Did You Know You Can Bring Cheese into the Backcountry?

Tori Baird
6 days ago
2 min read

Yep, that’s right. Cheese. With no cooler, no ice packs and definitely no refrigerator.

I’ve added cheese to my meals on day 14 of a canoe trip and guess what? It was delicious.

All I did was cut the cheese into daily portions and vacuum seal them each individually so that I was opening a new package each day to add to my meals.

Vacuum sealing semi-hard cheese like old cheddar allows it to last significantly longer—even without refrigeration for a period—because it limits the two main things that cause spoilage:

🦠 1. Reduced Oxygen = Slower Bacterial and Mold Growth

Most spoilage organisms (like mold and many bacteria) need oxygen to grow.Vacuum sealing removes air, creating an anaerobic environment, which greatly slows down:

Mold development
Bacterial spoilage
Rancidity caused by oxygen exposure

🧊 2. Low Moisture Content = Less Risk of Contamination

Old cheddar is a semi-hard cheese, meaning it has lower water content than soft cheeses (like brie or feta).Less moisture means:

Fewer conditions for bacteria to thrive
Slower breakdown of fats and proteins

This makes it ideal for backcountry trips, especially when vacuum-sealed.

*as an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases

🌡 3. Why It Works Without Refrigeration (Short-Term)

While vacuum sealing doesn't make cheese shelf-stable indefinitely, it extends its life significantly at cool ambient temps (like in a food barrel or cooler stream).

In general:

It can last 2–4 weeks without refrigeration if kept cool, dry, and sealed
Mold can still grow eventually, but it’s slowed way down

🧀 Bonus Tip:

Aged, firm cheeses like old cheddar, gouda, or parmesan are better suited for no-fridge storage because:

They’re already aged (so bacteria and enzymes have done their thing)
They naturally have fewer sugars and moisture, reducing spoilage risk

Be sure to store the prepackaged cheese in the freezer until you're ready to leave for your trip.

If you’re prepping for a backcountry trip, vacuum-sealed cheese is a safe, protein-rich, and delicious addition that can survive without a cooler—especially when packed with other low-moisture, shelf-stable foods.

So... bring the cheese!

Check out my 10-Day Sample Meal Plan & Planning Kit digital download now available in my shop for more backcountry meal tips!