Packing all of the food you need to go camping can be challenging. It can be tricky to know how much food to bring and how to organise and store food while camping.
Bringing bread camping makes for many quick and easy meals and snacks but how can you keep it fresh? There are plenty of hacks from experienced campers as well as the ‘tools of the trade’ needed when it comes to storing food well while on a camping adventure.
Overview:
- Best hacks to keep bread fresh while camping
- Top 3 Bread Storage Hacks
- What you can do with stale bread
- Why go camping with a fridge
Best Hacks to Keep Bread Fresh While Camping
At home, you may be used to storing your bread in the freezer to make it last longer, but unless you plan to bring a fridge camping with you, your best bet is to store it as well as you can instead.
Top bread hacks while camping & bonus damper recipe
#1 Store in Paper or a bread bag
Store in a paper bag, not a plastic bag. Although we buy much of our bread pre-packaged in plastic bags, it is actually much better stored in paper to avoid trapped moisture which will make your bread turn mouldy quicker. Swap the plastic out for a bread bag, paper bag or even a tea towel. Store out of direct sunlight.
#2 Buy bread that stays fresh longer
Commercial bread (with additives and preservatives) will last longer than the healthier, ‘rustic’ bread - it’s true, but if you want to strike a balance then sourdough bread is for you. It lasts longer than your average white loaf. Buy uncut and store it cut side down wrapped in paper or a tea towel.
#3 Bring a breadbox
A breadbox will create an environment that balances humidity. Though it’s a fairly airtight container, there is air circulation, which you need to maintain a crusty crust. A large box is better too, because it will allow for maximum air circulation. The more bread you put in a bread box, the higher the humidity level, so don't overfill it.
#4 Make damper instead
Why not make fresh damper over the campfire? The kids will love it. Our favourite way to eat this type of bread is how the drovers did, with golden syrup poured down the middle after removing the stick. See our damper recipe below:
Damper recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tbs butter
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/2 cup milk
Method
- Combine flour and baking powder well and rub the butter through the flour until it is all crumbly.
- Mix in salt, sugar and a little milk at a time until it forms a dough.
- Divide into two pieces and roll into a snake shape. Press around a clean, dry stick making sure to cover the end of the stick (avoid gaps otherwise your maple syrup will leak out when you eat it).
- Hold over the campfire to cook, hot coals are best
What you can do with stale bread
It’s not over yet! You can still find a few things to do with stale bread as long as there is no mould. Use the below ideas to incorporate into your camping meal plan to use up your remaining stale bread:
- Croutons
- French toast
- Bread crumbs
What not to do with stale bread
You may be tempted to feed the birds or ducks leftover bread but it is not permitted in many places as bread is not part of their natural diet and can cause harm.
Why go camping with a fridge
Bringing a fridge/freezer camping opens up a lot of meal options. As well as extending your camping trip, it can make for a much more enjoyable experience for all involved.
Once you have figured out how to power your fridge while camping you can get to work preparing meals in freezer bags for slimline storage and you will be able to throw an extra loaf of bread in the freezer too!
Looking for some camping dinner inspiration? Burgers, nachos and barbequed meatballs are top of our list.
Keep your bread fresh and eat well whilst off the grid with REDARC power for your kitchen needs
With the right off-grid power set up for your vehicle, you won’t need to compromise on food. Enjoy your favourite meals by bringing along a fridge to keep everything cool, wherever you are! Once you’ve decided on your power set-up, learn how to power camp cooking with portable solar to get the absolute most enjoyment out of every meal outback.
Tag us in your camp cooking pics by tagging @redarc_electronics on Instagram or @redarcelectronics Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bring bread camping?
Bread is a must for any camping trip, sandwiches are a great no-fuss camping lunch. And of course, you need bread for a sausage sizzle!
How do you store bread for camping?
Store bread in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. If you are running a freezer you can store bread there. Buy bread as fresh as possible, opt for unsliced and store cut side down wrapped in paper, a bread bag or a tea towel.
How do you pack food for a week of camping?
When packing your esky start with a layer of ice on the bottom, then start adding in the items you need to stay coolest (like raw meat) on the bottom. Finish with foods that don't need much refrigeration, like vegetables. Ensure items are sealed, as the ice melts, to avoid food going soggy. Of course, if you are running a refrigerator then you can take as much food as you like without worrying about food wastage.
