Vacuum Sealer
Food waste and spoilage can cut any camping trip short—especially if your cooler’s ice melts faster than anticipated or your RV fridge is on the fritz. A vacuum sealer tackles this issue head-on by removing air from food packaging, thus slowing bacterial growth and extending shelf life. It’s a boon for meal prep, allowing you to portion out proteins, marinated meats, or produce in advance and store them neatly without worrying about freezer burn or leaks.
For RVers, a compact vacuum sealer is ideal. Some models are battery-operated or come with adapters that plug into your vehicle’s 12V outlet. This portability means you can seal and reseal bags wherever you are. Combine it with a small sous vide adapter, and you can even try sous vide cooking on the road—though that might be too high-tech for some campers’ tastes!
By vacuum-sealing your meals, you also streamline packing. Flat, airtight bags stack or line up neatly in a cooler or fridge, maximizing space and reducing mess. If you plan to freeze items at home and keep them cold during your trip, you’ll appreciate how well vacuum-sealed bags stave off freezer burn. And if a bag does thaw, you won’t end up with a soggy, leaky mess dripping into your cooler.
Some vacuum sealers feature built-in cutters for creating custom bag sizes, while others come with special settings for sealing delicate items like chips or crackers. If you’re traveling with something crumbly, consider partial vacuum (stop the machine before it fully compresses the package) to preserve the shape. For liquids or marinated foods, you can freeze them in a tray first, then vacuum-seal the solid block to avoid liquid being sucked into the machine.
Maintenance usually involves wiping down the sealing strip and drip tray to remove any residue. Many sealers also require a break after a few consecutive seals to avoid overheating. If you plan on sealing large batches at once, let the device cool intermittently.
In essence, a vacuum sealer can be a game-changer for extended camping trips or cross-country RV journeys. It not only keeps food fresh and organized, but it can also help you save money by buying in bulk and portioning meals as needed. If you’re tired of finding slimy lettuce or freezer-burned meat, this handy gadget brings a layer of modern convenience to life on the road, letting you dine like a champ far from grocery stores and restaurants.