How Long Does Freeze Dried Backpacking Food Last?

By Michael Ferguson

Freeze dried backpacking food is a great way to get a nutritious and tasty meal into your backpack while on the trail. It is lightweight, shelf stable, and extremely easy to prepare. However, one of the most common questions asked by novice backpackers is “how long does freeze dried backpacking food last?”

The answer depends on the type of food being stored and how it is sealed. Freeze dried meals are typically packaged in vacuum-sealed foil pouches that preserve their freshness for long periods of time.

When stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, most freeze dried meals can last up to two years or more without any significant loss in flavor or nutritional value. The shelf life can be extended even further if the pouches are transferred to airtight containers such as mason jars or Mylar bags for storage.

In addition to the packaging, there are also several other factors that will affect the shelf life of freeze dried backpacking food such as temperature and humidity levels. Higher temperatures can speed up the oxidation process which will reduce the shelf life of freeze dried meals significantly. Similarly, high levels of humidity can cause water retention within the meals which can lead to spoilage over time.

While freeze dried backpacking food has an impressive shelf life when stored properly, it is always best to use your judgement when determining how long a meal should last and discard anything that looks or smells off before consuming it. Additionally, it is also important to check expiration dates before using any freeze dried meal as they do have a finite shelf life even under ideal storage conditions.

Conclusion:

Freeze dried backpacking food has an impressive shelf life when stored properly in vacuum-sealed foil pouches in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight. Most meals will last up to two years or more with minimal loss in flavor or nutritional value. However, temperature and humidity levels should still be taken into consideration as they may affect the longevity of freeze dried meals over time.