We have been having fun using a Harvest Right freeze dryer to prepare really yummy and exciting backpacking meals since we got one a year ago! Some of our favorites so far are pasta salad, tater-tot casserole, guacamole, not to mention the pies pictured above! Freeze-drying makes food lightweight and non-perishable for up to 25 years, so it’s perfect for backpacking but also useful at home.
Freeze dryers are super fun and useful, but they’re complex machines and unfortunately that makes them a little pricey. We’ve met tons of backpackers that do meal-prep like us, but we’ve also been really surprised by the diversity of applications people have told us about for preserved food: we met a truck driver in a grocery store who told us it helps him eat healthier on the road, we heard from a teacher who rehydrates food quickly during her lunch break, many people have told us that they wished they had prepped food just to keep in their cabinets before natural disasters hit, gardeners use them to extend the life of their harvest, and so much more.
We want to share the fun we’re having freeze drying with more of our community, so we teamed up with Harvest Right to GIVE ONE AWAY! To enter, click here and register by March 3, 2025!
For fun, comment on this post letting us know what you’ll freeze dry if you win!
PS: If you win but buy a freeze dryer between now and the end of the giveaway, your purchase will be refunded! Use code THRUHIKERS100 for an extra $100 off!
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Almost every day I think to myself, “I wonder how this meal would taste if it were freeze dried?” There are so many things I want to try. I just took my first backpacking trip this past year, and working my way toward the PCT. It would be great to be able to freeze dry meals to prep.
I am a major fan of food storage and preparedness. I am getting a freeze dryer one way or another, so winning one would be amazing! I’m saving for one currently!
Good luck!!
I’d use it for freeze drying veggies from our garden and eggs from our chickens!!!
I looooooove backpacking and all the prep work that goes into it. Someday I will channel that energy and actually plan the CDT! I live near both of the northern terminuses, and have met many through hikers, both SoBo and NoBo while hiking/backpacking in Glacier and Waterton.
Love your content! Any plans to do the GDT?
Yes! We did the lower portion of the GDT as our connector from the PNT to the Columbia River when we did the PNC. It was soooo pretty! It’s high on our list to do the whole GDT when we get a chance.
For anybody else reading this comment, sorry for all of the acronyms!
CDT: Continental Divide Trail
GDT: Great Divide Trail
PNT: Pacific Northwest Trail
PNC: Pacific Northwest Circuit
I want to try those freeze dried pies!! 💕
Did the pct last year and are currently planning an attempt for CDT!
I want to make my next thru hike cheaper, so my plan is to dry / freeze dry leftovers to have on trail’
I am a mom of three girls and a husband that mines. Living life in the economy is rough. I am thankful for my grandparents and family teaching me the canning and preservation of food. I love how the freeze drying preserves more nutrients and the essential you need. I been looking into freeze drying hopefully one day I can actually achieve this goal. I absolutely love watching you guys. I have learned so much following you on Snapchat.
On Snap! That’s awesome!! Snap is our smallest platform and we sometimes wonder if posting there makes sense. Now we know — yes! Thanks for watching, and good luck in the drawing!
I would try to freeze dry a pizza. And those pies!
Having a freeze dryer would help me extend the life of my garden produce! My partner and I would also benefit from making healthier meals to take backpacking and camping. Our friends have one and have shown us there is no limit to the possibilities that a freeze dryer can provide in your life! What a cool opportunity!
We are a special needs family and my daughter loves ramen. We also homeschool and we love experimenting in the kitchen. We are on a mission to make these shelf stable because she loves them so much. We also do mini hikes and it would be amazing to take with us.
I have been dreaming of an owner of a freeze dryer for several years now…we are vegans and do lots of bike packing (kind of like backpacking on a bike!) and since I carry the food, it would be nice if it were lighter weight! My husband eats a ton of food! The first thing I would freeze dry would be curried lentils. And then probably butter chickpeas!
Above post should read “owning a freeze dryer”. Haha!
We would be over the moon to win this freeze dryer. We have been dreaming about saving up for one for years but this would be a dream to win
I would use it for the students in the different schools I visit!
I love going on walks it’s so peaceful
I have been wanting a freeze dryer for a while. I have two small children and we go through alot of freeze dried fruits. I’d love to try and freeze dry many other kinds of foods. Diet is inportabt to me and, especially with foods these days, I work really hard to provide healthy and yummy snacks to my kids. I also care a lot about food waste and the health of our planet. I love watching your YOUTUBE videos! Thanks for posting😊
I would up my preservation game. I currently can alot of my garden harvests but would love to be able to freeze dry for increased saved nutritional value on home grown foods. Not to mention would love to be able to same left over extra home made meals such as vegetable soup we make alot in winter.