How Do You Dehydrate Meat for Backpacking?

By Alice Nichols

Anyone who has been backpacking before knows the importance of packing light and making sure that you have enough sustenance to get you through the duration of your trip. Dehydrating meat is one such way to ensure a tasty and lightweight meal while out on the trail.

By following the tips below, you can rest assured that your next outdoor adventure will be nourished with delicious, and easy-to-prepare meals.

Step 1: Select the Meat

When it comes to dehydrating meat for backpacking, there are some meats that work better than others. Leaner cuts of meat such as beef, chicken, or venison are ideal because they don’t have much fat content which can cause spoilage during storage. It’s also important to make sure that the meat is fresh and not already pre-cooked in order to maximize flavor and nutrition.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat

Once you have selected your desired cut of meat, it’s time to prepare it for dehydration. Start by trimming away any fat or gristle from the meat and then slicing it into thin strips or cubes about ¼ inch thick for optimal dehydration. If you want to add extra flavor, you can marinate or season the meat before dehydration using your favorite herbs and spices.

Step 3: Dehydrate Meat

The actual process of dehydrating takes several hours depending on how thickly sliced your pieces are and how dry you want them to be at completion. You can choose between a food dehydrator or an oven depending on what equipment you have available. If using an oven, set it at 140°F (60°C) with a fan setting if possible; this will help keep air circulating throughout the dehydrating process which will help ensure even drying.

Step 4: Storage & Rehydration

Once done dehydrating, make sure all pieces are completely cool before storing in an airtight container or vacuum sealed bag for maximum preservation. When ready to use, simply rehydrate in hot water for about 10 minutes before cooking or adding into a recipe; this will help bring back some of its original tenderness as well as flavor.

Conclusion:

Dehydrating meat for backpacking is a great way to ensure that your next outdoor adventure is properly nourished without having to pack heavy items such as canned goods or pre-packaged meals.

All it takes is selecting lean cuts of fresh meat, preparing them by slicing into thin strips or cubes, using either an oven or food dehydrator to dehydrate them until they’re brittle and crunchy, storing them in airtight containers until ready to use, then rehydrating with hot water prior to cooking – voila! You’re all set with an easy-to-prepare meal while out on the trail.