Let’s face it we all have to eat. Whether you are on a planned camping event or a spontaneous camping trip with friends, it’s always a good idea to pack something to eat. Nicole and I have been on more than one camping trip where a planned meal has run out or it wasn’t something we wanted to eat. Many of the organized trips we’ve been on provide breakfast and dinner since many participants will be out riding or sightseeing during the day. We’ve seen more than one person miss out on breakfast after sleeping in after a late night. Imagine missing dinner and then breakfast. It’s easy to be prepared for this. Even if you don’t get around to eating the food you packed at least you have it.

Now if you are like Nicole and can’t function without coffee (we have an article about that) then you may already have a heat source in mind. If not, stay posted as we will be exploring some of the different products on the market to boil water and or cook your food in future articles.

In this write up we will explore some food options that will not need refrigeration or a cooling source and are compact enough to fit in your gear.

A quick trip to the store can provide options that could include but are not limited to:

•  Top ramen
• Pop tarts
• Small bags of chips or cookies
• Granola bars
• Jerky
• Nuts
• Instant oatmeal
• Peanut butter packets
• Tuna or spam in a bag
• Dried fruit

It’s important to factor in how much space and how you are going to pack it when choosing these options above. Space is always at a premium when it has to fit on the back of a motorcycle. Some small cans might be okay, especially those with pull tabs, but if it’s a conventional can then you have to factor in a can opener and the space for it as part of your gear. Sure, it’s a small item, but small items add up quickly.

While many of the above items are good options for quick snacks, they aren’t very balanced or nutritious. If you are looking for a more hearty meal option, there are many companies that make freeze-dried meals that are well-balanced, nutritious, and easy to pack. Where can we find prepackaged meals in convenient portions? Much like motorcycle campers, backpackers have to bring everything they need with them. There are a variety of companies producing meals that are freeze-dried, dehydrated, and vacuum-sealed. These aren’t your grandparents powdered eggs and milk meals, they are actually well-seasoned, delicious, and affordable. What helps make them affordable is the long shelf life when properly stored.

Don’t worry if you didn’t have a chance to eat it this summer, you could pack it for the next 5 summers and still might have time to eat it before it expires. One of my Mountain House meals has an expiration of 2052…I will be 79 years old! Still riding a motorcycle of course! Some of the freeze-dried meal options include meals from a variety of different cuisine styles and are able to accommodate various dietary needs. Meal options include Italian, Mexican, American, Indian, Asian, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, among others. From breakfast to dessert there are so many options! All you need is some boiling water and a little patience. You even rehydrate it in the bag it comes in! No messy dishes to clean when you’re done eating.

Rinse your spork and throw it back in your bag. Don’t forget your SPORK!

Over the years freeze-dried meals have increased in popularity and availability and are sold at most sporting goods stores and also including places like Walmart. I can’t vouch for the variety at Walmart and other big box stores, since I usually get mine at REI or Sportsman’s warehouse if I need it now. They both have a large variety of manufacturers and meals and sometimes they have a % off if you buy a certain quantity. If you have the time to wait for delivery, ordering from Amazon or directly from the manufacturer is an option. Should you choose to go the direct route you can find some great deals on bundles and variety packs, you can always go halfsies with a friend to share the cost or with the long shelf life, squirrel them away for an emergency or trips over the next few years.

Here’s a small list of some manufacturers that are easy to source. We have put an asterisk next to ones we have tried.

*Peak Refuel
*Mountain House
*Good to go
*Backpackers pantry
*AlpineAire foods
*Heathers choice
Trailtopia
Firepot
Nomad Nutrition
Patagonia
Next mile meals
Wild Zora

We hope you enjoy some of these options and as you explore let us know which meals you have tried and enjoyed. We love trying new food and look forward to hearing about your experiences with it. With so many options we haven’t tried them all and look forward to your favorite suggestions. As we find more options and ideas we will be sure to share them with
you.

Also, I didn’t forget about water. Stay posted. as we have storage, filtration, and acquiring
options in future articles.