Winter Camping Food Checklist

Who says it’s time to sleep indoors when the snow falls? Certainly not the extreme outdoor enthusiasts. There are many special aspects of winter camping – the lack summer crowds, the quiet forest, no bugs, snuggling in when the sun sets early and appreciating everything Mother Nature has to offer. One of the most fun parts of winter camping is, of course, the food! Let’s get started on your winter camping checklist.

Like summer camping, the food can make or break the trip. Well thought out meals for a winter camping trip will quite literally warm your soul and keep you toasty, happy and satisfied. Since your body will be working hard to keep warm, it is recommended that each camper consume double the amount of calories normally consumed.

Despite what one might think, preparing a knock your socks off meal in the middle of the woods in the dead of winter is easier than one might think. One pot meals are ideal, so think curries, stews and soups. Prep as much as possible at home and place them in large zip lock baggies for each meal. Remember that fresh veggies will freeze and could get ruined on the trip, so opt for already frozen veggies.

A warm drink is a must for every meal, so bring plenty of hot chocolate, tea and instant coffee. Instant soups will also be welcomed on a winter camping trip, while a loaf of bread will fill a cold tummy. Macaroni and cheese, the ultimate comfort food, will turn any frown upside down on a winter camping trip. For breakfast, go big with oatmeal – add dried nuts, fruit, flaked coconut and brown sugar. And of course, don’t forget trail mix, granola bars, PB&J, dried spices and some tequilla to add to hot cocoa!

Compile a few of your favorite one pot meal recipes. Keep it simple, but tasty. Use dried ingredients like mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and split peas where possible. Here’s a handy winter camping food checklist that every winter camper should consider:

Instant oatmeal
Instant coffee
Tea
Hot chocolate mix
Electrolyte powder mix
Granola bars
Peanut butter and jelly
Bagels
Bread (for soup)
Butter
Spices
Trail mix
Jerky
Macaroni and cheese
Instant soup
Individually wrapped cheese
Instant rice
Split peas
Pre-cooked chicken breast
Dried mushrooms
Dried tomatoes
Dried chili peppers
Bouillon cube
Powdered milk
Brown sugar

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