I enjoy motorcycle camping and can carry more than a backpacker, but less than someone with a car. Recently, I relied on simple foods like tuna packets, ready rice, and canned goods. After two weeks, I grew tired of my limited menu. I’m considering adding a small ice chest or getting a dehydrator, though both have their drawbacks. An ice chest would allow me to store perishables, but I’d need to replenish ice every few days. A dehydrator offers more food variety but would be inconvenient to use and store in my college dorm. I’m looking for advice on these options or any other solutions I might not have considered.
If you’re riding each day, why not buy fresh food along the way or grab something like chicken from a local store to eat later? It’s even better when it’s cold. I also pack MREs and dehydrated meals occasionally. For cooling drinks, a small lunchbox cooler strapped to the bike works great for keeping things like beer chilled until you’re ready to unwind.
@Kip
I usually camp in one spot for a few days. I enjoy MREs, but they can be pricey. I used to have them more often when they were provided for me.
Hart said:
@Kip
I usually camp in one spot for a few days. I enjoy MREs, but they can be pricey. I used to have them more often when they were provided for me.
You could invest in a dehydrator and prepare your meals in advance. It’s a bit of work, but homemade dehydrated meals can be tailored to your taste and are cost-effective in the long run. Pack each meal in a mylar bag, and you can easily rehydrate and cook them wherever you are.
Adding fresh vegetables like bell peppers and carrots can enhance your meals significantly. Simple additions like cheese, salami, and nuts make for quick and satisfying meals. Consider a cooler bag for short-term freshness. If you’re passing through towns, why not buy fresh fish and grill it over your campfire?
@Marlow
Cooking fresh trout over a fire sounds amazing. I’ve added olive oil to canned pasta before, but I haven’t thought about fresh vegetables. That’s definitely something I’ll try next time!
Hart said:
@Marlow
Cooking fresh trout over a fire sounds amazing. I’ve added olive oil to canned pasta before, but I haven’t thought about fresh vegetables. That’s definitely something I’ll try next time!
Sweet potatoes are another great option to roast over a campfire. They’re delicious with just a bit of oil and seasoning. Exploring the produce section might inspire more cooking ideas.
@Marlow
I need to shift my thinking away from just packaged foods. Exploring more campfire cooking methods will definitely enhance my meals. Thanks for the tips!
@Marlow
Many fruits and vegetables will last a couple of days without refrigeration if stored properly. It’s a simple way to add freshness to your meals.
Check out Chef Corso on YouTube. He specializes in gourmet backpacking meals that are simple to prepare. His tips could transform how you cook on the road. For example, rehydrating beef jerky into steak or making instant ramen taste like gourmet meals with a few extra ingredients.
@Nico
I didn’t know about rehydrating beef jerky, that’s a game changer! I’ll definitely check out those videos. Thanks for the recommendation!
Have you considered pre-made dehydrated meals? They are convenient and lighter than canned goods. Watch out for high sodium content though.
Clancy said:
Have you considered pre-made dehydrated meals? They are convenient and lighter than canned goods. Watch out for high sodium content though.
I enjoy those meals, but the cost adds up on longer trips. I treat myself to one every now and then as a break from simpler fare.
Consider bringing a dry mix for making bannock. It’s a simple type of bread that you can cook over a campfire. It’s filling and goes well with almost any meal.
Linden said:
Consider bringing a dry mix for making bannock. It’s a simple type of bread that you can cook over a campfire. It’s filling and goes well with almost any meal.
Bannock sounds like a great addition to my camping meals. I’ll definitely give it a try on my next trip. Thanks for the suggestion!
A collapsible cooler could be useful for keeping perishables fresh on the first day or two. You could also explore air frying for dehydrating small batches of food if you have access to one. Adding varied proteins like salami or canned fish can diversify your meals.
@Avery
A collapsible cooler is a great idea for those first few days out. I’ll look into air fryers for dehydrating food. Visiting that market will also be a good way to find unique ingredients. Thanks for the advice!
Vacuum-packed steaks can last a few days if kept cool. Consider adding vacuum-sealed bacon and hard cheeses for variety. Roasting vegetables like onions and garlic can elevate any meal. Look for dried mushrooms and seasoning mixes to enhance even simple dishes.
@Macon
I need to explore more options for keeping food without refrigeration, especially for proteins and fresh produce. Where can I find dried mushrooms?
Hart said:
@Macon
I need to explore more options for keeping food without refrigeration, especially for proteins and fresh produce. Where can I find dried mushrooms?
You can usually find dried mushrooms in the seasoning aisle of supermarkets or at specialty stores. They’re great for adding flavor to meals with minimal effort.