Hey folks, has anyone tried prepping their own food for backpacking trips using a food dryer? I heard it’s healthier because you skip all the preservatives and also cheaper in the long run. But, someone told me these gadgets burn through electricity. Any truth to that?
I’ve been using a dehydrator for a year now, and my electric bill hasn’t jumped much. I think the savings on food outweigh the extra energy cost. Plus, homemade jerky is a cool for hiking.
Honestly, I think the upfront cost of the machine is the bigger deal. Depending on how often you use it, energy usage is probably minor compared to store-bought meals. But it all adds up.
I wasn’t thinking about the initial cost. I guess if I’m drying food regularly it could balance out right?
If you’re only hiking a few times a year, it might not be worth it. But if you’re out there a lot, it pays for itself over time.
You can just go with freeze-dried meals if you’re worried about cost. They’re super lightweight and easy to pack, no need to mess with a machine
I tried dehydrating at home for a while, but it was too much work for me. The machine runs for hours. Just not patient enough I guess. I switched back to pre-made meals.