What Should I Dehydrate for Backpacking?

By Michael Ferguson

When embarking on a backpacking adventure, it’s important to bring food that is lightweight and nutritious. Dehydrating food is one of the best ways to achieve this. Dehydrating reduces the weight of food by removing most of its water content, with the added benefit of preserving its nutrients. It also extends the shelf-life of your food, meaning you don’t have to worry about it going off on your journey.

Fruits: Dried fruits are a fantastic snack for backpacking trips. Not only are they full of vitamins and minerals, but they also make for a great energy boost when you’re out in the wilderness. Fruits such as apples, bananas, strawberries and blueberries are all excellent candidates for dehydrating.

Vegetables: Don’t forget your veggies!

Carrots, peppers and onions are all great choices for dehydrating as they can be added to meals to provide essential nutrients and flavour. Another option is to make veggie chips which can be a nice alternative to regular chips when snacking on-the-go.

Meats: If you’re looking for something more substantial than snacks and sides, then meats can be a great option too. Jerky is an obvious choice here as it’s a lightweight protein source that can last up to several months without needing refrigeration. Alternatively, you can also try making ground beef or turkey jerky if you prefer more variety in your diet.

Grains: Grains provide carbohydrates which are essential for energy during backpacking trips. Rice, oats and quinoa are all excellent choices as they can provide sustenance for days at a time without taking up too much space in your bag or needing frequent preparation or refrigeration.

Conclusion: With the right foods prepared correctly through dehydration, you have everything you need for an enjoyable and nutritious backpacking trip! Fruits, vegetables, meats and grains are all excellent choices that will provide energy throughout your journey while being lightweight enough that they won’t weigh down your bag.