Also, they tend to be relatively inexpensive and easy to find at local grocers and general stores. All can be stored for a year or more. Most are inexpensive to moderate in price, are available at supermarkets and require little or no cooking. By exposing these foods to heated air, a large proportion of their water has been removed. Because of the reduced water content, these foods weigh less than their fresh counterparts and are fairly durable and nonperishable.
Cost is low to moderate.
Rehydrate by soaking or simmering. Some, such as milk, reconstitute easily in cold water. Others, such as dried beans, require long cooking to rehydrate and soften. Because of their durability and ease of preparation, these dried foods will most likely form a major portion of most back-packers diets. Cost tends to be low to moderate, but can get rather high depending on how exotic, or where you buy from.