Why backpackers choose a food dehydrator: Features and safety

When preparing for a backpacking adventure, one of the most important considerations is the food you’ll carry along the way. Backpackers need lightweight, nutritious, and easy-to-pack meals that won’t take up too much space in their packs. This is where food dehydrators come in. 

By dehydrating your meals at home, you can create compact, shelf-stable food that only requires water to rehydrate during your trip. However, choosing the right dehydrator can be overwhelming with so many options available on the market. 

Among the many choices, the Excalibur Dehydrator has earned a reputation for being one of the best options for both casual and serious backpackers. But what makes it so special? And are food dehydrators safe to use overnight while preparing meals for your backpacking trips? 

In this article, we’ll explore the best food dehydrators for backpacking food, highlight the unique features of the Excalibur, and provide some important safety tips when using a dehydrator.

The Best Food Dehydrator for Backpacking Food

• Portability: A lightweight, compact design is essential for backpacking. You won’t want to carry a bulky dehydrator on your trips, so choosing one that doesn’t take up too much space is crucial.
  
• Efficiency: The dehydrator should be able to handle large quantities of food at once, so you don’t have to spend hours dehydrating in multiple batches. It should also operate efficiently to save on power, especially if you’re using it on the go.
  
• Durability: Since you’ll be taking the dehydrated food with you outdoors, durability is key. The dehydrator should be made of high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of travel and multiple uses.
  
• Capacity and Versatility: A good dehydrator should offer ample space for multiple trays, allowing you to dry different foods simultaneously. Having multiple trays is particularly important for dehydrating large batches of meals, which is essential when preparing for backpacking.
  

Top Dehydrators for Backpacking Food

Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro

One of the most highly regarded dehydrators for backpacking food is the Nesco FD-75A. This dehydrator is compact, lightweight, and efficient, making it a great choice for backpackers.

It’s relatively affordable, yet still offers powerful drying capabilities with its 700-watt motor. The Nesco FD-75A is well-suited for dehydrating fruits, vegetables, and jerky, which are common components of backpacking meals.

Presto 06300 Dehydro Electric Food Dehydrator

The Presto 06300 is a compact and affordable dehydrator that works well for backpacking food. Its small size allows for easy storage, while its adjustable thermostat makes it ideal for dehydrating meats like jerky.

Excalibur 3926TB 9-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator

The Excalibur 3926TB is ideal for backpackers needing to dehydrate large quantities of food. Its 9 trays offer high capacity for bulk meal preparation, providing efficiency and consistency, though it is bulkier than other models.

Horizontal Airflow

One of the key features that sets the Excalibur apart from other dehydrators is its horizontal airflow system. Unlike most dehydrators, which have vertical airflow that can sometimes cause uneven drying, Excalibur uses horizontal airflow. 

This system ensures that food on every tray dries evenly, making the dehydrator more efficient and reliable. 

For those dehydrating multiple items at once, this even distribution ensures that each piece of food, from fruits to jerky, gets the same amount of heat and airflow, leading to consistent results.

Large Capacity

Excalibur dehydrators offer larger capacities compared to many other models, such as the 3926TB with 9 trays. This is ideal for those who need to dehydrate large quantities of food, especially when preparing meals for long hiking trips. 

This high capacity ensures that you can dry large batches of meat, fruits, vegetables, and herbs in one go, making it easier to prepare for your backpacking trip without multiple dehydrating sessions.

Temperature Control and Timer

Excalibur dehydrators come with adjustable temperature settings ranging from 105°F to 165°F. This feature allows for greater precision when dehydrating different types of foods, such as meat, fruits, or vegetables. 

The built-in timer also helps you keep track of the drying process, ensuring that your food doesn’t over-dry and lose flavor or nutrients.

Versatility

Excalibur dehydrators are extremely versatile. They can be used to dehydrate a wide variety of foods, including meats (jerky), fruits, vegetables, herbs, and even yogurt. 

This versatility makes the Excalibur a great choice for backpackers who want to prepare a diverse set of meals and snacks for their trips.

Durability

Excalibur dehydrators are built to last. They are made of high-quality materials that can withstand regular use. 

This makes them a long-term investment for anyone who is serious about dehydrating food, whether for backpacking, prepping, or everyday use.

Are Food Dehydrators Safe to Leave on Overnight?

Food dehydrators are generally safe to leave on overnight, provided they are used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. However, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind:

Ventilation

Dehydrators need to be placed in a well-ventilated area. They generate heat, and proper airflow ensures that the machine operates safely without overheating. 

Never place a dehydrator in an enclosed space like a cupboard or on soft surfaces like beds or couches that could block airflow.

Timer Function

Many dehydrators, including the Excalibur, come with built-in timers. The timer allows you to set the machine for a certain duration, so it automatically turns off when the dehydration process is complete. This feature adds a layer of safety, as it prevents the machine from running indefinitely.

Check for Faulty Wiring or Malfunctions

Before leaving any appliance on overnight, it’s crucial to inspect the dehydrator for any visible wear and tear, such as faulty wiring or broken components. Ensuring the dehydrator is in good working condition will help prevent any accidents.

Using Dehydrators with Auto Shutoff Features

Many modern dehydrators, such as the Excalibur models, come equipped with an auto-shutoff feature. This feature can help prevent overheating and ensures that the dehydrator will turn off after a certain time, reducing the risk of over-drying and increasing safety.

Food Composters for Sustainable Backpacking

If you’re focused on sustainability during your backpacking trips, adding a food composter to your travel gear can reduce waste. 

Food composters allow you to recycle food scraps, turning them into valuable compost that can be used to enrich the soil for growing future backpacking meals. 

Consider a compact and portable food composter for environmentally-conscious travelers looking to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying outdoor adventures. This addition is a great way to keep your journey eco-friendly.

Conclusion

When preparing food for backpacking, selecting the right dehydrator is key to convenience, quality, and ensuring your meals are ready for the trail. 

Excalibur Dehydrators are ideal for those needing large capacity, efficient drying, and precision temperature control, making them perfect for bulk meal preparation. 

While bulkier than some options, they provide excellent performance for multiple trips, making them a valuable investment for serious backpackers. 

For smaller batches or more portable alternatives, Nesco FD-75A and Presto 06300 are great choices. 

Always follow safety guidelines when using any dehydrator, especially overnight, by ensuring proper ventilation and using a timer or auto shutoff to ensure safe and efficient dehydration without worry.