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?
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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.
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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.