Cheese is an amazing food to bring on any backpacking trip. Not only does it provide a great source of protein and calcium, but it can also be stored for longer periods of time without going bad.
When backpacking, it’s important to be mindful of how long your food will last before needing to be replaced. This is especially true for perishable items, such as cheese. So how long is cheese good for backpacking?
The answer to this question depends largely on the type of cheese you are bringing with you and the conditions in which it is stored. Harder cheeses, like cheddar and Parmesan, tend to last much longer than softer cheeses such as Brie or Camembert. Generally speaking, hard cheeses can last up to three weeks without going bad, while soft cheeses should be used within a week or two.
Storing cheese properly is also an important factor when assessing how long it will last in your backpack. Cheese should always be kept in an airtight container with a lid and stored in a cool place – ideally somewhere between 5-10 degrees Celsius (41-50 degrees Fahrenheit). Refrigeration is not necessary but can significantly extend the shelf life of certain types of cheese if the temperature is consistent and cool enough.
The best way to ensure your cheese will stay fresh while backpacking is to purchase pre-cut pieces that are vacuum sealed in plastic wrap or containers. This packaging helps protect the cheese from mold or bacteria growth that would otherwise occur if not properly sealed off from the environment. Vacuum sealed packages are also more convenient and easier to transport than larger blocks of cheese that require cutting and wrapping yourself.
Conclusion:
Cheese can make a great addition to any backpacking trip as long as you know how long it will stay good for before needing to be replaced. Harder cheeses like cheddar or Parmesan have a much longer shelf life than their softer counterparts like Brie or Camembert, lasting up to three weeks if stored properly in an airtight container at cool temperatures. Vacuum sealed packages are ideal for preserving freshness while out on the trail and make transportation easier as well.