Can You Take Hot Dogs Backpacking?

By Robert Palmer

Hot dogs are a classic camping treat, but can you take them backpacking? The answer is yes, but there are a few things to consider before bringing them along.

Weight: Hot dogs are surprisingly heavy. A typical package of hot dogs weighs about one pound, and if you’re trying to keep your pack light, that extra weight can add up quickly. It’s important to weigh the convenience of a hot dog against the extra weight you’ll be carrying around all day.

Storage: Hot dogs must be kept cold and need an insulated container or cooler in order to stay safe for consumption. If you don’t have access to a cooler, the hot dogs will spoil quickly and could cause food poisoning if consumed.

Preparation: Hot dogs need to be cooked before they can be eaten, so you’ll need access to heat in order to prepare them. If you’re out in the wilderness with no access to a fire, then hot dogs aren’t going to be much use.

Nutrition: Hot dogs aren’t exactly health food – they’re high in fat and sodium, which isn’t ideal when trying to stay energized on the trail. If possible, try packing some leaner meats such as chicken or turkey sausages instead.

So Can You Take Hot Dogs Backpacking? Hot dogs can be taken backpacking, but it’s important to weigh the convenience of having them against their weight and storage requirements as well as their nutritional value. If all of these factors are taken into consideration, then hot dogs can make a great addition to any backpacking trip!