How Do You Rehydrate Meals for Backpacking?

By Alice Nichols

Backpacking meals are convenient for those who are looking for a quick-and-easy way to satisfy their hunger while traveling. They come in a range of flavors and varieties, from freeze-dried meals to pre-packaged snacks and more.

But if you’re in an area without access to running water or electricity, it can be difficult to rehydrate meals for backpacking. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to rehydrate your meals when you’re out on the trail.

Boiling: Boiling is the most common method used to rehydrate backpacking meals. Simply bring enough water to a boil, then add your meal and stir occasionally until it is fully rehydrated.

It should take approximately 10 minutes for most meals to reconstitute this way. Be sure not to let the water evaporate away completely, as this could dry out your meal.

Soaking: If you don’t have access to boiling water or a stove, you can also try soaking your meal in cold water. This method takes longer than boiling, typically around 20 minutes, but it is still effective. To speed up the process of soaking, add some salt or sugar into the water before submerging your meal.

Using Hot Drinks: You can also use hot drinks like coffee or tea as a substitute for boiling water when rehydrating meals for backpacking. Simply add powdered or granulated food into your mug of hot liquid and stir until it is fully reconstituted.

Using Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are a great source of natural liquid that can be used to rehydrate backpacking meals. For example, applesauce, mashed potatoes, pureed pumpkin or banana can be added directly into the meal mix to help reconstitute it quickly and easily.

Conclusion: Rehydrating meals for backpacking doesn’t have to be difficult – with a little bit of creativity and ingenuity you can make delicious dishes even when you’re far from civilization. Whether you choose boiling, soaking, using hot drinks or adding fruits and vegetables – these methods all provide an easy solution for enjoying tasty prepared food while on the trail.