Cheese is a basic backpacking meals. It’s calorie-dense, packs protein and fats for vitality, and brings a contact of luxurious to path meals. However not all cheeses are equally suited to the trials of backpacking. The most effective cheese to your journey presents a steadiness of excessive caloric content material, good preservation, and gratifying style—even after days in your pack. Right here’s an in depth have a look at the highest decisions, tips on how to choose them, and ideas for bringing cheese in your subsequent journey.
Why Carry Cheese Backpacking?
Earlier than diving into the most effective sorts, it’s value contemplating why cheese deserves a spot in your meals bag:
- Caloric Density: Most cheeses have between 80–120 energy per ounce, making them a compact supply of vitality.
- Fats and Protein: Cheese supplies each slow-burning fats and muscle-repairing protein.
- Taste Enhance: Even a small quantity can elevate bland grains or wraps.
- Versatility: Cheese works for snacks, lunches, dinners, and even breakfast.
Nevertheless, not all cheeses are created equal for backpacking. Elements like moisture content material, saltiness, preservation strategies, and packaging make a giant distinction.
Key Elements for Selecting Backpacking Cheese
- Caloric Content material: Search for cheeses excessive in fats (over 25% by weight) for probably the most energy within the smallest bundle. Onerous and aged cheeses often high the record.
- Preservation and Shelf Stability: Backpackers want cheese that gained’t spoil after a day or two with out refrigeration. Decrease moisture and better salt content material imply longer shelf life.
- Style and Texture: You’ll crave daring flavors on the path. Tougher cheeses usually change into barely softer however nonetheless scrumptious as they heat up in your pack.
- Packaging and Portability: Pre-packaged wedges, wax coatings, or individually wrapped parts preserve issues clear and guarded.
The Finest Cheeses for Backpacking
Right here’s a breakdown of high decisions, with their execs and cons:
Aged Onerous Cheeses
Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan)
- Energy: ~110 per ounce
- Shelf Life: Wonderful (2–4 weeks unrefrigerated)
- Why It Works: Very low moisture, excessive salt content material; taste intensifies because it warms.
- Finest For: Grating over pasta or risotto, consuming in chunks.
Aged Gouda
- Energy: ~110 per ounce
- Shelf Life: Good (1–3 weeks)
- Why It Works: Onerous texture, nutty taste; generally bought in wax coating.
- Finest For: Slicing for crackers or consuming plain.
Pecorino Romano
- Energy: ~110 per ounce
- Shelf Life: Wonderful (just like Parmesan)
- Why It Works: Sheep’s milk selection; sharp, salty style.
- Finest For: Including to grain dishes or snacking.
Semi-Onerous Cheeses
Aged Cheddar
- Energy: ~115 per ounce
- Shelf Life: Good (5–7 days unrefrigerated, longer if waxed)
- Why It Works: Aged cheddar loses moisture, making it firmer and extra shelf-stable.
- Finest For: Sandwiches, wraps, or consuming plain.
Manchego
- Energy: ~110 per ounce
- Shelf Life: Good (1–2 weeks)
- Why It Works: Sheep’s milk cheese from Spain; agency texture with buttery taste.
- Finest For: Slicing or pairing with dried fruit.
Processed Cheeses and Shelf-Steady Choices
Mini Babybel (Wax-Coated)
- Energy: ~70 per wheel (0.75 oz)
- Shelf Life: Superb (2–3 weeks)
- Why It Works: Every bit is individually waxed; decrease moisture than common gentle cheese.
- Finest For: Portion management, simple snacking.
Laughing Cow Wedges
- Energy: ~50 per wedge (0.75 oz)
- Shelf Life: Wonderful (as much as a month unopened)
- Why It Works: Extremely-pasteurized and individually wrapped; creamy texture.
- Finest For: Spreading on crackers or tortillas.
String Cheese (Mozzarella)
- Energy: ~80 per stick (1 oz)
- Shelf Life: Truthful (lasts a number of days if stored cool)
- Why It Works: Individually wrapped; decrease fats however nonetheless helpful.
- Finest For: Fast snacks.
Suggestions for Packing Cheese on the Path
- Purchase Complete Items: Pre-sliced cheese dries out sooner and spoils extra simply.
- Use Wax or Vacuum Sealing: Waxed cheeses or vacuum-sealed cuts last more.
- Wrap in Paper: Keep away from plastic wrap immediately on cheese; use parchment paper first to wick moisture.
- Retailer Deep in Your Pack: The middle of your pack stays cooler.
- Hold Out of Solar: Warmth accelerates spoilage.
- Eat Softer Cheeses Early: Should you convey brie or camembert (not very best), eat them on the primary day.
Some cheeses that honest poorly on the path:
- Contemporary cheeses (Ricotta, Mascarpone): An excessive amount of moisture.
- Blue cheese: Spoils shortly except very effectively aged.
- Unpasteurized gentle cheeses: Dangerous with out refrigeration.
| Cheese | Energy/oz | Shelf Life | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parmesan | 110 | 2-4 weeks | greatest for grating |
| Aged Gouda | 110 | 1-3 weeks | wax coating helps |
| Pecorino Romano | 110 | 2-4 weeks | salty, sheeps milk |
| Aged Cheddar | 115 | 5-7 days | firmer is healthier |
| Manchego | 110 | 1-2 weeks | buttery taste |
| Babybel | 93 | 2-3 weeks | individually wrapped |
| Laughing Cow ~67 | 67 | 4 weeks | creamy for spreading |
| String Cheese 80 | 80 | a number of days | eat early |
Closing Ideas
Aged, onerous cheeses like Parmesan, Gouda, and Pecorino Romano are greatest for backpacking as a result of their low moisture content material and excessive caloric density. Processed choices like Babybel and Laughing Cow provide comfort and prolonged shelf life. At all times prioritize onerous or aged varieties for longer journeys or heat situations. With cautious choice and packing, cheese generally is a secure, scrumptious luxurious on any backcountry journey.
SectionHiker by no means accepts fee for gear evaluations or editorial protection. While you purchase by affiliate hyperlinks on our website, we could earn a small fee at no additional price to you. Assist us proceed to check and write unsponsored and unbiased gear evaluations, mountaineering and backpacking FAQs, and free mountaineering guides.