Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Brands

Food Reviews

Test Kitchen: Cooking Trail Eggs

We cracked dozens of eggs to find the perfect camping prep. Here's how to pack them efficiently, use them in trail-worthy recipes, and clean up quickly.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.


Eggs are a protein-rich backcountry food. (A. Bydlon)

Eggs are a protein-rich backcountry food. (A. Bydlon)

Snow Peak's Hybrid Silicone Spatula (A. Bydlon)

Snow Peak’s Hybrid Silicone Spatula (A. Bydlon)

Fresh

Crystalized

Gear

Preparation

>> Fresh



Best for
Short overnights, cold weather, and breakfast on day two



Beta
Studies have shown that fresh, never-refrigerated, neverwashed eggs from farmers’ markets are safe and edible stored at room temp for several months; unwashed eggs have a natural antibacterial coating. Store-bought eggs are washed and cooled, and many also have thinner shells, which allow bacteria growth— the FDA takes a conservative line and says to never keep storebought eggs at temps above 45°F. We left our store-bought eggs out (at 65°F) and they were edible after a week. Freshness test: Don’t eat any egg that smells bad, like sulfur. Put an egg (in its shell) into a pot of water; if it floats, pitch it. If an egg smells fresh and sinks, salmonella risk is low if you cook the egg completely.



Storage
Avoid damaging shells by carrying uncracked eggs in a purpose-built egg holder (below). On winter outings, skip the spillage hazard by cracking eggs into a leakproof container and freezing them. A 1-quart container will hold 15 large eggs.

Prep Cook both the white and yolk until firm. Avoid undercooked preps like over-easy in favor of scrambled, boiled, or omelets. Tip Inspect whole eggs carefully. Smooth, crack-free eggs carry a lower risk of salmonella (and of breaking in your pack).

>> Crystallized

Best for Extended trips and protein-craving ultralighters

Beta Crystallized eggs—sold under the brand name Ova Easy— are dehydrated at lower temps than traditional powdered eggs. The result: They taste more natural, cook like real eggs, and are a huge upgrade from the old-fashioned dehydrated kind. They’re slightly denser than in-the-shell eggs when prepared, but there are perks: They’re pasteurized so there’s no salmonella risk; opened packages are shelf-stable for a season; the crystals are compact and light (0.6 oz. per egg versus 2 oz. per fresh egg); and they’re available in most grocery stores.

Storage Carry meals (two to three eggs per person per meal) in individual zip-top bags to reduce potential moisture exposure, which can cause spoilage. Label bags with the amount of water required (a 2:3 ratio of powder to water).

Prep Measure water into a bowl or bag and mix in powder until dissolved; the ideal consistency is the same as whole milk. Scramble like you would with fresh eggs (see chart, below).

Tip The dense texture is ideal for wraps, veggie-filled scrambles (sometimes wet when made with fresh eggs), and French toast. Sprinkle the powder into soups for a thickening calorie boost.


—-

Gear: Breakfast Tools



» Carry Pack unbroken eggs in Coghlan’s plastic 6-Egg Holder ($3; 3 oz.; coghlans.com), or crack whole eggs into a leakproof container like OXO’s Locktop Containers (various sizes; oxo.com).

» Cook A good nonstick pan is essential for easy cleanup. We like MSR’s aluminum Flex Skillet ($30; 7 oz.; cascadedesigns .com) for heat transfer and size—it can hold a six-egg scramble. Protect the nonstick surface with Snow Peak’s soft-but-sturdy Hybrid Silicone Spatula ($10; 1 oz.; snowpeak.com), which also connects to a spork to create a longhandled utensil for eating out of a bag.


—-



*Hot Water Microwave-safe bags are okay to heat to 195ºF (simmering temp). Boiling plastic may be unsafe, and it’s overkill—eggs cook fully at 184ºF.

None

How to Pack for Backcountry Skiing

Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack.

Keywords: