Backpackers make the best preppers! As Bay Area residents, we know the importance of having a disaster kit stocked with keto emergency food in case of an earthquake, fire, or other disaster. As avid hikers, we have loads of experience packing the essentials for survival; our gear closet is going to come in super handy when the next big earthquake maybe/one day hits.
Recently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have suggested that quarantines may become necessary as more COVID-19 cases are detected. While this is no cause for a panic, it's a good reminder to make sure that you and your family are as prepared as can be for this type (and any type) of emergency.
Self-sufficiency is an important and valuable skill set, and we’re here to help you gather the keto emergency food supplies you need to keep healthy should anything unexpected happen.
Is it really that important to keep keto/paleo/etc... in an emergency situation?
If you’re on a special diet, suddenly changing that diet could result in gastrointestinal problems, blood sugar spikes, and fatigue. If you’re going to stockpile anyway, you might as well get keto emergency food that will help you feel your best. Even if you eat a conventional diet, preparing options that are healthier for you (and better tasting than a pack of ramen...) will help you more easily weather the storm... or earthquake... or quarantine.
Backpacking food manufacturers have seen an unprecedented increase in sales these last few weeks, often stocking out and turning off online stores. We're doing our best to keep our inventory available for both hikers and those prepping their emergency kits, but we recommend if you're considering placing an order, don't wait.
Emergency Supplies In your pack:
Hikers know the value of healthy foods that are high in protein and fat. Here are some shelf-stable keto emergency foods to keep in your emergency stash at all times:
- preserved meats, including hard salami and jerky
- nuts or nut butter
- keto trail mix
- cheese chips
- mct powder or heavy cream powder
- vitamins and electrolyte packets
- high calorie, nutrient-dense freeze-dried meals, such as Next Mile Meals
In addition to the regular backpacking fare, preparing for a Shelter in Place means you might have access to heavier, more convenient supplies. Make sure to stock up on non-food essentials such as:
- camping stove
- kettle to heat water
- metal cup/water bottle - while not ultralight for backpacking, copper cups are antimicrobial, meaning bacteria, yeasts, and viruses are rapidly killed when they come in contact with the metal. Plus now you can have Emergency Moscow Mules (anyone got a good keto-friendly recipe?)
- headlamp, extra batteries
- mylar blankets
- matches in a waterproof container, firestarter
- local maps and compass - remember you might not have a working phone! Any important info that is stored in your cell should also be printed in hard copy
- analog thermometer
- any prescription medications you’re taking
- water filter
- toilet paper!
Keto Emergency Food On the Go:
Everyone should have emergency supplies in the trunk of their car, whether you’re on a backcountry excursion or running your day-to-day errands.
The Red Cross recommends having at least two weeks of food and water in an at-home emergency kit. If you’re on a backpacking trip far from civilization, you may want to prep for that in addition to your trip provisions. Make sure you have enough supplies in your pack to make it back to your car, where you can store your excess water and heavier items.
As long as you have enough supplies in your pack to make it back to your car, you can store additional emergency items in your trunk.
- one gallon of water per person, per day
- water sanitizing tablets or filter
- camping stove fuel
- paracord
- duct tape
- hand crank radio
Preparing a home emergency kit
In addition to the items listed above, you can stock up on even more keto emergency food at home. Remember to store them in a cool, dry, and critter-free place, and that even shelf-stable items can expire, so check your supply regularly (our keto backpacking meals are generally best-by six months from purchase, but individual ingredients are good for up to 25 years).
- canned goods, like meats, sardines, trout, tuna, salmon, beans
- iodized salt
- powdered eggs
- jerky, pork rinds
- canned coconut milk
- bouillion cubes, spices
- protein shakes/powder
- sprouting seeds
- shelf-stable oils
- frozen foods if you have power
Don’t forget your handheld can opener!
There is a Star Trek: Voyager quote (featured heavily in the post-pandemic novel, Station Eleven) that says, “survival is insufficient.”
Having keto emergency food prepared gives you peace of mind, but don't let worries over emergencies stop you from getting out there and living your life, hiking that mountain, or seeing that view. Focus on health, a good diet, and exercise and you’ll do more than just survive.