What Are The Best Foods To Dehydrate For Camping?

“My family and I love camping in the summer near Pemberton in British Columbia, and we always take all our food with us. I’m looking to dehydrate more food since it’s so much lighter to carry, but I’m not sure what the best foods are. We’re trying to keep things healthy but also easy, and we usually go camping for a few days at a time. Any advice on what’s good, what’s not, and how long we can store dehydrated foods?” Thanks, Patrick, Pemberton, Canada.

What Are The Best Foods To Dehydrate For Camping?

Hey Patrick! It sounds like you’ve got some fun summer camping trips ahead. Dehydrating food is a game changer when you’re out in nature—it keeps your meals lightweight and saves you space in your backpack, not to mention it’s healthier than buying pre-packaged stuff that’s usually loaded with preservatives. Let’s talk about the best foods to dehydrate for camping so you can hit those trails well-prepared and well-fed, plus some of my own lazy methods for making it all easier.

Why Dehydrate Food for Camping?

The main reason people like to dehydrate when camping is pretty obvious: it’s lightweight and takes up very little space in your pack. But on top of that, there are some other great reasons:

• Longevity: When done correctly, dried food can last for months, or even years in some cases.
• No Refrigeration: Since dehydration removes moisture, bacteria have a much harder time growing, meaning food can survive without chilling.
• Cost Efficiency: You can dehydrate foods that might otherwise spoil, reducing waste and saving money. Perfect for all that extra garden zucchini we all have, right?
• Convenience: Once your food is dehydrated, meals are quick and easy to prepare on the trail—just add water and you’re good to go!

Best Fruits for Dehydrating

Let’s start with the sweeter stuff! Dehydrated fruits offer quick energy, and they’re delicious right out of the bag. Here are some fruits that are perfect for dehydrating:

• Apples: Good old reliable. Apples dehydrate well since they retain their texture and flavor. Slice them into thin rings or wedges, sprinkle with cinnamon if you like, and dry ’em up. They make great trail snacks or can be rehydrated to throw into oatmeal.
• Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries—take your pick! Berries dehydrate quickly and are packed with antioxidants. They’re perfect to toss into granola or eat on their own for a quick pick-me-up on the trail.
• Bananas: Thin banana chips are delicious and store really well. They may not end up super crispy, but that chewy texture is addictive. They’re also potassium-rich, which is great when you’re doing a lot of hiking.
• Peaches or Nectarines: These are my go-to for low-effort snacks. Make sure you peel them first if you want a smoother texture. They add a sweet pop to any camping meal and rehydrate well in dishes like cobblers or just to eat by themselves.
• Mangoes: Who doesn’t love chewy mango strips while basking in nature’s glory? Slice them thin, dehydrate, and you’ll have yourself some tropical goodness to enjoy out in the woods.

Vegetables That Dehydrate Well

Vegetables can be a little trickier than fruit, but they’re great for adding to soups, stews, or pasta dishes while you’re camping. Here are the veggies that really rise to the occasion:

• Carrots: Slice them thin or shred them. They rehydrate quickly and add that essential bit of sweetness and crunch to a variety of meals.
• Peppers: Bell peppers, in particular, are great for dehydrating. They’re flavorful, lightweight, and can be tossed into just about any meal, from grain bowls to stir-fries.
• Zucchini: Ah, zucchini, the gift that keeps on giving from the garden! Slice them thin or cut into small cubes. You can add them to soups, or stir-fries, or just snack on them as veggie chips.
• Tomatoes: Think sun-dried tomatoes but better! Dehydrated tomatoes are incredible for adding depth to meals. Use them in pasta, soups, or on camp pizzas if you’re feeling fancy.
• Mushrooms: While they’re technically fungi, they deserve a spot here. Mushrooms dehydrate beautifully and add a rich umami flavor to any hot dish you make out in the wild, like pasta or risotto. Slice them thin for quicker drying and adding to meals.

Meats for Dehydrating

Protein is super important while you’re out camping. Thankfully, you can dehydrate just about any meat to prepare it for the trail:

• Lean Beef or Chicken: Jerky is, of course, the most popular choice here, and with good reason. It’s a light, protein-packed, and easy way to fuel your body. Thin strips of lean beef or chicken breast work great. Make sure you remove as much fat as possible to extend its shelf life.
• Ground Meat: Ground beef or turkey crumbles are awesome in dehydrated meals like chili or pasta sauce. Just cook the meat first, drain the fat well, and dehydrate it in small, granulated pieces.
• Fish: Salmon is a tasty and unique option for jerky, but other firmer fish work well too. Just remember that fish can sometimes have a shorter shelf life, so pack accordingly.

Carbs That Are Perfect for Dehydrating

No camp meal is complete without some hearty carbs. Here are a few options that store well once dried:

• Pasta: You can cook pasta ahead of time, dehydrate it, and rehydrate it with hot water when you’re ready to eat. Saves time, effort, and fuel.
• Rice: Similar to pasta, cooking and dehydrating rice ahead of time makes meal prep so much easier at camp. Brown rice works great and holds up better than white rice when rehydrating.
• Quinoa: Same story: cook, dehydrate, and rehydrate at camp. It’s lighter and packs a protein punch, which is perfect when you’re trying to save weight in your pack.
• Pancakes or Waffles: Yep, you can dehydrate those too! Just cook as you normally would, dehydrate, and then rehydrate with a little water when it’s breakfast time in the wild.

Combining Foods for Dehydrated Meals

Now Patrick, here’s where the magic happens. Instead of just dehydrating individual foods, try creating full meals that can be reheated in one pot. It’s super convenient, not to mention an absolute lifesaver after a long day of hiking. Some ideas:

• Chili: Cook your favorite chili recipe, then dehydrate it. Once you’re at camp, just add boiling water and you’ll have a hearty meal in minutes.
• Pasta Dishes: Combine dehydrated meat, veggies, pasta, and sauce (like tomato or pesto) for instant pasta perfection on the go.
• Soups or Stews: Dehydrate homemade soups or everything you need for stew (veggies, broth, meat), pack it up, and then rehydrate when you’re ready for a warm, comforting bowl of goodness.
• Breakfast Scramble: Eggs, veggies, and maybe even some meat—all dehydrated and stored together. You can rehydrate it and cook it up in one pan for a filling breakfast with minimal cleanup.

How Long Does Dehydrated Food Last?

Great question, Patrick! The length of storage for dehydrated food varies depending on the type of food and how it’s stored. All foods should be kept in airtight containers, preferably vacuum-sealed bags or glass jars with silicone seals. Here’s a general breakdown:

I’d recommend storing most of your camping stash in a cool, dark place like a pantry or even a basement. The less sunlight and heat, the longer your food will last.

Important Dehydration Tips to Keep In Mind

Some things to keep in mind when preparing your food:

• Slice Evenly: Whatever you’re dehydrating—fruits, veggies, meat—make sure everything is cut into evenly sized pieces. This ensures they dry at the same rate, so you’re not having to pick through the tray mid-process.
• Don’t Overcrowd: It can be tempting to pile everything onto the dehydrator trays, but try to give each piece its space. Air needs to flow around and through the food to dry properly.
• Blanch Vegetables: Some vegetables like broccoli or carrots will benefit from a quick blanch (basically a dunk in boiling water) to maintain their color and texture. This helps them retain nutrients too!
• Season Before Dehydrating: Adding a bit of seasoning or a light dusting of salt before dehydrating your food gives it more flavor when you’re enjoying it out in the wild.

Final Thoughts…

Patrick, thanks for asking such a great question! Dehydrating your own food for camping trips is one of the easiest ways to make sure you’re eating healthy, lightweight meals that won’t weigh down your bag on the trail. Keep in mind the fruits, veggies, meats, and carbs we talked about, and you’ll be set for your time out in the wild! Happy camping!