5 methods of providing a quick and easy meal on the campsite: Outdoors 101
5 Methods of Providing a Quick and Easy Meal on the Campsite:
Camping is tough. Providing food on a camping trip is even tougher. But with the right planning, whipping up a good meal on the go is as easy as mac & cheese in the microwave ;) Here is list of 5 types of camping & backpacking meal planning strategies:
1.Portable Gas/Propane Grills
Portable gas and oil fuel propane grills are as convenient as your own homes kitchen. Pack a few extra bottles of propane or oil, and you can cook for weeks time while out on the trail. A warm and home cooked meal on the trail is like hot chocolate on a cold winter morning. However, the grill does require a little bit of prepping and extra baggage for storing the uncooked food. This is where portable grills get a little bit inconvenient with packing, carrying, and storing. Certain models can be bulky, but others do fold/pack with single flame options. So, depending on the type of trip you are taking and how long you will be trekking for, you will want to determine whether you can lug the extra gear around, or just settle for a more backpack ready option.
2. Open Flame Grilling
Thousands of years ago, man discovered fire. Thousands of years later, we have evolved a bit but still enjoy a great open flame fire grilled piece of meat! Or veggies…So this method is as primitive as the wheel. But we do have a few modern options to help with this method. For instance, portable grates that can be easily packed and stuck over the flame to help with cooking. Also, fire starter logs and fuel that can make starting the fire a breeze. And depending on what type of food you are cooking, cooking over a fire requires minimal tools and cleanup. And what more would you want than cooking some marsh-mellows or fresh game over a toasty fire!
3.Dried Meats
This is one of our favorite methods for a backpacking/hiking/kayaking trip. Dried meats are easy to store, pack, and provide loads of protein at your convenience. They can last long periods of time while also being available at most gas stations. But don’t forget some drink to wash the tender meat down and also fiber!
4. Protein Bars, Dried Fruit, & Nuts
Our second favorite option for a day/night/weekend trips. Protein bars, dried fruit and bagged nuts provide fiber, nutrients, and protein. They can provide hours of energy with a single bag or bar. They are great as quick snacks or even meals to get you by when needed. Along with some beef jerky, nuts, protein bars, and dried nuts can be kept in a single backpack and provide a hiker weeks of meals. Though, processed foods always have a downside which includes sugar. Sugar can be helpful for a quick burst, but cause you to crash minutes later. So go for the cleaner, unprocessed ingredients.
5.Yogurts, Protein Shakes, & Pre-Sealed
These are great for quick breakfast, lunch, and dinner options on the go. Yogurts, protein shakes, and pre-sealed’s are easily carried, provide great nutrition, and are relatively cheap. Nothing beats a lunch-able or pre-packed celery ranch chicken salad while you are 12000ft up on a mountain hiking trail. Though, these types of food usually do require cooling, which could be a problem when you are out on the trail, with no refrigerator or ice maker in sight. But cooling can be easily managed, with the right ice chest and ability to pack the ice chest along with you. Just like dried meats, these options can usually all be picked up at your local market or gas station on the way to the trail.
So stay safe, pack light, and let the adventures begin!