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Cheese while backpacking?

Posted: June 22nd, 2010, 4:22 pm
by Skipper
I keep seeing people post that they are taking cheese on their extended trips. How do you keep cheese good while out for many days at a time? Thanks

Re: Cheese while backpacking?

Posted: June 22nd, 2010, 4:32 pm
by Grannyhiker
Back in the days before refrigeration, hard cheese (not the soft stuff) was kept for months with a wax coating (still used) and with the raw cut side wrapped in cheesecloth. For the 6-week horsepacking trips we took in Colorado when I was a teenager, my mother would cut a 5-lb. brick into 3 chunks and wrap it in cheesecloth. Since we resupplied every 2 weeks, one chunk went with us, a second went into the first resupply box and the third into the second box. In other words, chunk #3 went for 6 weeks. Any mold that might form on the cut edge can be trimmed off--no harm done. Usually, though, there was no mold because the outside edge (under the cheesecloth) would dry a bit and resist the mold.

Re: Cheese while backpacking?

Posted: June 22nd, 2010, 6:03 pm
by retired jerry
string cheese in individually wrapped packages

ate it over a three days and it kept fine

Re: Cheese while backpacking?

Posted: June 22nd, 2010, 6:12 pm
by Grannyhiker
You can get Tillamook Medium Cheddar in individually wrapped packages as well. I haven't tried to see how long it will last at room temperature, but I presume longer than the string cheese.

Re: Cheese while backpacking?

Posted: June 22nd, 2010, 6:33 pm
by awildman
We eat cheese on every backpacking trip, often carrying 8 - 16oz for 5-6 days. Since we like to backpack in mountainous areas, we don't really have to worry about excessive heat and the toll it takes on a hunk of cheese, so your mileage may vary if you're in the desert or a heat wave.

1. Choose a firmer cheese, like extra sharp cheddar, dubliner, manchego, or even parmesan, if you're into it.

2. Remove original packaging, wrap it in a cheesecloth or clean bandana and carry in a ziploc bag.

3. When hiking, keep it buried in your pack where it can be insulated from the day's heat by your gear. Likewise, don't leave it sitting out in the sun at lunch. Carve off what you want for the meal and then wrap it up and put it back in your pack and the shade.

4. Camping near a cold lake or creek? Stick it in there at camp to cool down - being mindful of rodents and other larger four legged critters, of course.

There are a lot of single-serving sized cheeses out there these days but it seems to generate a lot of waste, particularly if you like to eat cheese (me!). We've never had cheese spoil on us, but we have had some pretty smooshy lunches when it was hot out. It's still perfectly edible, especially on Day 5. :)

Re: Cheese while backpacking?

Posted: June 22nd, 2010, 9:46 pm
by Skipper
Thanks for the ideas everyone. I guess I didnt realize you could keep it out. Thats great now Ican add that to some camp meals!

Re: Cheese while backpacking?

Posted: June 23rd, 2010, 9:36 am
by OneSpeed
Another trick I use is to pack it in my pack right next to my Camelback, so at least it's up against some water. Seems to help keep it cool. And I also use Extra Sharp Cheddar, or smoked cheddar. Put that on some roasted garlic Triscuits, and you're all set.

Re: Cheese while backpacking?

Posted: November 3rd, 2010, 10:19 pm
by ponyboy84
I'm extremely hungry for some cheese right now.

Re: Cheese while backpacking?

Posted: July 29th, 2011, 12:00 pm
by pyles_94
Dubliner sounds nice right now :)

Anybody know, can you find cheese cloth at like... winco? Or if not, where do you find it.

Re: Cheese while backpacking?

Posted: July 29th, 2011, 1:44 pm
by CampinCarl
I couldn't resist this topic, I wanted to add to the collective knowledge.

Babybel cheese is my favorite for taking out hiking and backpacking:

http://www.thelaughingcow.com/products/mini-babybel/

Winco carries the Original... not sure on other flavors.