Tips to Better Plan Your Camping Menu

The summer holidays have arrived with exciting camping trips ahead. If you’re using a tent, figuring out what you’re going to eat takes a little more thought. Here are a few things to consider when planning a delicious menu, even with limited resources.

Fresh Food First

Meat, dairy products or eggs should be eaten as soon as possible during your stay, and while you still have ice and ice packs in the cooler. Plan to eat burgers or pancakes first and keep legume salads or oatmeal for the last day.

Cooking Ahead

By preparing certain meals in advance, you avoid having to carry staples such as eggs or flour. You can mix the pancake ingredients ahead, or prepare a spaghetti sauce to heat up on the spot.

Dry Goods

To avoid having to deal with food that must remain cool throughout your stay, plan on using dry ingredients for cooking. These can stay in a bag at room temperature without any problem. Here are some ideas:

• Canned foods (tuna, legumes, soups, sardines, etc.)
• Pasta and noodles
• Trail mix in a sealable bag
• Oils and vinegars
• Dehydrated mushrooms
• Root vegetables (onions, potatoes, carrots, etc.)
• Tetra Pak milk or plant-based beverages
• Dried fruit
• Dehydrated hiking meals

Reduce Liquids

If you go wild camping or if you want to cook on a long hike, you should reduce the dishes that need liquid as much as possible. Eliminate sauces, broths, soups or condiments and favour dishes that only require water that you already have with you.

Bring All the Necessary Accessories

Here are some essential items in order to be able to cook depending on the type of camping you do:

Lightweight Camping Accessories

• Stove
• A bowl that serves as a pan and plate
• Pocket knife
• Can opener
• Plastic cutlery
• Mugs

Camping Accessories with Equipment

• Two-burner stove
• Skillet with foldable handle
• Knife
• Strainer
• Salt and pepper shakers
• Grater
• French press
• Enamelled steel plates and cups
• Plastic glasses
• Utensils

Are you going on an outdoor adventure soon? Here are some camping recipes to try: