Dehydrator

[Wildfisher]

Certainly worth thinking about - as BP says what price not eating super noodles?

[bushy palmer]

Do these less expensive models do stews and stuff or are they just for fruit and veg?

Opt for one with temperature contols as I'd be inclined to say that the ones without are preset at a lower temp more suited to fruit and veg.

[Fishtales]

I found this American site for recipes when I was loking at a dehydrator.

http://www.backpackingchef.com/

[bushy palmer]

you can soon accumulate a reasonable stock by just making some extra each time you cook.

Sorry Dave, I missed this bit earlier. Yes, that's my thinking too however, if that is the way you want to do it, just be mindful that you intend to dehydrate some when you're actually cooking to begin with as this may mean you prepare the meal slightly differently. Dehydration only removes water. Fat and such like will remain and it is this that has the potential to turn rancid after a day or two when you're out in the hills.
For instance:
Once you've browned meat for a chilli or stew, place it in a collander and wash it under a tap to remove most of the fat and clean the pan to remove any residual fat before cooking the rest of the meal.

Also, some dairy is supposed to be a pain to dehydrate and hence the recomendation is that you prepare meals leaving the cream and cheese out. You can then add them in powdered form when rehydrating.

[Robbie]

Looks like a great idea, if / when i do more camping I may be very tempted.

[bushy palmer]

I found this American site for recipes when I was loking at a dehydrator.

http://www.backpackingchef.com/

Aye that's one that's stored in my favourites just now Sandy. Also there's some really good stuff by those American- Doomsday Prepper types