Camping Foods That Hold Up Without Refrigeration
When camping, an option for a refrigerator or freezer is limited to a cooler with ice. However, if you are planning to camp for longer than a few nights, you will need plenty of nonperishable food options. Getting sick from spoiled food would definitely not be a very nice way to remember your camping experience.
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Canned or Pre-Packaged
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Canned or pre-packaged food items are a must for camping. Canned goods like baked beans or salsa, heat and serve noodles, dry cereal, chips, granola bars, peanut butter, bread, trail mix and beef jerky are all excellent options. Be sure to bring items that are versatile and may can be mixed and matched. For example, bring tortilla chips to have chips and salsa or bring along a canned marinara sauce to have with the noodles. Do not forget to bring along a few condiments, such as mustard, butter and a few spices like salt, pepper and cinnamon. They will be perfect for adding some flavor to your meals. If you will be staying in a primitive, hike-in campsite, go for the softer, lightweight, pre-packaged options, as you will have to carry in and out your food and trash.
Instant Foods
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Meals you can create by adding water are perfect for camping. Instant oatmeal or grits combined with energy packed nuts like almonds and some dried fruit make a healthful, filling meal to keep you going throughout your exploring or trail blazing. Remember to bring powdered energy drink mix and instant coffee, as both will come in handy--one to ward off the early morning chill and the other to give you that much needed boost during a tough hike. The best thing about instant foods are that they are quick, lightweight and easy to pack.
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Fruits and Vegetables
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When planning meals for your camping trip, do not get stuck in a mentality of "it must be in a box, can or plastic. If not, I cannot bring it." Going camping does not mean you have to fill your stomach with foods that contain lots of preservatives. There are many types of fruits and vegetables that can be brought along to supplement meals or become part of a meal. Apples, bananas, tomatoes and oranges and pears all handle the outdoors just fine. Also, bring along a few baking potatoes to cook in the fire or combine the potatoes with carrots and onions to make a hearty vegetable stew.
Baking Mixes
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To bring a little of home to the outdoors, carry along some baking mixes like Bisquick. A predawn meal of pancakes with coffee will satisfy any camper's hunger. Take the Bisquick a step further and create over-the-fire biscuits or pack along some corn bread mix to cook over the open flame. If you plan to do these, be sure to pack along a small camping stove or a metal rack to place over the fire. It will make your baking experience much easier.
Protein
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It is always a good idea to pack some protein while camping, as it is essential to fill you up and keep your energy going long after you burn off all of the carbohydrates. Hard meats like salami or summer sausage hold up outdoors without refrigeration. Another option would be canned tuna or chicken. Neither require refrigeration. If you prefer your protein in liquid form, bring along protein powder to mix with water or an energy drink.
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