Dehydrating food is an excellent way to preserve food while backpacking. Not only will it last longer, but it also weighs a lot less than fresh food and takes up much less space. Dehydrating your own food for backpacking can be as simple as using a dehydrator or an oven, or you can use the power of the sun to do it with a little bit of DIY ingenuity.
Using a Dehydrator
Dehydrators are great for preserving the nutrient-rich properties of many foods, and they are relatively simple to use. All you need to do is slice the food into thin pieces and place it on the racks in the dehydrator. Then set your dehydrator’s temperature and timer accordingly and let it run until all of the moisture is removed.
Using an Oven
If you don’t have access to a dehydrator, an oven will work just as well. Just preheat your oven to around 140 degrees Fahrenheit, spread your sliced pieces of food on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the oven for several hours until all of the moisture has been removed from the food. Be sure to check on your food every hour or so to make sure that it isn’t overcooking or burning.
DIY Solar Powered Dehydration
If you don’t have access to electricity while backpacking, then drying your own food in the sun is a great alternative option. All you need is some cardboard boxes lined with black plastic, some skewers and some wood chips or leaves for fuel.
Place your skewered slices of food onto the black plastic-lined cardboard boxes and heat them with wood chips or leaves until all of the moisture has been removed from them. This method may take longer than using an oven or dehydrator but if done right, it can be very effective in preserving your food for long-term storage while out in nature.
Conclusion:
Dehydrating food for backpacking is an excellent way to preserve meals while out in nature without taking up too much space or adding too much weight to your pack. Whether you choose to use a dehydrator, an oven or try out some DIY solar powered dehydration methods, there are plenty of options available for preserving your own meals while on the go!