Buyers Guide To Expedition Food

Photo: Tim Glasby

Pre-packaged dehydrated, freeze dried or boil in the bag foods are often used for hiking, camping, emergency and survival. They are preferred over regular foods due to their light weight, long shelf life, portability, and ease of preparation. But other than choosing tastes that you like – how else do you choose from the many different ones available to buy on the market? 

Why should I buy pre-packaged food? 

There is no denying the best food to eat while travelling is locally produced and fresh but that is not always practical if you are travelling far from habitation or operating at high activity levels in areas devoid of vegetation. Pre-packaged food offers a measurable, fast way of taking on a high number of calories efficiently creating a psychological as well as a physiological boost in extreme environments. 

Pre-packaged foods are often designed to be stored for prolonged periods of time so offer a great option for emergency rations or if you are away on a prolonged trip. 

What is the difference between freeze dried and dehydrated food? 

There is a substantial difference between freeze-dried and dehydrated food. If you taste one of each side by side, you will instantly notice the difference. 

Food de-hydration is a centuries old method of air-drying food to preserve it, to be eaten during leaner months when food was hard to come by. It is traditionally a sustainable and environmentally friendly method of food preservation. Air drying means 90-95% of the water is removed but the food is not cooked. 

Freeze drying is a modern method using a vacuum chamber to lower the food temperature to below zero. The temperature is slowly raised so the water in the food transforms from a solid into a gas, maintaining food structure and preserving 98-99% of nutrients. 

Can I get Gluten free, Dairy free, Vegan or Vegetarian options? 

The simple answer is yes!  

Across the brands we sell there are options for a wide variety of diets including all the above and more. All information is meal specific so please check the packaging or meal description if you are buying online. 

Why is calorific content important? 

We need energy from calories for our bodies to function properly. To stay at around the same weight, the calories our bodies use should be the same as the number of calories we eat and drink. 

Generally speaking, an average man needs to take on 2500 calories to get through an average day. A woman requires 2000. This number, however, will be determined by exercise, age, environment, and level of fitness. 

A calorie is a measure of energy expenditure and stored energy. The calories referred to in diet (calories eaten) and exercise (calories burned) are kilocalories (kcal). 1 calorie = 1kcal. 

Some brands offer different calorie meal options; you can choose between 450kcal meals for camping and hiking, 800 kcal meals for high energy and 1000 kcal double serving meals for when you are operating at your maximum physical output or to share between two for a regular size meal.  

What is a “ready to eat” meal? 

A ready to eat meal has been vacuum packed and can either be eaten straight from the bag cold or re-heated by placing the bag in boiling water. They are heavier to carry but are usually easier on the wallet. 

Do I have to use boiling water to rehydrate food? 

Specialist foods for expeditions can be rehydrated with hot or cold water, however, there is a significant difference in the time food takes to rehydrate with cold water. 

What about sustainability and the environment? 

As we mentioned before the best type of food for your body, and the planet, is locally produced and fresh. Not only does it have the highest vitamin content but also little to no packaging and minimal food miles. 

There is a continual compromise between sustainable packaging and long shelf life, for that reason most packaging needs to be brought out of wilderness areas and disposed of properly. Packaged foods made with all natural ingredients are always going to be better for your body, some manufacturers only make their products at the height of growing/farming seasons to increase taste. To reduce food miles – check on the packaging to see where the foods have been made. 

Your empty food pouch is ideal to use as a re-sealable rubbish bag and a good repository for sanitary waste until you can dispose of it in a bin.

Top Tips: 

If you are away for a long time or relying solely on pre-packaged food, it is worth choosing from a variety of manufacturers. Not only does this give you different tastes but in some cases, there can be a significant difference in pack size, weight, and textures too.