Touring - cheap stove-free food for camping out?

Hi all :)

Does anyone have some tips for cheap touring food that can be prepared without a stove?

I'm going to camp out on a few occasions on my brussels to serbia journey, in between surfing couches.

I thought of bringing a few plastic jars to soak oatmeal or rice in, and I could eat things like muesli, carrots and apples. Maybe some dried meat too if I can get my hands on a variety that I like.

I might also prepare some lentils in advance using my host's kitchen...

Any other suggestions?

Dont forget peanut butter and jelly. You could do Jerky, and dried sausages. How long are you planning to be without the stove on the trip? Look at a Raw food diet on google. That may be your best bet.

It'd be for three days max.

Thanks, forgot about jam and peanut butter, yummie!

I've been looking into raw food recipes and I'll look some more, but it's a bit annoying that so much of them use blenders and dehydrators (and i get frustrated from the ignorance displayed on some sites, like: tap water is bad!!! drink plastic bottled evian instead!!)

I forgot about mushrooms. You could always use them in a sandwich as a replacement of meat. Being 3 days with out a stove could be harsh. Is there a reason for not using a stove? you can always do a alcohol stove on the cheap.

well I just don't see the need for a stove, call it an experiment :)

also, there will be plenty of local stores/markets on the way. I'll just try to buy as much fruit as possible, along with dry cookies and maybe some dried ham.

I might make a pop can stove, but I'm weary of adding more bulk with a pot and stand... I'll see I guess. Maybe I'll find a light camping pot in the attic or something :D

Go into your local grocery store and walk the aisles looking at all the food you can eat right off the shelves. You could feed yourself for weeks on the food that requires no more preparation than opening the bag or tin.

peanut butter, cheese, raisons, fruit, quality energy bars, and sub sandwiches (stay away from mayonaise, chicken, and turkey if in a hot climate) is what I use. If I'm travelling through areas without eating establishments, I stock up on the subs and there seems to be plenty of fuel in them, supplemented with the earlier mentioned, to get me by.

i like to get a roll or two of bagels (usually cinnamon raisin or blueberry) and just eat them out of the bag. they can take a pretty good beating in your bags without getting all crumby

canned food. corn, lentils, baked beans, etc. all are super tasty cold, right out of the can. and very cheap too.

sardines

vienna sausages, spam.

If you have access for chemical heat packs that can boil water, you'll even have more options...

I like to eat tuna fish right from the can.

Caned Chili
nuts
cereal
caned tuna
baguette

Gas Station burritos. :p (YUCK!)

canned food. corn, lentils, baked beans, etc. all are super tasty cold, right out of the can. and very cheap too.

A helpful non snarky remark..... Pigs can fly.

peanut butter, cheese, raisons, fruit, quality energy bars, and sub sandwiches (stay away from mayonaise, chicken, and turkey if in a hot climate) is what I use. If I'm travelling through areas without eating establishments, I stock up on the subs and there seems to be plenty of fuel in them, supplemented with the earlier mentioned, to get me by.

This is pretty close to what I do. I've been on the road for over 11 weeks so far without a stove + being vegetarian. I'm all about bananas, apples, carrots, spinach, raisins, fig bars, bread, peanut butter, clif bars... There's a lot you can eat without a stove. I go for protein and fiber as much as possible. Also, big fan of veggie patty subs from Subway. Huge source of the good stuff, especially with all the veggies loaded up on it.

If you find yourself near a produce market buy up a bunch of veggies - lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, cucumbers, etc.

Then buy a loaf of bread.

Then make the best veggie sandwiches ever. Add a little salt or pepper for taste. If the market is really great - pick up a little oil to add as well.

Don't forget ice cream. It doesn't pack well though.:(

If you can forego "meals", trail mix and fruit will keep you going for ages... eat often but frugally :)

Olive oil will keep you and your bike well lubricated and squeak free!

This earlier thread suggests cooking free foods (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=363723).

Ray

Buy a baguette, break in half and hollow-out. Fill hole with tinned sardines plus tomato and/or cucumber. Plug hole with bread and eat.

For afters, yoghurt and fresh fruit.

For a caffeine fix mix instant coffee with coldwater.