Why Freeze-Dried Food is a Good Choice for Hiking

Luke and I are currently planning our first multiday hike, and one topic keeps coming up in conversation: what is the best food to take?

It may seem like a simple question, but there is actually a lot to think about. We need to take enough calories to keep us well fuelled for hiking several hours over testing terrain, yet we are limited in how much we can carry. Not to mention the fact that it needs to be easy to prepare on a hillside and with minimal equipment. This is where freeze-dried food is a great choice for hiking.

What is freeze-dried food?

Freeze drying is a process by which food is frozen and then the ice is turned directly into vapour under a vacuum, bypassing the liquid phase entirely. This method can remove up to 99% of moisture, while maintaining most of the nutritional value, as well as the structure and colour of the food. 

So what are the advantages of freeze-dried food?

Nutrition

Unlike conventional drying methods that just use heat, freeze drying keeps the flavour, colour and texture of food. It also preserves up to 95% of the vitamins and minerals, including the heat sensitive vitamin c, b vitamins and antioxidants that are vital for performance and recovery.

Many freeze-dried meals are formulated especially for athletes and adventurers, so they provide the perfect nutritional balance for these activities. Also, as the food retains its colour and texture once rehydrated, they are more enjoyable to eat than many of the alternatives. I know from experience that after a day hiking in the hills, it is a great morale and energy boost to eat a ‘proper’ warm meal that looks and tastes like real food. 

We were sent a box of 10 freeze dried meals from Freezedried & Co and I was very impressed by the variety available. There is a lot of choice, covering many different cuisines and dietary requirements. 

Convenience

Another advantage of freeze dried food is how easy they are to prepare. When time and equipment is limited, these meals are very straightforward to use. You only need a small amount of water and a small stove, then you simply need to add boiling water, reseal the pack and leave for a few minutes. They can be eaten from the packet, which saves carrying a bowl or plate. 

It’s also worth noting that due to the freeze drying process, they are very stable and have a long shelf life. This reliability is very important when it is not easy to just grab a replacement. 

Weight

One of the most important considerations when planning a multiday hike is the weight of your equipment. It really is important to carry as little as possible in order to limit fatigue and prevent injuries. 

These freeze-dried packs are small and lightweight, taking up little space and offering more nutritional density per pack than many alternatives – which is vital when every gram matters!

Have you ever used freeze-dried food?