Bringing butter on a backpacking trip can be a great way to add flavor to your meals and snacks. Whether you’re bringing it for cooking or just to spread on bread, it’s an easy way to upgrade the typical trail fare.
That said, butter is not always the most practical choice when it comes to packing light and keeping your food fresh. Here are some tips on how to make sure that you can bring butter backpacking without sacrificing too much space or freshness.
Pack It Properly
The key to bringing butter backpacking is packing it properly. It’s best to opt for a small container that will keep the butter from melting and going rancid too quickly.
If you’re using a store-bought container, make sure that it is air-tight and won’t leak any oils onto your other items. A vacuum-sealed type of container is also ideal for keeping the butter as fresh as possible for longer periods of time.
Choose Unsalted Butter
It’s best to pack unsalted butter when going backpacking since salt can attract moisture and cause the butter to spoil more quickly. Unsalted butter also has a longer shelf life than salted varieties, so you won’t have to worry about it going bad while out on the trail.
Use Freeze-Dried Butter
Another option is to use freeze-dried butter instead of regular butter. Freeze-dried versions are shelf-stable and don’t require refrigeration, so they are great for extended trips where refrigeration isn’t available or accessible. They also take up less space in your pack, making them ideal for people who need to conserve space.
Bring It In Small Quantities
It’s also important to bring only what you need when bringing butter backpacking. This means that if you only need a small amount of butter for your meals or snacks, then opt for smaller containers or pre-portioned packs instead of large tubs or sticks that will take up too much space in your pack.
Overall, bringing butter backpacking can be done with proper planning and preparation. By choosing the right type of container, opting for unsalted varieties, and packing only what you need, you can enjoy all the flavor and variety that a bit of extra fat can provide without sacrificing too much weight or freshness in your pack.