the backcountry stove.
Step 2
Open the package of dehydrated foods.
Step 3
Pour the dehydrated food into bowl with the boiling water.
Step 4
Mix the ingredients and water with a spork or similar utensil.
Step 5
Allow the mixture to sit for 10 to 15 minutes as it rehydrates before eating.
Tips and Warnings
- Test the process of making the dehydrated backpacking meals before hiking into the backcountry.
Things You'll Need
- Knife
- Dehydrator
- Beef
- Fruit medley
- Mixed nuts
- Vacuum sealer
- Vacuum-sealer bags
- Backpacker's stove
- Mess kit
- Spork
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