The Oberto company makes bacon jerky that is very near to tasting like the real thing. I found out about it from AT thru hikers. It's become a staple in our packs.
Registered: 02/05/03
Posts: 3292
Loc: Portland, OR
I've used precooked bacon as part of my backcountry meals at least a dozen times over the past 5 years. It works for me. Just realize it will add a fair amount of salt to whatever you put it in.
+1 for the Oberto bacon jerky. I bought a pack from Amazon recently, opened it at home one evening just before bedtime "just to test one little bit" and ended up scarfing the entire package. It was amazing. And the texture was just how I like my bacon done - cooked but not too dry and crunchy.
Now I have two more packages, and have pledged not to open them until I am on a backpacking trip with them. You are all my witnesses.
Registered: 02/12/15
Posts: 144
Loc: Western Pa, USA
I tried it once, limp, if you like your bacon that way. I have also made my own bacon at home (fully cooked) and taken it along with no problems. If you're adding it into a recipe Bacos is probably cheaper, and tastes the same.
Bacon jerky is just old-fashioned bacon, before the industries got hold of it and started selling it in vacuum packages. You can find fully smoked bacon in some larger grocery stores, or in a butcher shop. They are salted and fully smoked, just like jerky.
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Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intent of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, and loudly proclaiming Wow! What a Ride!
Registered: 02/12/15
Posts: 144
Loc: Western Pa, USA
Oh, God, Snickers and cheddar crackers, close to heaven on the trail. Next month we're backpacking in Arizona, bummer that Snickers is off the menu. Tried it last year and it was a melted mess.
_________________________
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intent of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, and loudly proclaiming Wow! What a Ride!
Registered: 02/12/15
Posts: 144
Loc: Western Pa, USA
Sadly, I don't have that option. Going from the airport to Picacho Peak for a hike, overnight there, then straight to the GC. Only nights not outside will be in a B&B, no fridge.
_________________________
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intent of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, and loudly proclaiming Wow! What a Ride!
In my experience, bacon jerky has a lower moisture content and stands up to heat far, far better than bacon prepared otherwise. I've added it to meals and rehydrated . Works well. I also trust it to have a longer shelf life; that is if you keep out of it....
Registered: 02/12/15
Posts: 144
Loc: Western Pa, USA
If you're going to add it to food, then Bacos should work just as well, and is a lot cheaper than the bacon jerky I've seen. My assumption was heating it up and eating it as-is.
_________________________
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intent of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, and loudly proclaiming Wow! What a Ride!
I used bacos one time and when I got home I wrote on the recipe "do not use bacos". You could just use shredded tree bark available right on site. YMMV
Considering that I have no qualms eating in a restaurant and paying what would be considered a high price for food, I certainly don't count my pennies too closely for what I put in my bear can or food bag. Food on the trail is special for my wife and I. We backpack often, but don't live on trail. We really enjoy the food we carry and where we're eating it. The Oberto Jerky is relatively expensive, but worth it, to us. Bacos, on the other hand, AIN'T.
I have been eating Hormel pre-cooked bacon for years in the backcountry. I do like it better than the Oscar Mayer version.
It is one of the pleasures that I will gladly eat on the trail, but have to hold myself back from eating at home. I do like it better than jerky as it is easier to eat and doesn't require water that I usually want after eating jerky. On a wheat thin (or another cracker) and you have hors d'oeuvres.
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