Backpacking Guide 09
Backpacking Food Planning and Storage
Guide
Backpacking food must provide enough energy, fit the cooking system, survive the weather, and meet wildlife-storage rules. The simplest good menu is one that Scouts will eat and can prepare safely.
This guide is reference material, not a substitute for trip-specific instructions, current weather information, land-management rules, permits, product directions, or guidance from the leaders responsible for an outing.
Build a practical menu
- Choose familiar foods and test new meals before the outing.
- Balance carbohydrates for activity, protein and fats for longer-lasting energy, and foods the group enjoys.
- Match cooking time to fuel. Long simmering uses more fuel and delays cleanup.
- Pack at least some food that can be eaten without cooking in case a stove cannot be used.
- Account for allergies, dietary needs, appetite, weather, altitude, and the trip schedule.
- Repackage food to reduce bulk and trash, but label contents, allergens, meal, and cooking directions.
A simple daily pattern
| Meal | Useful qualities | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Fast, warm when desired, and easy before breaking camp | Oatmeal, cereal, nut butter, tortillas, dried fruit |
| Trail snacks | Easy to reach and eat in small amounts | Trail mix, bars, crackers, dried fruit, jerky or alternatives |
| Lunch | Little or no cooking | Tortillas, shelf-stable spreads, tuna or bean packets, cheese suited to conditions |
| Dinner | Restores energy and fits the stove and pot | One-pot pasta, rice meals, couscous, dehydrated meals, soup |
| Emergency food | No cooking and held in reserve | Bars, nuts, crackers, or another compact shelf-stable option |
Food safety and hygiene
- Wash hands with soap and treated water when practical; otherwise use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Keep raw foods separate and use only foods that can remain safe at expected temperatures.
- Do not share eating utensils or drink from another person's bottle.
- Cook and eat away from sleeping areas when wildlife guidance calls for it.
- Pack out food scraps. Small scraps and strained particles still attract animals.
Wildlife-resistant storage
Before the trip, learn the exact rule for the destination. Some areas require an approved bear-resistant canister or specific locker; others may allow a properly constructed hang. Store all food, trash, cooking gear, toiletries, sunscreen, lip balm, and other scented items as required. A bear canister must be packed, closed, and placed according to the land manager's directions.
Never keep food or scented items in a tent. Do not leave them unattended. Clean the cooking area and store the stove and cookware when rules treat them as attractants.
Proper storage protects people and wildlife. An animal that repeatedly gets human food may become dangerous and may have to be killed.
Patrol food check
- Every meal has an owner, cooking directions, pot, stove, fuel estimate, and cleanup plan.
- The full food supply and all scented items fit the required storage system.
- Emergency food is identified and not eaten early without leader approval.
- Trash bags are sturdy, closable, and sized to fit the storage system.
