Essential Food Supplies to Bring When Camping
When it comes to outdoor camping, one essential element is having the right food and supplies packed. Camping out in nature is a great way to immerse ourselves in the environment, and yet it’s important to come armed with the food and supplies that will keep you fueled, nourished, and safe. This article will provide you with a list of the essential food and supplies to bring with you on your camping trip.
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Non-Perishable Food Items
When camping, it’s important to come prepared with easily stored food items that will allow you to have meals without having to stop and go grocery shopping. Here are some suggestions for non-perishable items that you should consider bringing with you:
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Canned meats (e.g. tuna, salmon, and sardines)
- Canned soups and chili
- Powdered milk
- Instant oatmeal and granola bars
- Cookies and crackers
- Dry pasta
- Rice and couscous
Perishable Food Items
It’s always a good idea to bring along some perishable food items when camping. This will help to balance out your meals and provide a more diverse range of flavours and textures. Here are some suggestions:
- Cheese, butter, and yogurt
- Sandwich meats
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Fresh or frozen fish, chicken, or pork
- Eggs
- Bacon and sausage
Be sure to pack perishable items in a sealed cooler (with plenty of ice or frozen gel packs) and to consume the food within the recommended time frame. It’s also important to discard any food that may have spoiled.
Cooking Supplies
When camping out in the elements, it’s important to have the necessary gear to be able to cook and consume the food you’ve brought along with you. Here are some items to ensure you have on hand:
- Charcoal or propane for grilling
- Choose a grill that is safe for outdoor use.
- Camp Stove with Propane bottle
- Cooking pot with a lid
- Pots & pans
- Gas Canisters & Lighters
- Spatulas, tongs & Can opener
- Plates, bowls & Cutlery
Meal Planning & Preparation Tips
When planning your meals, it’s important to remember that your needs will be different out in the woods compared to when you’re at home. Therefore, you’ll want to plan accordingly to get the best out of your trip, while still enjoying a variety of meals. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Choose items that are easy to prepare and store. This includes foods that don’t need to be cooked (i.e. sandwiches), and items that can be cooked quickly over an open fire or on a camp stove.
- Focus on nutrient-dense foods that will give you sustenance and energy throughout the day. These include foods high in protein and healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, eggs, and avocado.
- Plan meals that are easy to serve. Soups, stews, one-pot meals, and wraps are all great options that require minimal preparation and clean-up.
- Bring along spices and condiments to add flavour to your dishes.
- Keep snacks on-hand. Bringing along some grab-and-go snacks such as granola bars, trail mix, and jerky can help to tide you over between meals.
Tips for Storing & Handling Food When Camping
Even though camping can be an exciting adventure, it can also be a dangerous one if you don’t take the proper precautions. It’s important to properly store and handle all food to minimize your risk of food poisoning. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Store food in sealed containers or zip-top bags.
- Keep perishable food items in a cooler and replace the ice and cold packs as needed.
- Do not leave food out in the open, especially if animals or bugs are present.
- Keep food away from direct heat sources, such as campfire embers.
- Do not consume food that has gone bad or has not been properly cooked.
- Keep a separate cooler for beverages.
- Be sure to dispose all food items properly when you are done.
As you can see, there are many factors to consider when it comes to packing food for camping. With the right combination of non-perishable and perishable items, cooking supplies, and food safety tips, you can stay nourished and have an enjoyable camping experience.