Drying Food for Backpacking

It's "time to take a hike," and this is where drying food for backpacking is key. Being outdoors on a trail means there are no fast-food joints en route. And that's a good thing, right?

See why it pays to learn just how easy it is to dehydrate food at home - leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, instead of being cooped up indoors.

Why Bother Drying Food for Backpacking?

If you're asking yourself, "Why bother dehydrating my own food when I can buy ready-made stuff?" That's a good question. But besides saving money, the biggest advantage of making your own backpacking food is that you will know exactly what ingredients are in it. No need for preservatives you can't pronounce!

Plus, you'll create trail mixes and the like that suit your taste buds. Also, if you like a bargain, check out the roadside stands that sell fruits and veggies, and don't forget to take advantage of BOGO (buy one - get one) deals at your local grocery store.

Long-Lasting Nature of Dehydrated Food

The beauty of dehydrated food is how long it lasts when stored properly. Read more about storing dehydrated food here. 

When you're on your hike, the last thing you want to worry about is food spoiling in the heat, or getting squished. Also, make batches of dried foods so you're ready to hike at the drop of a hat!

Also, because you're not carrying around fresh fruit that quickly spoils, you're not discarding old banana skins along the way (though slipping on a banana skin was funny back in the old days), but I know that skins will "eventually" disintegrate but... why attract flies and critters unnecessarily?

The next step is to think about which foods are best for backpacking. Apples, bananas, and berries work great (and grapes to make raisins - just add some nuts for saltiness). All fruits retain their sweetness even after drying, in fact, they taste even more sweet.

Try bell peppers, tomatoes, and zucchini for the savory side of you. These types of veggies mix well with dried meats, aka "jerky."

Dehydrate Lean Cuts of Beef, Chicken, or Turkey

Remember at the top I mentioned using meats? Use lean cuts of beef, chicken, or turkey. Don't forget you can dehydrate seafood too. But honestly, I pass on taking fish along on my camping and hiking trips!

The key to making sure the foods are dried properly is to dry them until they're brittle. We need to make sure that all the moisture is removed - so that spoilage doesn't occur. To aid in the "spoilage department," we use oxygen absorbers inside our dehydrated food packages.

Pop in an oxygen absorber prior to drawing the air out of the bag. Read more about vacuum-sealer bags here.

For the sweet-toothers out there: dehydrate fruits and make fruit leathers, aka fruit roll-ups or fruit rolls. After puréeing your chosen fruit, spread it out on a solid sheet - see the "how-to" here - and experiment with different fruit combinations to keep you and your taste buds happy.

Space-Saving Food!

Invest in a Dehydrator

Nesco Brand Dehydrators

Click the RED WORDS to see the dehydrators on Amazon.com

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Excalibur Brand Dehydrators

Click the RED WORDS to see the dehydrators on Amazon.com

* As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.

Don't fret too much about the cost of a dehydrator. Starter models can be had for less than a hundred bucks. Consider it an investment. Not only will you save money on making the meals yourself, but you can use the dehydrator to make healthy snacks for everyday dining.

Such as? Homemade fruit leathers and zucchini chips (not combined, ha!) and make your own beef jerky too in this podcast episode!

It's not hard to dehydrate food. It's a case of wash, pat dry, slice'n'dice, and dry it. Also, you'll get tons of satisfaction from doing it yourself.

It's worth noting that drying food for backpacking ties nicely into self-sustainability and being resourceful. Remember to take advantage of BOGOs and roadside fruit and veggie stands.

When Drying Food for Backpacking,
Store in a Cool Dark and Dry Place

Please keep in mind that it's essential to properly dehydrate your foods and to store them in a cool, dark dry environment - air, light, and moisture are the three enemies we want to keep at bay.

Because drying food doesn't eliminate bacteria completely, it's also essential to properly handle your food. Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and turning over the pieces on the dehydrator.

Click the RED WORDS to see the Oxygen Absorbers on Amazon.com

* As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.

When it's time to bag your goodies, pop in an oxygen absorber prior to drawing the air out of the bag (as mentioned earlier).

If you wish to rehydrate your goodies while you're on your hike, take along boiled, or treated water so as not to add bacteria to your dried food.

DIY Meal Prep = Made to Suit Your Dietary Needs

If you're vegan, gluten-free, or have other food allergies, preparing your own meals means you can cater to any personal dietary restrictions. A big plus in my book!

Beyond Backpacking...

Dried foods are not only convenient to carry on backpacking trips, but are also great for emergency food supplies! If you're out traveling with the kids in the car, take along healthy dehydrated food snacks.

Fun Family Activity

Drying food for backpacking can also be a fun activity to do with family or friends. It's not just about the end result, but also the process. Plus, it's a great way to share your love for the outdoors with others.

As a kid (decades ago LOL), I pitched a tent in the back garden. I had my BFF over for the night. Imagine two twelve-year-old girls. Right. To quieten down the noise we made, Dad got the garden hose out and hosed our tent!

Thanks, Dad - I can smile about that now.

No Dehydrator? No Problem: Do This Instead

Enjoyable Meals on the Go

Drying food for backpacking is not just a way to sustain you on your trails. It's a way to make sure you have a meal that you'll look forward to.

We all know that food is a morale booster - whether you're out hiking or sat at home. Again, it's also about self-reliance and efficiency (using a dehydrator instead of a regular oven), and having a deep respect for nature that you and your family can enjoy.

A Skill that Will Serve You Well

Learning how to dry food is a skill that will serve you well - not just for backpacking - but in everyday life. It helps reduce food waste (no more tossing out rotten fresh fruit that you forgot was in the bottom of the refrigerator drawer).

I hope you get started with dehydrating fresh fruits and veggies - and meats and seafood - but be sure to store it properly and use oxygen absorbers as mentioned in this article.

Thanks for reading - now "go take a hike!"

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