How to Make DIY Dehydrated Backpacking Meals: A Beginner’s Guide
Backpacking is a great outdoor adventure activity that lets you explore new destinations and push your physical limits to the max. However, when you are out on the trails for days or weeks, carrying a fresh supply of food can be challenging. This is where dehydrated backpacking meals come in handy.
Dehydrating your own food not only cuts costs and saves weight, but it also gives you full control over the ingredients and nutrition you want to consume during your adventure. In this beginner’s guide, we will show you how to make DIY dehydrated backpacking meals that are tasty, healthy, and easy to prepare.
Step 1: Choose Your Ingredients
The first step in making dehydrated backpacking meals is to choose the ingredients you’ll be using. Choose ingredients that are lightweight, easy to prepare, and pack lots of nutrition. Some good options include rice, pasta, quinoa, beans, lentils, vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices.
Step 2: Cook Your Ingredients
Once you have chosen your ingredients, cook them as you normally would. Boil, steam, roast, or sauté them with your preferred seasonings and spices. Avoid adding too much salt or oil as they can affect the shelf life of your dehydrated meals. Also, make sure to cut your vegetables and fruits into small pieces for faster and even drying.
Step 3: Dehydrate Your Meals
The next step is to dehydrate your cooked ingredients. You can use a dehydrator, oven, or the sun to dry your food. If you are using an oven or sun, put your ingredients on a baking sheet and place them in a preheated oven or cover them with a net to protect them from bugs as they dry under the sun. Be sure to turn your ingredients occasionally for even drying.
Step 4: Pack Your Meals
Once your food is dried and crisp, it’s time to pack them for your backpacking trip. Store them in airtight containers or bags to prevent moisture and air from spoiling them. You can also vacuum seal your meals for longer shelf life. Be sure to label your meals with their names and cooking instructions for easy identification and preparation.
Conclusion
Making your own dehydrated backpacking meals is an excellent way to eat healthy, save money, and enjoy a tasty meal while on the trail. With these four easy steps, you can create meals that are nourishing and delicious regardless of where your backpacking adventure takes you. So, why not give it a try and see for yourself just how easy and rewarding it can be!
