How Do You Carry Meat While Backpacking?

By Michael Ferguson

When you’re planning for a backpacking trip, it’s important to think about food – and specifically, how you’ll be transporting your meat. Depending on the type of meat you plan to bring and the length of your trip, there are several different ways to transport it safely.

For short trips, the easiest and most practical way to carry meat is in a cooler. This will keep the meat cold and safe from spoilage.

Be sure to use cold packs or ice to ensure that the temperature remains below 40°F. You can also use vacuum-sealed packages to help preserve freshness. If possible, try to keep the cooler in a shady area or in a spot where temperatures won’t rise too quickly – this will help ensure that your food stays safe longer.

If you’re planning on a longer backpacking trip, it’s best to use freeze-dried or dehydrated meats as they are lightweight and easy-to-transport. However, if you prefer fresh meat, there are other options available. Consider using an insulated bag such as an insulated lunch box or soft-sided cooler with cold packs or ice packs to keep your food cold during transport.

When storing raw meats in an insulated bag, it’s important that you take extra precautionary steps to prevent contamination and spoilage. Keep your meats separated from other foods and make sure that they are not exposed to temperatures above 40°F for more than two hours. Additionally, it’s best practice to use separate containers for raw meat and cooked meat.

Conclusion:

No matter what type of backpacking trip you plan on taking, there are several different methods for safely carrying meat while out on the trail. Coolers are ideal for short trips while insulated bags along with cold packs or ice packs work well for longer trips. Also be sure to take extra precautions such as separating raw meats from cooked meats and keeping them at temperatures below 40°F when storing them in an insulated bag.