3 Types of Outdoor Dining to Try

What to bring when you're out and about?

When you’re heading out on an outdoor adventure, whether it’s a camping trip, a mountain hike, or a canoe trip , food is a big deal. But carrying a full kitchen with you isn’t practical. That’s where camp meals come in, specifically designed for outdoor adventures. In this article, we’ll explore three types of ready-to-eat camp meals to fuel your outdoor adventures.

What exactly should be prioritized?

It obviously depends on what you consider important in your activities. But a typical hiker or camper will look for these elements more specifically:

• Texture
• Ease of preparation
• Lightness/Easy Transport
• Use as few dishes as possible
• Comforting after a long day of walking
• Reasonable amount of sodium
• Shelf life

3 outdoor meals

Canned Foods

Interesting points

Ah, the good old cans that we keep at home for when the unexpected happens... Is this applicable in an outdoor context? First of all, their shelf life is a major asset, allowing you to store them for long periods of time without worrying about them spoiling. In addition, these meals are already ready to eat, you just need to heat them in a pot on your camping stove to have a hot and nourishing meal in just a few minutes. This convenience makes canned meals an attractive option for campers and hikers looking for quick and easy meals to prepare in the outdoors.

To consider

When choosing to pack canned meals for your outdoor activities, the weight of the containers becomes a crucial factor to consider from the start of your trip. In addition to the weight of the metal cans, you also have to factor in the weight of the water contained in the food, which can quickly weigh down your backpack and slow down your walking pace.

Carrying around empty cans can also be problematic, taking up space in your gear for no purpose. Additionally, some canned meals are high in sodium to extend their shelf life, which can be a drawback if you're careful about your salt intake or have dietary restrictions.

Dehydrated meals

Interesting points

When you opt for dehydrated outdoor meals, there are two major advantages: lightness and long shelf life. This is because these meals are designed to be as light as possible, which is essential when you have to carry all your gear over long distances. Their minimal weight allows you to maximize your comfort and mobility, without being weighed down by excessive loads.

Additionally, dehydrated meals have a fairly long shelf life, making them an option for multi-day adventures. You can store them in your backpack or food stash without worry, knowing that they will remain fresh and edible when you need them, which is especially reassuring during long outdoor expeditions.

To consider

When opting for dehydrated outdoor meals, there are a few key things to consider. First, these meals are often high in sodium to help with preservation and flavor. While this can be beneficial for replacing electrolytes lost during intense physical activity, it's important to monitor your sodium intake, especially if you have health concerns like high blood pressure.

Additionally, some dehydrated meals have a reputation for not rehydrating well, which can result in a disappointing texture.

Freeze dried meals

Interesting points

Freeze-dried meals have several benefits for outdoor adventurers. First, once you add water, they turn into an actual meal, making them a much better option than simply dehydrated or canned foods.

Plus, they're incredibly easy to prepare - just add hot water and wait a few minutes. They're lightweight and easy to carry, making them a great choice for hikers and campers looking to keep their gear light. Plus, by cooking right in the bag, you can minimize the need for dishes. And that's especially handy when you're on the go.

After a long day of hiking, there’s nothing like a comforting, tasty meal to recharge your batteries, and freeze-dried meals provide just that. Finally, with a shelf life of up to two to three years , you can rest assured that your meals will always be fresh and delicious when you need them, even on your most remote adventures.

To consider

When choosing freeze-dried meals outdoors, it is important to consider a few key aspects. First, the amount of sodium can vary greatly from one meal to the next. Although sodium is often used as a preservative in freeze-dried foods, consuming too much of it can be detrimental to your health. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully check the nutrition label to choose meals with a reasonable sodium content.

Additionally, it is crucial to note that some freeze-dried foods may rehydrate poorly, which can affect their texture and taste. Some foods may remain hard or have an unpleasant consistency, even after being rehydrated according to instructions.

Afterwards ?

In conclusion, whether you are a camping enthusiast, an avid hiker or a canoe-camping adventurer, there are a variety of outdoor meals to suit your needs. From convenient freeze-dried meals to ready-to-heat canned meals, these options allow you to fully enjoy your outdoor adventures without sacrificing the quality of your diet. If the freeze-dried food option particularly appeals to you, we have compared the 7 freeze-dried meal companies that sell in Quebec