The Greatest Cheeses for Backpacking

Cheese is a traditional 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 very best cheese in your journey presents a steadiness of excessive caloric content material, good preservation, and pleasant style—even after days in your pack. Right here’s an in depth have a look at the highest selections, easy methods to decide them, and suggestions for bringing cheese in your subsequent journey.

Why Deliver Cheese Backpacking?

Earlier than diving into the perfect 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 offers 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. Components like moisture content material, saltiness, preservation strategies, and packaging make an enormous distinction.

Key Components for Selecting Backpacking Cheese

1. Caloric Content material: Search for cheeses excessive in fats (over 25% by weight) for essentially the most energy within the smallest bundle. Laborious and aged cheeses normally high the checklist.
2. Preservation and Shelf Stability: Backpackers want cheese that received’t spoil after a day or two with out refrigeration. Decrease moisture and better salt content material imply longer shelf life.
3. Style and Texture: You’ll crave daring flavors on the path. Tougher cheeses typically grow to be barely softer however nonetheless scrumptious as they heat up in your pack.
4. Packaging and Portability: Pre-packaged wedges, wax coatings, or individually wrapped parts maintain issues clear and guarded.

The Greatest Cheeses for Backpacking

Right here’s a breakdown of high selections, with their execs and cons:

Aged Laborious 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.
• Greatest For: Grating over pasta or risotto, consuming in chunks.

Aged Gouda

• Energy: ~110 per ounce
• Shelf Life: Good (1–3 weeks)
• Why It Works: Laborious texture, nutty taste; typically offered in wax coating.
• Greatest 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.
• Greatest For: Including to grain dishes or snacking.

Semi-Laborious 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.
• Greatest 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.
• Greatest For: Slicing or pairing with dried fruit.

Processed Cheeses and Shelf-Secure Choices

Mini Babybel (Wax-Coated)

• Energy: ~70 per wheel (0.75 oz)
• Shelf Life: Superb (2–3 weeks)
• Why It Works: Each bit is individually waxed; decrease moisture than common tender cheese.
• Greatest 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.
• Greatest For: Spreading on crackers or tortillas.

String Cheese (Mozzarella)

• Energy: ~80 per stick (1 oz)
• Shelf Life: Honest (lasts a number of days if saved cool)
• Why It Works: Individually wrapped; decrease fats however nonetheless helpful.
• Greatest For: Fast snacks.

Suggestions for Packing Cheese on the Path

1. Purchase Entire Items: Pre-sliced cheese dries out quicker and spoils extra simply.
2. Use Wax or Vacuum Sealing: Waxed cheeses or vacuum-sealed cuts last more.
3. Wrap in Paper: Keep away from plastic wrap straight on cheese; use parchment paper first to wick moisture.
4. Retailer Deep in Your Pack: The middle of your pack stays cooler.
5. Maintain Out of Solar: Warmth accelerates spoilage.
6. Eat Softer Cheeses Early: Should you convey brie or camembert (not perfect), eat them on the primary day.

Some cheeses that truthful poorly on the path:

• Contemporary cheeses (Ricotta, Mascarpone): An excessive amount of moisture.
• Blue cheese: Spoils shortly except very effectively aged.
• Unpasteurized tender cheeses: Dangerous with out refrigeration.

Last Ideas

Aged, exhausting cheeses like Parmesan, Gouda, and Pecorino Romano are finest for backpacking attributable to their low moisture content material and excessive caloric density. Processed choices like Babybel and Laughing Cow supply comfort and prolonged shelf life. At all times prioritize exhausting or aged varieties for longer journeys or heat circumstances. With cautious choice and packing, cheese generally is a protected, scrumptious luxurious on any backcountry journey.

SectionHiker by no means accepts fee for gear opinions or editorial protection. Whenever you purchase by way of affiliate hyperlinks on our web site, we could earn a small fee at no further price to you. Assist us proceed to check and write unsponsored and unbiased gear opinions, climbing and backpacking FAQs, and free climbing guides.