Packing food for a camping trip takes so much practice and precision, it may as well be an Olympic sport! So we put our heads together to devise this list of our top five hacks for food storage, from cooler tricks to food prep secrets. Whether you’re a pro camper or heading into the great unknown for the first time, we hope these tips help you stay full all trip long!
Use Pill Packs for Spices
Save those old pill cases! They make excellent storage for small seasonings and spices. Pack ample salt and cracked black pepper, then get creative with the rest. We love bringing pre-mixed rubs, herbal seasonings, and garlic salt to amplify our favorite campfire recipes.
Remove Food from Packaging
This one sounds simple, but it makes a big difference. Remove food from all packaging and transfer it to the most compact container possible. Just a little extra cardboard or plastic on each food item can significantly decrease packing space in your cooler. This not only reduces trash volume at your campsite, but it eliminates the need for scissors, twisters, and knives for hard-to-open items when you’re in the great outdoors!
Prep Ingredients in Advance
Campfire cooking is best when planned in advance. That means you should have three meals a day outlined and, yes, prepped before you arrive at your site. Chop vegetables, slice proteins, measure ingredients, and repack each in the smallest containers possible. It takes some effort up front, but it makes mealtime a breeze when everyone’s tired and hungry after a long hike! And don’t forget to label your containers and download your recipes for easy access.
Freeze as Much as Possible
Anything that can be frozen should be frozen. Frozen packs of vegetables, meat, and more do double-duty as additional ice packs in your cooler—and as an added bonus, everything frozen will stay fresh for longer.
Take Advantage of Wide-Mouth Storage Containers
Mason jars, we’re looking at you! Wide-mouth storage containers work exceptionally well for anything that needs to be poured (think syrup, batters, sauces, dressings, etc.). They close airtight and pour easily with little mess. Mason jars come in various sizes, so grab some smaller containers to make the most of your cooler space.
Leave a Reply