One of the basic needs when backpacking and exploring the wilderness of the world is food.
You can’t be wandering the woods or climbing mountains without bringing food to consume. It will provide you with the energy to reach your destination.
Dried food is usually perfect for backpacking as these types of food can last longer.
Moreover, when food is dried, they are lightweight, which is really convenient for most backpackers.
One of the favorite backpacking snacks is beef jerky because of its protein-loaded strips that are enough to satisfy your hunger in the middle of a hike or trail.
However, if you want the best out of your jerky on your backpacking day, make sure that you store them properly.
Why it’s Important to Store Jerky Properly for Backpacking?
Jerky are processed by using the ancient method of drying and adding salt for preservation.
The drying method helps remove the meat’s moisture to keep the bacteria out and avoid spoiling.
A pack of jerky can last for up to 1-2 years most of the time, while homemade jerkies are consumable for 1-2 months.
However, when exposed to environmental factors like high temperature and light, it will affect the life span and taste of the jerky.
How can the outdoor/environment damage your jerky
Sunlight/Heat
In most backpacking trips, being exposed to sunlight is unavoidable, affecting the food you bring, even for the jerky.
If the dried jerky is exposed to direct sunlight, the texture and color of the jerky will be affected.
Moreover, sunlight is always together with heat which is a crucial element that helps the life span of the food to deteriorate.
Rapid Change of Temperature
Fluctuating temperature is another enemy of most food products when backpacking.
The changes of temperature that occur will affect the atmosphere inside the storage of the jerk, which can damage your jerky.
Moisture and Air
Other factors that can affect your jerky are moisture and air.
Once your jerky is exposed to water, it will damage the taste and life of your jerky. It is also true when your jerky is not properly sealed.
When air went through the container of the jerky, it will contribute to the growth of bacteria that will eventually cause it to spoil.
So, it is essential to keep in mind these outdoor factors when you’re preparing jerky for backpacking.
Best Ways to Prepare and Store Your Jerky for Backpacking
Once you’re aware of the factors that might affect your jerky on the way to your destination, it will be easier for you to figure out how to store jerky for backpacking.
Here are some of the methods that you can follow to help you prepare and store your favorite jerky snack:
Put the Jerky in a Paper Bag
If you love making your own delicious jerky, removing its remaining moisture is the first preparation you can do before your backpacking trip.
You can put the jerky in a paper bag before you put them in a sealed container.
The paper will absorb the moisture and keep your jerky away from bacteria.
Store it in Plastic Zip lock Bag
One of the outdoor elements that can affect your jerky is moisture and air, so storing your snack in a sealed plastic zip lock bag is one of the cheapest options.
It will keep your jerky from getting wet, and it will also help keep the flavor for 2-3 weeks.
However, the heat and fluctuating temperature might not be able to handle the plastic zip-lock.
Moreover, since sometimes jerky have sharp edges, there is a big chance for the plastic zip-lock bag to tear.
So, you can choose other alternative storage if you’re going somewhere with hot weather.
Use Flat Barrier Bag as Alternative for Plastic Zip lock
Most of the time, you can find nicely packed jerky in your local stores.
They are packed in this barrier bags that is perfect for blocking light, external moisture, and other outdoor factors.
Barrier bags are much more convenient than a plastic zip lock bag as they are strong enough to hold the jerky without tearing.
Most barrier bags are made with layers of laminated, which is excellent for storing your jerky. It is well protected and well kept.
Use Mason Jars
Although flat bags and zip lock bags are the cheapest and lightweight options to store your jerky, mason jars can also be an option.
If you want to keep the jerky for a long time, mason jars are best suited for that purpose.
Properly sealed mason jars can protect your jerky from getting unwanted moisture and air that could spoil the meat.
Place the Container Properly
Storing your jerky in a well-sealed container is not the thing that you should be aware of.
Proper handling of the containers will also help preserve the tastiness and life of your jerky.
It would be best if you handled the container in a way that the jerky is not pressed, squeezed, or even twisted.
It can happen when you store your jerky in a plastic zip-lock bag, so when storing it in a zip-lock bag, make sure that it is handled well.
The same thing with the jar mason, since the jar is fragile, you should place it under heavy stuff in your bag. You should also make sure that the lid is closed tightly.
Other Tips for Storing Jerky for Backpacking
- Buy or make your jerky days before your backpacking trip and store it in your freezer before putting them in a container. It will keep your jerky’s life much longer that will last for up to 2-3 weeks on the shelf or on your trail.
- You can also put the jerky in the vacuum-sealed bag or mason jar before your trip and put the container with jerky in it in the freezer.
- Use tinted jars or colored zip lock bags to protect the jerky from light and moisture.
Whether you’re packing a jerky for your backpacking trip or other kinds of food, proper packing is the key to make them last until you reach your destination.
If it’s you’re first time packing a jerky, make sure to remember the containers and tips above.
It would help if you also took into consideration the outdoor factors that could damage your favorite jerky or any other food.
Factors such as temperature, moisture, air, and water can be damaging to jerky and any types of food you would want to bring in your next hike.