Meat is one of the necessary food items we eat daily for protein. So, when we go camping, we still need a lot of energy and protein, so we can not avoid meat there. But it might be a little tough to bring it camping as it does not stay good for too long, especially in the warm temperature.
When packing meat for camping, it is important to keep it cool and protected from the elements. The best way to do this is to pack it in a cooler with ice packs. If you are packing frozen meat, be sure to wrap it in a layer of plastic wrap to prevent it from thawing and leaking. If you are packing fresh meat, be sure to keep it in a sealed container or bag to prevent it from spoiling.
Also, if you do not keep the meat processed and protected, it might get eaten by other animals or bear around the campsite. So, not only do you have to pack it well but also protect it well, so it lasts the camping trip.
Is eating meat on the camping trip a good idea?
People have been eating meat as food from ancient times. Although they used to eat raw beef then, we do not eat that anymore. We have found new cooking techniques to make meat taste more delicious.
Eating meat in the camp might seem like a hassle, but you can cook your way of eating meat. And eating meat on a campsite is a good idea whether it is beef, chicken, bacon or pork as it provides many sources of vitamins, minerals, iron, zinc and of course proteins.
Especially red meat contains a lot of iron and is the primary source of Vitamin B12. Camping requires many outdoor activities, so you need all the necessary food elements to stay healthy and energetic.
If you are a beginner backpacker and do not know how to pack meat for backpacking. It is crucial to remember that if meat is not kept correctly, it can spoil fast, especially if it is processed with cheese. This is why it is necessary to pack the meat accurately.
The best type of meat to eat camping is frozen or canned meat. Canned meat is perfect for camping trips since it has a considerably longer life cycle than fresh meat. Freeze-dried meat is also a valid option, as it may survive for up to ten years if stored properly.
However, you must drink enough water while eating meat to maintain a balanced diet. Meat contains a lot of fiber, so you need water to process that. Otherwise, you might get sick.
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How to pack meat for camping? Top 7 ways
You may find it tricky to keep the meat packed for your trip well till the very last day of camping. Cutting up the raw meat or beef into chew-size pieces at home and storing it in a zip-top bag is a smart idea.
Also, there is a record of a bear eating up your meat if it gets the smell of your snacks if they are not wrapped correctly. There are many metal bear boxes to pack your food for camping, which you can use. So, if you live in a bear country, be extra careful. But it will stay fresh and healthy if you pack the meat in some specific methods.
The methods are given below:
- Froze the meat days before the trip
- Use a cooler or a portable fridge
- Pack in a watertight box
- Pack in freeze packs
- Use water bottles
- Double wrap the meat
- Carry in shade
1. Froze the meat days before the trip
You must be prepared for your camping trip a few days before if you are willing to eat meat on the campsite. Make sure to freeze the meat at least a week before camping. This will completely freeze the meat and prevent it from becoming rancid.
2. Use a cooler or a portable fridge
You can buy a portable fridge to carry on your UTV or RV while going camping. Sometimes, some campsites have portable fridges and coolers too. You can store the meat there if you want to after reaching your destination. However, make sure to keep the raw meat and the cooked meat separate.
3. Pack in a watertight box
Even if you buy the most excellent quality cooler to transport the meat, the ice cubes or blocks inside will melt with time. As a result, the melted water may cause your meat to become soggy and moist. The meat’s flavor will suffer as a result, and you will have to cook it for longer, raising your camp expenses indirectly.
That is why many campers prefer watertight bags, as they keep the melted water out and keep the meat suitable for a longer time.
4. Pack in freeze packs
You can keep items cold without worrying about melted ice cubes with ice packs or freeze packs. Designed to keep dishes chilled for up to 48 hours, these large cooler freeze packs are reusable and made of eco-friendly materials that are harmless to nature. Also, they are available at a very budget-friendly price.
5. Use water bottles
You might be surprised that water bottles can more effectively store meat than ice boxes. Packing your meat in water is a good idea if you are camping in a hot climate. The water keeps the meat cool and prevents it from spoiling.
7. Double wrap the meat
You should double-wrap frozen meat in aluminum foil and freezer bags to help avoid cross-contamination. The meat thaws will prevent any liquids from escaping into your cooler. The internal temperature of your cooler should not exceed 40°F for food safety reasons. Also, keep an eye on the temperature with a hanging thermometer.
7. Carry in shade
If you are going to your campsite in a car or an RV, keep the meat you take in the shade despite how you take it because direct exposure to the sunlight can make the meat rotten quickly. You can easily enjoy a beef or turkey trail in the shade of your campsite.
Related: How To Keep Meat Fresh When Camping?
How do you store meat on camping?
When camping, you can ensure that you eat a nutritious and filling meal by packing meat. Packing the meat safely to camping is not enough. You also need to make sure the meat stays well till your camping trip or not.
You need to keep the meat in a cool place even when you have reached the camp. And make sure to keep it in a cool and dry place before you actually cook it. If you plan to eat it fresh, ensure it is kept dry and cooked thoroughly.
You should not delay eating the meat for more than two days because it is hard to keep the meat fresh for more than two days without a proper fridge. Also, wash your hands properly before eating the meat.
Final Words
It is one of the most nutritious foods you can eat on a camping trip because it provides protein and other much-needed calories. However, while transporting meat, you must be extremely cautious not to allow it to deteriorate since this can turn your camping trip into a nightmare.
If you notice even a smidgeon of damage to the meat, it is recommended not to consume it since you will get food illness.
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