Any access weight can slow a camper down on a trail or may be impossible for a camper to carry. Food consists of 50 to 90 percent water, according to the book Trail Food: Drying and Cooking Food for Backpacking and Paddling. Dehydrated food weighs significantly less than regular food, meaning that an entire dehydrated or freeze dried meal can fit into one's pocket.
Freeze-dried food consists of a process of flash freezing food. Food is placed in a vacuum chamber and most of the moisture is drawn out through ice evaporation, according to Camping Expert. Manufacturers then store the food in air-tight bags. When freeze-dried food is reconstituted it looks similar to fresh food as most of the color and texture has been retained. Freeze-dried food has been pre-cooked. In order to use them while camping, you need to reconstitute them with water and heating.
Dehydrated food relies on heat and evaporation. Sun-drying is the most common way to dehydrate food, though electronic dehydrators are also available. The sun or some artificial heat mechanism slowly dried food out, preserving them for a longer shelf-life. Dust dehydrated fruits and vegetables before storing to prevent sticking. Store dehydrated fruits, vegetables and meats in any type of container, as long as it has a tight-fitting lid.
Use dried vegetables in soups or stews. A flavored liquid will rehydrate them while simmering. Fruits can be eaten as snacks. The warmer the liquid the quicker fruits and vegetables will rehydrate.
You can prepare your own dehydrated food without expensive equipment and costs considerably less than manufactured freeze dried items, according to Camping Expert. If you dry your own food, you can easily chose what food you would like to dry to plan your own menu. You can dehydrate farm-fresh food or organic produce to bring on your trip.
