Dehydrating Food for Trips
Dehydrating your own meals saves weight, space, and money compared to shop-bought expedition food.
Best Dehydrator
- Lakeland Digital Dehydrator: £45. 5 trays. Adjustable temperature. Timer. Good for a home base.
- Nesco Snackmaster: £50. 4-10 trays. The most popular home dehydrator.
- Budget: Use your oven on the lowest setting with the door ajar. Free, if you have space at a campsite.
Best Foods to Dehydrate
- Pasta sauce: Bolognese, tomato, mushroom. Dehydrates well. Rehydrates in 10 min.
- Chilli: Cook, spread on trays, dehydrate at 60°C for 8-10 hours.
- Curry: Thai curry works better than creamy curries (coconut milk can go rancid).
- Fruit: Apples, bananas, mango, strawberries. Great for snacking.
- Vegetables: Mushrooms, peppers, onions, carrots, sweetcorn.
Rehydration
For a meal, put dehydrated food in a bowl, add boiling water 1:1 volume, cover, wait 10-15 minutes. Add salt and pepper.
Storage
Dehydrated food stores for months in airtight containers with a silica gel sachet. Keep out of sunlight.
Cost
Homemade dehydrated meals cost £1-3 per portion. Shop-bought expedition meals cost £5-10.
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Getting Started
If you're new to this topic, start with the basics:
- Understand the key concepts
- Research your specific needs
- Set a realistic budget
- Plan your approach before buying
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying the cheapest option (often costs more long-term)
- Skipping research on UK-specific requirements
- Not reading reviews from other UK van lifers
- Forgetting about ongoing costs and maintenance
UK-Specific Considerations
Living in the UK means dealing with:
- Variable weather conditions
- UK regulations and standards
- British suppliers and support
- Right-hand drive vehicle considerations
Budget Planning
For most van lifers, we recommend:
- Budget option: £50-100 (basic but functional)
- Mid-range: £100-200 (good quality, lasting)
- Premium: £200+ (best quality, longest lasting)
Maintenance Tips
Keep your equipment working well:
- Check regularly for wear and tear
- Clean according to manufacturer instructions
- Store properly when not in use
- Replace parts before they fail
Community Recommendations
The van life community consistently recommends:
- Starting simple and upgrading as needed
- Buying from established UK suppliers
- Reading forums and Facebook groups for real-world advice
- Watching YouTube tutorials before attempting installations
Van Life Cooking Essentials
- One-pot meals save fuel and time
- Pre-chop ingredients at home
- Buy fresh from farm shops when possible
- Keep long-life staples stocked
- Clean as you go in small spaces
- Invest in a good knife and pan
