Camp Tips

66 posts

Camp tips for backpackers and hikers.

Comparing Backpacking Meals

Why sacrifice a decent meal when you are on the trail? Eating well on the trail tastes better and gives you the right types of food to enhance your performance and give you the gusto to go a little further. Eating well does not have to be gourmet or cost a fortune. Learn how to compare packaged foods to determine if the meal is worthy of stashing in your pack for your next outing. Start by following these tips. Should I buy this common backpacking meal? The product displays the following ingredients: 1. Decode the Ingredient List Here is an […]

grocery store

Cherry Picking Packaged Foods: How to Avoid Inferior Products

How can you tell if the company is trying to sell you an inferior product when it is dressed in so many health claims? Food labels assert healthful claims on packaged products to get you to purchase them. Knowing what to look for in the ingredient list lets you quickly determine how worthy it is. There is so much conflicting information out there. How do you know who to believe? Most people with special dietary needs are adept at reading labels to determine if the food contains hidden ingredients or allergens. Even those without dietary restrictions are becoming more interested […]

How to Replenish Electrolytes with Trail Food

Do you ever notice your lips tasting like salt or feel grainy salt crystals on your face after hiking in hot weather? Maybe your eyes burn as sweat drips off your eyelids. Those are electrolytes—what is left when the water component of sweat evaporates. They need to be replenished by drink and diet. An electrolyte imbalance is not just a theoretical concern. It can lead to muscle cramping and fatigue, especially during prolonged activities like backpacking or hiking. This imbalance is caused by the loss of water through sweat or elimination. If you do not consume enough minerals from food or […]

backpacking food in zipper storage bags

Packing and Preparing Backpacking Food from the Grocery Store

Preparing meals is an essential step in planning a backpacking trip. You want to make sure you pack out foods that can withstand the conditions of outdoor travel, require minimal preparation, provide you with adequate nutrition, and taste good. You want to remember crucial items like your morning coffee. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when planning your backpacking food. 1. Purchase Common Dry Goods from Grocery Stores There are so many dry packaged foods that can be purchased from grocery stores or markets that are ideal for the trail. Get what you can at local markets […]

condiment packets taco bell

Expiration Date of Condiment Packets

Do you save unused condiment packets from fast-food restaurants? These packets can be handy when traveling or if you run out of something at home. Common single-serve packets include ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, soy sauce, hot sauce, parmesan cheese, salad dressing, sugar, salt, pepper, and plastic jelly cups. How long can you keep single-serve packets? If you examine the condiment, most do not have an expiration date. Packets are shipped by the thousand in bulk, and the recommended “Expiration Date” or “Best By” date (established by the manufacturer) is often only displayed on the bulk container rather than stamped on the […]