Cream Cheese in the backcountry? Absolutely!!

[Adventure Dining Guide]

I have been working with athletes throughout the Tahoe area for a web based adventure food series. I recently filmed an episode with a gentleman who introduced me to Cream Cheese Pesto Tortellini. Personally, I always take hard cheese with me, and way beyond surprised to learn how versatile and packable cream cheese can be. This got me thinking, what else am I missing out on when it comes to backcountry staples? Does anyone have any food that most people are surprised to learn travels well in the backcountry?

 

[Vegan.Hiker]

I'm not trying to push an agenda or anything, but strictly from a "trail longevity" standpoint, vegan cream cheese will fare much better in the backcountry without refrigeration than regular cream cheese. It's plant based with no real dairy so it won't spoil. I use tofutti "better than cream cheese" brand and it literally lasts months. Also Earth Balance is plant-based so it will fare much much better than regular butter in the backcountry. I've brought bagels with tofutti cream cheese and/or earth balance into the backcountry for several days without any fear of spoilage or going rancid.

 

[HomerJ]

I've taken cream cheese in before. The little foil packs of cream cheese work great!

 

[Adventure Dining Guide]

@Vegan.Hiker vegan cream cheese is an excellent suggestion! You're smart to stick with something you know will not be a health concern.
Being a vegan can be tough in the backcountry, where do you find inspiration for recipes?

 

[Vegan.Hiker]

I don't really cook any recipes in the backcountry. Just jetboil and backpacker meals (fortunately between AlpineAire and Good to Go there are lots of vegan options now), fruit, nuts, avocados, etc. My main inspiration when cooking at home is the Post Punk Kitchen (ppk.com) and all of the cookbooks written by Isa Chandra Moskowitz who runs that site.

The closest I've come to actually cooking in the backcountry is taking frozen Amy's Bean Burritos wrapped in foil, and tossing them on the outskirts of a campfire to cook on overnight kayaking trips. Have done the same with Amy's tofu scramble breakfast burritos for breakfast. These also keep longer since they don't contain dairy or meat.

For the most part though, I like to keep moving and don't have the time, energy, or motivation to actually cook when backpacking. I know a lot of people do enjoy cooking in the backcountry so best of luck with your site!

 

[LarryBoy]

what's the calorie count like for vegan cream cheese?

 

[SKLund]

I have been working with athletes throughout the Tahoe area for a web based adventure food series. I recently filmed an episode with a gentleman who introduced me to Cream Cheese Pesto Tortellini. Personally, I always take hard cheese with me, and way beyond surprised to learn how versatile and packable cream cheese can be. This got me thinking, what else am I missing out on when it comes to backcountry staples? Does anyone have any food that most people are surprised to learn travels well in the backcountry?

That is a really superior idea! I would like to test how long they last without refrigeration.