5 Common Mistakes with Backcountry Camp Kitchen & Dehydrated Meals (And How to Avoid Them)
As someone who has spent countless nights under the stars with a campfire crackling beside me, I’ve learned a thing or two about what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to my backcountry camp kitchen and dehydrated meals. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of enjoying a warm, hearty meal after a long day on the trail. However, I’ve also made my fair share of mistakes that taught me lessons I won’t soon forget. Today, I want to share five common pitfalls I’ve encountered, along with some practical tips to help you avoid them.1. Skimping on Meal Planning
One of the biggest mistakes I’ve made is not planning my meals properly before hitting the trail. There’s nothing worse than finding yourself several days in, staring at a bag of bland rice and realizing you forgot to pack anything flavorful. To avoid this mistake, I recommend creating a meal plan that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for each day. Make sure to pack meals that you genuinely enjoy and that provide the nutrition you need. Here’s a simple breakdown of what I typically pack for a three-day trip:| Day | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Snacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oatmeal with dried fruit | Tortilla with peanut butter | Dehydrated chili | Trail mix |
| 2 | Granola bars | Hard cheese and crackers | Dehydrated pasta | Beef jerky |
| 3 | Pancake mix with syrup | Hummus and veggie sticks | Dehydrated curry | Fruit leather |
💡 Cole Bennett's Rule of Thumb: Always include at least one “splurge” meal that you look forward to, like a good pasta dish or your favorite comfort food.
2. Overlooking Cooking Methods
When I first started out, I thought I could just boil water and everything would be fine. But cooking in the backcountry isn’t always that straightforward. Different dehydrated meals require different cooking methods. Some need to simmer for a while, while others just need a quick soak. I learned the hard way that not taking the time to read the cooking instructions can lead to undercooked meals and disappointment. I recommend reading the labels on your dehydrated meal packages thoroughly and adjusting your cooking method according to what is required. For instance, I’ve found that meals like instant rice can be rehydrated quickly, while stews often need a good 20-30 minutes of simmering to fully develop their flavors.3. Ignoring Portion Sizes
Another rookie mistake? Packing too much or too little food. I’ve definitely been on the receiving end of a growling stomach after underestimating my appetite, and equally faced the frustration of lugging around extra weight from leftover food. A good rule of thumb is to pack around 1.5 to 2 pounds of food per person per day, depending on the activity level. If you’re hiking a strenuous route, you’ll want to err on the side of more calories. You can also evaluate the calorie count of your meals. Aiming for around 400-500 calories for dinner and 200-300 for lunch can keep you energized without feeling like you’re carrying a boulder on your back.4. Not Testing Dehydrated Meals Beforehand
I can’t stress how important it is to try out your dehydrated meals before your trip. The last thing you want is to be stuck in the wilderness with something that tastes bland or has an unappealing texture. I once made the mistake of packing a meal that looked great on the package but turned out to be unpalatable. I suggest doing a taste test at home. Cook the meals as if you were on the trail and see how they hold up—this way, you can make adjustments or swap them out for something else if they don’t meet your standards.5. Neglecting Clean-Up
After a long day on the trail, I used to overlook the importance of cleaning up my cooking area. I often left food scraps around, thinking it wouldn’t matter much. However, I quickly learned that this could lead to unwanted visitors—like bears or raccoons—showing up at my campsite. To avoid this, I now always pack a small wash basin, biodegradable soap, and a sponge for cleaning. Make sure to follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out what you pack in, and dispose of waste properly. I also try to keep my cooking area tidy to deter wildlife and maintain a safe, pleasant camping experience.What kind of dehydrated meals should I look for?
Look for meals that are high in calories, protein, and flavor. Brands like Mountain House and Backpacker’s Pantry offer a variety of healthy options that are easy to prepare.
How can I make my dehydrated meals more flavorful?
Pack along small seasoning packets or try adding olive oil, hot sauce, or fresh herbs to your meals. These can significantly enhance the flavor without taking up much space.
How do I store my meals to avoid spoilage?
Keep your meals in airtight bags or containers to protect them from moisture. Additionally, use a cooler bag or thermal pouch if you’re carrying perishable items.