Realistic non-cooler based menu planning

[noahgenda]

This is from backpacking experiences but I have a similiar low-to-no cooler plan.

Lentils and Rice, spice it up with a dried vegetable soup packet (soak in water for ~10 minutes first) and it makes a really great burrito/wrap with some hot sauce.
Dried mashed potatoes always works well to carb up if feeling low
Tuna packets and the like (I like these more than cans as less waste and packs down
Peanut Butter and honey on tortillas (I eat almost everything out of a tortilla)
Seven bean soup mix is readily available in most stores and all it needs is water and some time.

Also if not vegetarian things like a beef boullion cube can really add a nice taste to otherwise bland rice or beans concoctions.

[FIGJAM]

Prison burritos.

1 can refried beans.

1 can roast beef.

1 small can green chillies.

Jalipeno squeeze cheese.

Salsa.

Tortillas.

Put all the canned stuff in a container and mix together.

Put it in the sun.

Roll in tortillas with salsa and cheese.

Makes 4 large burritos.

[theJOYOUS]

Thank you guys!!! This post is really helping my menu planning! I want to save my cooler for fresh ice for cold drinks & little already sliced ready to eat ziplocs of vegetables ~ and although I think there's a stove in my camp, I'm trying to not to have to rely on having to cook anything.. the ideas here are great.

I can see how things might get monotonous but I doubt I'll wanna be slaving away in the kitchen anyways ~ too much to see & do!

Thank you again ~ I'm checking back here often as I put together my shopping list!

[International Incident]

Bumpity bump...
This is a great thread.
Keep the ideas coming people

[clocksnmirrors]

i favor those meals for 1 they sell at walmart for $2.18.

they're called hormel compleats
great variety. perfect portion for the heat.


great stuff

[Milayna]

You know, last year I did a non-cooler based menu and I got really sick of it by the end of the week so this year I have this grand plan for a dry ice cooler. The thing is as the burn gets closer I'm starting to feel like maybe the dry ice just isn't worth the hassle and I should do my non-cooler menu again hahahaha. I guess we'll see how I feel as things get closer.

My favorite non-cooler items: canned ham, canned salmon, Fritos and the little individual cups of queso dip, pringles, cereal and shelf stable milk.

[Elorrum]

Trader Joes has some multigrained pilaf in those foil bags, add a canned kipper snack.
canned mandarin oranges!
Chicken noodle soup.

[unjonharley]

I have been cooking from dry stores for couple of months.. With a pressure cooker for beans,split peas and lentil.. The rest of the foods ,just hot water and simmer..
Will be able to simmer some in a simple sun oven.. Oh! and a lot of spices..

Today, Beans and barley w/tomato,red pepper,curry,ginger,onion,garlic,salt and pepper all from dry stock. Seven cups..

Then veggie soup,, 1/4 cp mixed veggie,1/4cp whole peas, 1/4cp whole corn, 1/4cp chopped carrots, 1/2tsp onion, 1/2tsp garlic, 1/3 cp tomato powder, salt and pepper.. Water, mix other, bring to boil, cover and simmer.. I ate the whole thing

[unjonharley]

Breakfast this morning..

Hash browns, eggs over, pancakes and coffee..

All from dry stock..

The pancake flour I make myself..

Keenwa for flour.. dry butter for grease..dry milk..stevia for sweetener. And more.. Fixed this way so all you add is water. Or use olive oil when mixing..

[swampdog]

I've got a big Coleman Xtreme cooler that keeps things cool for a LONG time. I freeze "suitcase" 2.5 gallon water jugs and use them in the cooler. It doesn't keep things icy cold that way, but they stay reasonably cool. Eat the most risky stuff first, save the hot dogs for last. I've had hot dogs on Thursday that were just fine. I got the cooler at Costco, it was spendy but not insanely so. I think I got the hugest one for under $100 (it's been a few years).

[BBadger]

Isn't this a non-cooler based thread?

[swampdog]

Oops. Responding more to Milayna above who seems to think that it's dry ice or no cooler. There are tons of options. Personally (dragging myself back to the thread) I go with mostly canned or other packaged foods. And bacon. The cooler is mostly for bacon.

[BeeWeeDee]

Before going, cook up chopped bacon until it is crispy and then drain off the fat, it won't need refrigeration and it is good in everything.

[unjonharley]

Before going, cook up chopped bacon until it is crispy and then drain off the fat, it won't need refrigeration and it is good in everything.

I found Jimmy Deans crumbled bacon at WinCo foods.. Tried it.. was pretty good..

[Janet Planet]

Before going, cook up chopped bacon until it is crispy and then drain off the fat, it won't need refrigeration and it is good in everything.

That's a revelation! I bow at your feet.

[Janet Planet]

Canned chicken noodle soup or dry noodle bowls + dehydrated seaweed.
Salty hydrating goodness!