Catherine Rayburn-Trobaugh
What To Look For
Whether you are backpacking, day hiking or camping in a campground, affordable, easy-to-fix and delicious camping foods are important to the success of your trip. While you can make meals from scratch, using commercially prepared foods will take less space and take less time to prepare. When choosing camping foods, look for sturdy packaging, light weight and low space foods. Also consider how you will dispose of the packaging when you're finished. Nutrition is another factor. Look for high-protein foods with complex carbohydrates. Keep salt, refined sugar and fats to a minimum. Because of all of these factors, freeze-dried camping food is usually the best choice.
Common Pitfalls
It's easy to be seduced by exotic and unusual foods, but it's best to stick with the basics. Using grocery store convenience food might save money, but you might be disappointed with the nutritional value or the weight of the food.
Where To Buy
Freeze-dried camping food can usually be bought at any outdoor store, but if you are going on a long trip, you'll probably want more variety that is available at small stores. Online venues often offer a greater variety as well as deals on shipping for minimum quantities. Cabela's and Bass Pro sell a wide variety but also consider purchasing from manufacturers such as Richmoor, Mountain House and Pack Lite.
Cost
Most packets of freeze-dried camping food runs about $2.50 for a single serving as of September 2009. If you are camping with others, consider getting multiserving packages for a better per-serving savings. For longer trips, you can save money by buying bulk amounts for around $120 for seven days for one person.
Comparison Shopping
The per-serving prices are about the same for the major brands, but you can get a good deal in bulk. Mountain Aire sells samplers and six packs that save over the individual pack prices. Mountain House has several lines that target a specific type of camping and hiking, saving you money on features you might not need. Pack Lite boasts more food and easier preparation for its freeze-dried camping food.
Accessories
In addition to the main meals, don't forget healthy snacks that can keep your energy going. Nutrition bars such as Cliff Bars and Pro-Bars are specifically targeted to provide nutrition and energy with the minimum amount of fats and sugars. Electrolyte drinks and tablets can keep you healthy as well.
Insider Tips
Don't forget to plan how you will cook. One advantage of freeze-dried camping food is it most only requires adding boiling water. Make sure you have plenty of fuel and a water source.
