The world is so big that we find ourselves curious for more.
We ask ourselves, "What more does the world offer?" "what is beyond the other side of my continent?" "what are other cultures like?" and many other questions.
So, we find ways to answer those questions that remain in our minds. One perfect way to do so is through backpacking.
The Wonders of Backpacking
Backpacking is a cost-friendly way to travel or explore the world.
You carry a handy backpack with only the essentials, such as comfortable clothes, a grooming kit, cellular phones or gadgets, and money.
Backpacking is a fun recreational activity because you not only explore but also get to channel the inner cowboy in you. How? You only brought a limited supply of all the needed resources for the trip.
The beauty of backpacking is making the most of what you have while enjoying the trip.
Furthermore, it is convenient due to its lightweight. So, you do not need to worry about carrying tons of bags from one hand to another.
You will not be in uncomfortable situations like sitting on a bus or waiting in a ticketing line. You only have one reasonable weighing bag that is the perfect size to keep you mobile on your trip.
Backpacking could be done anywhere! It may include locally traveling to nearby areas in your region, hopping from one country to another, or wilderness adventure.
But, whatever you choose, there is one thing you should always prepare- Freeze-dried food and dehydrated meals for backpacking.
The Importance of Meal Planning and Preparation when Backpacking
Preparing meals and snacks is essential in case of hunger strikes, especially if you enjoy exploring the wilderness.
There are less likely sources of food that you would want to eat, and even may not be edible. So, you would not want yourself to undergo starvation while on a mission to enjoy your escapade.
Therefore, you must include some easy-to-prepare and ready-to-eat meals in your backpack at any time of the day. This is to keep you on the go, ready and energized to face the adventures ahead.
The question is, "What kinds of meals should you pack?".
Indeed, that is a reasonable question because the primary purpose of backpacking is convenience. Hence, you would want to avoid carrying food that would give you a hard time.
Factors to Consider in Choosing Your Meal
The types of food that you would want to bring are those that are not difficult to prepare, such as:
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Non-soup food. This is to avoid any spilling inside your backpack.
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No refrigeration is needed for this kind of food. However, the refrigerator is one big thing you may not find accessible during backpacking. Not only that, but it could also take up your time if refrigeration is needed, which could ruin the whole itinerary of your planned trip.
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It does not require an excessive amount of effort and time. For example, consider something other than having steak for lunch or croissants for breakfast. These are time-consuming and energy-costly foods, defeating convenience's whole purpose. You should always consider the ease of your preparation and keep things simple.
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Size and weight. Bring food that takes up little space in your backpack and does not add excessive weight.
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Nutrition and Calories. Backpacking is fun, yet it can also be tiring and draining. So, you must bring food rich in protein and calories to give you the energy you need throughout the day. Moreover, there are better times to be conscious about your diet during backpacking. You need as much energy as possible to prevent headaches and fight fatigue. So, do not rely on protein bars or candy alone. It is always important to eat right.
Other Things to Consider
Shelf Life
The average shelf life for natural foods is four to six years. In contrast, freeze-dried meals with chemical-based supplements have a 30-year shelf life. A shelf life of one year is generally sufficient for backpacking.
Taste
Don't expect the meals in freeze-dried hiking food to taste like home-cooked food, even if they have beautiful names like Mango Sticky Rice.
Taste and texture are primarily subjective, so you'll have to experiment with them to find the tastes and brands that you like. Testing them out in the wild is preferable since you will be more tolerant of their flavor after a long day of hiking and grateful for a hot, satisfying supper.
We advise bringing packets of olive oil, spicy sauce, dried cheese, salt, and pepper to enhance the taste.
The Food Dilemma During Backpacking
Backpacking is one of the most fun-filled activities that puts you in a dilemma.
The dilemma is usually choosing between good food and easy food. The difference between the two is the time and ease of preparation.
This is all in just before you feed yourself from the hunger you have obtained from the long-hour activities you have been doing.
You can choose to have steak or pasta for dinner. However, you must keep all ingredients fresh to enjoy your full-course meal. In that case, it is impossible due to the lack of resources and utilities.
It is best to have the patience and proper equipment to achieve the perfect steak or savory pasta.
On the other hand, if you realize that that is energy and time-consuming, you settle for canned goods or MREs.
Canned goods or MREs are also not quite a thrill to consume because they are not very digestible and are much less healthy.
10 Best Freeze-Dried Food and Dehydrated Meals
Finally, a discovery has been made that will avoid all the problems and fuss involved in deciding what to munch on.
Dehydrated meals and freeze-dried food are the perfect and effective remedies for your dilemma. For decades, this approach has become the go-to choice when backpacking.
Surprisingly, it provides tasty and healthy food. The manufacturers have also kindly provided their consumers with various choices.
These choices are just as fantastic as ordering in a three-star restaurant. They can go from delicious puddings and rich beef stews to practically freshly tasting vegetables that could seem as if they were just picked fresh from a farm.
Furthermore, you will find that these types of food preparation are convenient, easy to pack, and the type of food you want to eat, and they still give you the nutrients and energy you need to keep you fueled for a long adventure of backpacking.
Below is a list of items that are perfect for every backpacking adventure. The description of each product is based on the manufacturers themselves.
Mountain House
The Mountain House has been in the industry for more than 50 years now.
They are known for being the first ones to provide efficient meals for the US Special Forces.
They have designed their products with versatility, making them capable even from the ocean's depths to the peak of Everest.
Their products promise to provide quality food in any climate or situation. A few of their best products are:
1. Beef Stroganoff with Noodles comprises Tender pieces of beef, tasty onions, and mushrooms blended in a savory cream sauce over a bed of egg noodles.
2. Chili Mac with Beef consists of pillow-like macaroni noodles, savory precooked beef, and yummy kidney beans in a tasty chili sauce. It is every customer's go-to freeze-dried food. To make it, add hot water, and you'll have a tasty meal in minutes.
3. Neapolitan Ice Cream Bar - This is made with natural creamy ice cream. This brand incorporates chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors blended perfectly to create an enjoyable and yummy dessert. What is impressive about the Mountain House Neapolitan Ice Cream Bar is that it does not melt. It is ready for eating right off the pouch! You need not worry about the dripping mess that usually follows when eating ice cream.
4. Spaghetti Sauce with Meat Sauce—Mountain House Spaghetti with Meat Sauce delivers the wholesome, comforting flavor of Italian cooking in hardly any time. Tender spaghetti noodles, hearty chunks of beef, and rich marinara sauce—what's not to love?
Good To-Go
Jennifer Scism, an accomplished Chef and the co-owner of the nationally recognized restaurant in New York's Greenwich Village, Annisa, founded Good To-Go.
Scism advocates and promotes easy access to good food.
Her culinary background includes working at and cooking at NY Times 4-star-rated restaurants, traveling to over 20 countries to study regional cuisines, and defeating the Iron Chef, Mario Batali, on the TV Food Network's Iron Chef program.
Therefore, she knows her way in the culinary world.
The birth of Good To-Go started soon after David and Jennifer met.
They were fond of going on outdoor adventures. They spent days and nights on these trips and needed to look for or find something to eat.
Jennifer had trouble finding something fresh and delicious and was already full of packed meals in the area.
During that time, she maximized her cooking knowledge and expertise and created something that she never thought would be very beneficial.
Jennifer had begun dehydrating her favorite go-to meals in her countertop dehydrator.
After much experimentation and trial and error, she and her husband, David Krootis, the co-founder of Good To-Go, made one of the best discoveries in the history of food preparation and food in general.
1. Thai Curry- This would be the right choice if you like spicy cuisines and want them done quickly. The spicy yellow coconut curry was Good To-Go's first meal to win the Backpacker Magazine Editors' Choice Award 2014.
Up until now, it has been a favorite among Good To-Go loyalists. The pack or pouch consists of broccoli, cauliflower, peas, green beans, Thai chili, coconut milk, lemongrass, and tamarind, all contributing to the wonderfully smelling and tasting curry. Furthermore, it is gluten-free and has a 4-year shelf life.
2. Classic Marinara with Penne - Nothing is more comforting than a steaming bowl of slow-simmered marinara sauce over noodles. Our classic Italian tomato sauce is served with the best brown rice penne.
Backpacker's Pantry
Backpacker's Pantry started in 1951 and was headed by Ann Benedict.
At that time, the company aimed to supply the Girl Scouts with lightweight, nutritious food for their trial.
After two decades, the Smith Family bought the company and is, up until now, the one managing the company's whole operation.
1. Colorado Omelet - All-natural, free-range eggs with a scramble of cheddar cheese, bell peppers, and onions. The Colorado Omelet is formerly known as the Denver Omelet. It is rich in protein, low in sodium, and requires minimal cooking.
Directions: Remove and discard the enclosed oxygen absorber before beginning food preparation. Add 1/2 cup (120 mL) of water and blend. Add another 1/2 cup (120 mL) of water and blend until smooth. Cook over low heat in a nonstick pan, stirring frequently.
2. Louisiana Red Beans and Rice - A True Cajun Classic! This simple red beans and rice dish is tossed with a Creole sauce and a delicious spice of Cajun flare. It is Gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and organic.
Directions: Remove and discard the enclosed oxygen absorber before beginning food preparation. Add 2-1/2 cups (600 mL) of boiling water. Stir well. Seal and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Stir and serve. Rehydration time doubles every 5,000 feet of elevation gain. Our directions are set for 5,000 feet.
MaryJanesFarm Organic
MaryJanesFarm Organic is an active promoter of using all-natural and organic ingredients.
1. Shepherd's Meat Pie—This product has all-natural, organic ingredients. Preparing it is simple: Mix everything, add boiling water, stir, and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garlic Pesto Fry Bread - Another product made with all-natural, organic ingredients.
Difference between Freeze-Dried Food and Dehydrated Meals
Freeze-dried foods have a substantially longer shelf life than those dehydrated because dehydration only eliminates around 80% of the water in the meal.
Food that has been freeze-dried is rapidly frozen, and after that, it is placed in a vacuum, where all of the water vaporizes.
In contrast to dehydrated meals, which generally survive one to five years, freeze-dried foods can be stored for 20 to 30 years.
However, this needs expensive equipment and cannot be accomplished at home.
The nutritional content of freeze-dried and dehydrated foods varies the most.
Freeze-dried foods maintain all of their flavor, aroma, texture, and nutritional content from their natural state.
Dehydrated foods can become a little chewier because the heating process "cooks" them over a long period while they dry. They also lose roughly 50% of their nutritional value.
In hot or cold water, freeze-dried foods rehydrate more quickly, typically in 5 minutes or less (dried berries, almost instantly).
Dehydrated meals often take 10 to 20 minutes to rehydrate when using boiling water, which means a longer wait time and more stove fuel—two things backpackers dislike!
