How Long Does Summer Sausage Last Backpacking?

By Anna Duncan

Summer sausage is a great addition to any backpacking trip. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and can provide a variety of flavors and textures to your meals.

It can also help you save money by eliminating the need for bulky and expensive food options. But how long does summer sausage last backpacking? The answer depends on the type of summer sausage and how it is packaged.

Fresh summer sausage should be eaten within two days of purchase, or one day if it is left in direct sunlight or exposed to extreme temperatures. This means that if you are planning a multi-day backpacking trip, you should plan ahead and purchase your sausages a few days before your departure. You should also store them in an airtight container or zip-lock bag and keep them in a cooler until ready for use.

Cured or smoked summer sausages are often vacuum-sealed and can last much longer than fresh varieties. Depending on the type of curing process used, these sausages can last up to six months if stored properly at room temperature (under 75°F). If temperatures exceed this level however, the sausages should be consumed within one month.

When storing summer sausage while backpacking:

  • Purchase fresh sausages within two days of departure.
  • Store them in an airtight container or zip-lock bag.
  • Keep them in a cooler with plenty of ice packs until ready for use.

Conclusion:
How long does summer sausage last backpacking? Fresh summer sausages should be eaten within two days while cured/smoked varieties can last up to six months if stored properly. However, if temperatures exceed 75°F, the sausages should be consumed within one month.