Whether preparing for a cross-country road trip or a long distance trail thru-hike, dehydrating your own food can be a fun and easy way to save money, and select all of your favorite foods. A weekend backpacking trip can quickly get pricey after visiting the local camping store, seeing that pre-packaged dehydrated meals range from $6-15...

Angelhair marinara is always a favorite!

My amazing wife surprised me with a food dehydrator a few years ago, and we have never looked back!

Dehydrators with adjustable temperature can be found, like our Nesco. We have found that almost anything can successfully be dehydrated for future use! Although we don't own a vacuum sealer, I have kept dehydrated meals for well over a year!

In cold weather conditions, soaking can help help conserve fuel, like this butternut squash soup in the Cranberry Wilderness of Monongahela National Forest, WV.

I have found success both using simple meals like macaroni & cheese, as well as made-from-scratch delicacies!

Mac & cheese substituting EVOO in place of butter

Adding spices is never needed when all of the prep is done at home!

One can simply write the rehydrating instructions on the bag, preventing any cooking confusion!

Tomato bisque is another one of my favorites!

Getting ready to dehydrate a lentil & pea dish, to be combined with rice on the trail

I have found success dehydrating leftovers, like extra slices of pie. As long as sharing is part of the practice, you'll never be short of trail friends!