HOW TO MAKE FOIL PACKETS FOR CAMPING (aka Hobo Meals): How to assemble, fold, and cook!

[@sylviatsang5537]

Just a fun comment: About 40-45 years ago, 1 pound of ground coffee came in cans that had a "key" to peel off the tin strip that sealed the can. The lids were put back on to close the can between uses. When the cans were empty, they were perfect for making "hobo" meals. The kids would make their own meals just as you did, each to his own taste, close up the cans with the lids, and put them into the coals. WIth tongs or big fireproof mitts, each kid would shake his own can every 15 minutes and put it back on the coals. The meals were eaten right out of the cans. which were washed and dried and reused over and over again! No waste of heavy duty foil, no discarded plastic coffee containers. It was a real shame that they did away with those coffee cans which were also used many different ways for storage.

[@amanda.outside]

I love this story! Thank you so much for sharing. It's cool to think how the concept of these "hobo meals" have been around for such a long time. 💚

[@sylviatsang5537]

@@amanda.outside I just wish there were still cans like that!!!☹️

[@misolgit69]

I'm in my sixties and a Brit maybe I was in the wrong area or didn't meet the right people but I've not heard of coffee cans like that what I rememer was the small household size cans that sealed like a paint can so you used the handle end of your teaspoon to POP off the lid spooned out what you wanted then replaced the lid gave it a smack with your hand and it was resealed I never heard any body re using those but with current thinking I suppose you could make a burner out of one atb Bill

[@andydawson5587]

You could sell those cans today in their own right, they would be fabulously useful and versatile!

[@thjonez]

magic

[@unpavedexplorer338]

Great video. I call them hobo meals. One tip: if you use a lot of high moisture foods like mushrooms, then I use a volcano or Hershey Kiss style wrap with the aluminum foil so the steam is actually released.

[@amanda.outside]

That's a great idea!

[@elaynewrightberman2336]

Awesome thank you 4 that tip

[@deearguinzoni1565]

Fantastic I'd like to see that

[@travellingbrokeandugly2460]

I always loved a good "hobo packet " meal, used to eat them a lot as a hobo, will use this method again soon, thanks

[@amanda.outside]

You're welcome! Hope you enjoy! They're always so delicious.

[@elaynewrightberman2336]

What did you cook?

[@brendabloom3535]

I use parchment paper to wrap the food in for the first layer, then the foil. So much better. Less leaking, more moisture, no sticking to the foil.

[@amanda.outside]

That's a great idea!

[@brendabloom3535]

@@amanda.outside love the channel. Thinking about doing some videos of my own. I love camping but I'm basically lazy. Lol

[@dustbunny4527]

And no aluminum leaching into your food!

[@elaynewrightberman2336]

Wow, I freeze food in parchment paper then foil

[@rebelbecky276]

I think it's healthier to use the parchment. Some evidence aluminum can cause health problems also I think there is a metallic flavor.

[@ha-y-in6938]

I taught my wife hobo packs. She thought it was the greatest thing next to slice bread. Thanks for the memory, I'll have to make some on our next outdoor fire.

[@CarlaalraC22]

My husband calls these "Silver Turtles". I like the different meals you shared here.

[@carriemainquist757]

Loved this, especially the salmon idea. Thank you so much. Love that I could do these on my gas grill at home too. Lots of possibilities- not just for camping!

[@jamiesmith1343]

They all look so good! Good for the grill also. Would be quick easy meals to do in the oven. I love the make ahead idea. Freeze and pack in gallon labeled bags. Thank you for sharing this great idea!

[@deearguinzoni1565]

When my girls were younger they would always ask for them at home and I made them in the oven.

[@m.layfette6249]

My family and I Love foil packet meals whenever we go camping. I always prep the packets at home, and place on the grill/fire pit when read to eat. Simple. Delicious. Easy.

[@PikaPetey]

My family would make these and call them "hobo meals" our key ingredients we would always start with cambells cream of ________ soup. This moisturized everything.

[@thecosmos9303]

Fun thing to add to a variety to hobo meals is a few scoops of "cream of" soups. Adds moisture and lots of flavor. Cream of celery, cream of mushroom, cheddar soup, etc...

[@jciottim]

Thank you for sharing what you do - So great to watching your style and how you enjoy food away from the kitchen at home !

[@shendaraalshedir1933]

Even if you aren't camping, you can do this in your backyard during a staycation! The food is cooked healthily not deep-fried & you can't beat that smokey flavour touch! I am almost 62 but l remember learning at Girl Guide camp cooking corn-on-the-cob or a potato in foil. Thanks for the recipes & a cool memory!👍🏻 Be🐝 safe on your adventures! 🐾🌈☮️🇨🇦

[@tarakaraoke6221]

I love how fun you are to watch! I love camping and hiking and i'm really glad i found your channel! Instant subscriber here 😃

[@amanda.outside]

Yay!! Thank you so much for subscribing. Welcome to the channel!

[@sammezc5596]

Now that things are opening up we’re going to give this a shot this weekend. Thanks for the video.

[@amanda.outside]

You're welcome! Foil packet meals are one of my camping favorites. I hope you enjoy!

[@mtnbound2764]

these make camp cooking so easy! i love cooking at camp but clean up can be a pita, these eliminate most clean up!

[@amanda.outside]

Thanks for watching! 💚 Foil packets are one of my FAVORITE camp dinners! Have you tried them? Comment below with your favorite meat and veggie combos! 🥦🧅🥕

[@amanda.outside]

I LOVE that idea!

[@treeefrogUK]

I tend to use them as a "ready-meal" for the first night of camping, then reuse the foil for fish to go with the rice 'n' veg.

[@mammafawn]

I do a sausage gumbo type of boyscout packet.... I Use some smoked type sausage (or Andoulli) tiny corn in the cob, a couple jumbo shrimp, a couple Scallops, some potatoes and onions....OLD BAY on top!!! Sprinkle with Butter on top when you open! Yummy 😋 Also, I Love to do a type of (Skewer in a foil,) instead of on a stick, so Ham, or Sausage, pineapple, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Bell peppers! And Voila😋👍

[@robertsnyder6019]

I'm a nomad and I like your ideas thanks for sharing

[@fergusonto-2032]

Awesome video, I’m outside in woods behind my house cooking hobo packs now lol , Thankyou for sharing & May God Bless

[@ericoxner326]

I would do this but did this in a over.I would use ground beff potatoes carrots ans some time celery. I would ajso used some seasoning .Wrape it up put in oven for about 30 to 45 minutes.Came out pretty good.I shared this recipe with my family. They liked it pretty good.

[@dennisgraham3087]

OMG. My very first overnight backpacking trip when I was a kid, we cooked these meals. Except we used hamburger meat, rolled up. Potatoes, carrots. Onions. I remember it was great. Thanks for the video and flashback.

[@mypersonalreviewsopinion1762]

Hobo Meals everytime we go camping! I favorite is Salmon with broccoli!!

[@thymetocook3711]

Wow, you really went above and beyond to show us exactly how to cook this way step by step. Thank you so much! I’m now a subscriber :) so glad I found your page today!

[@PHorne]

Yessss! We will do these next month for camp night in the yard. Lol Thanks

[@amanda.outside]

You're welcome!! Have fun!

[@inthekitchen8842]

Thank you for preparing and developing this video. Looks good, fun and delicious.

[@JohnTye]

been camping for years and never do this. Usually take equipment and make steaks etc. last couple of years I've done some harder camping with very minimal supplies and buddies always make these hobo meals. I'll be doing that this year so thanks for the tutorial! :)

[@DeeB17]

This is a camping staple for me in WI. i keep it pretty simple and use ground beef, carrots, potato and onion. seasoned with lawrys and fresh pepper! always hits the spot

[@nitaell]

I've been unsuccessful in keeping the food from sticking to the foil...especially when foods break down and carmelize. No matter what I use on the foil itself--non-stick spray, oil, butter, etc. Any suggestions?

[@thirstymercfan]

yum they look super good! I love the backpacking food videos.... Please do more and would love to see you prepare your dinners with the dehydrator

[@amanda.outside]

I'm definitely planning to do more backpacking videos! I've been working on a lot of resources for dehydrating too! Thanks for commenting! 😁

[@jadeeliasson2014]

Great video, wow! Thanks for the ideas and tips :) I also appreciate that you get right to business and tell us exactly what we want to know. Keep making great videos!

[@anag2498]

Thank you! This video really helped me get bold and experiment for the first time with foil packet meals while camping with my husband! They were yummy as well! Love your videos!💜

[@amanda.outside]

That's awesome! I'm so happy to hear they turned out well! They're definitely one of my go-to camping meals!

[@runltdan]

Adding apple- very cool, easy.

[@richardrudy2834]

A truly excellent video, enjoyed it very much, thanks 😀👍

[@5_C_G]

This has open up so many possibilities thank you so much 💜

[@valeriemacpherson9626]

Might be an idea to get some tongs with the silicone covers on the tips. I find the silicone helps you to not pierce the foil when you are moving or handling the packets. Hugs Valerie ❤ 🍁👵🇨🇦

[@rambettelyman6685]

I’m going to try these this weekend! Awesome video!

[@patrickmccambridge]

Hi Amanda. I'm returning from a week-long trip and 16 hours later going camping. Can I create these hobo meals a week before if I freeze them? Thanks Amanda. Love your magic wand.

[@hippiemoses336]

There's some good recipe ideas but also if you put down cabbage can use it like a parchment paper and it usually doesn't burn and it tastes great.

[@andydawson5587]

Never came across this idea before, can't wait to try it!👍

[@S2Wiley]

aka Foil "Canoes, Kayaks, or Tinfoil Torpedos". Great for streaming and poaching....and weird heat sources like a motor manifold. Been used to cook on car trips since the early 1920s.

[@Mitchofthebushveld]

one of my favorite ways of camp cooking. Definitely going to try the salmon one, YUM!!

[@shinystar1781]

i love the simplicity yet variety of these meals. i was just thinking, these packets would be good to prepare at home so they’re ready to go. ps, i’m gonna go ahead and request a video discussing great half day/full day/over night/multi night hiking locations for moderate level folk like myself. i’m planning a trip with my husband and would love to hear your opinion 😌

[@amanda.outside]

Keep the requests coming! 😁Preparing these packets at home is a great idea. It makes things even easier at camp! Do you want to know about hikes in Utah, or more general hiking location suggestions?

[@shinystar1781]

amandaoutside for some reason Utah comes up a lot in my research (from Canada) but i’m open to other options. something accessible for an out of towner on a three to four night stretch appeals to me 😂

[@amanda.outside]

@@shinystar1781I live in Utah, and I can confirm that it's pretty awesome! 😊On my blog (amandaoutside.com) I'm working on creating a lot of Utah travel resources which might be helpful as you're planning. I have more to come this winter! Feel free to ask me your questions too!

[@kmacc974]

not even joking, these look delicious just for my regular dinner. lol

[@crystalstorms880]

My sister and I did the cooking for our families while camping (first of a yearly thing) she taught me the hobo packet. But i think i like the waybyou do it better. But i wanted to add. We have 6kids plus us. So we actually precooked all of our meats so it could last longer and store better in coolers

[@katokhaelan4881]

Dude. This was awesome. Thank you

[@TheMaineWoods]

These videos are awesome, thanks 🙏

[@gregchandler900]

This is a great video!!!

[@sherrysvesnik7711]

Great ideas!! Thank you!!

[@roo9685]

Can these be prepared at home prior to the trip and and still be good to cook once camping?

[@isaacspradlin6872]

Yes! I usually prep mine night before. I do a Cajun boil pack (shrimp, smoked sausage, corn cob, potato) and pack them in fridge. I cook them first night of camp because I don’t feel like prepping after setting up the site all day.

[@rgs455atw]

We used to make these when I was in the Boy Scouts a long time ago. I think we called them Hobos

[@maryannpeel7549]

Same here but with Girl Scouts!

[@08fighter08]

I was interested in learning how to cook over a fire/coals. Hoping to go camping now. Now I'm also curious as to how you can do this in a wood burning fireplace. Check first with landlords if you live in an apartment. Lol

[@thirstymercfan]

We get those power crunch bars you like here in Australia. It was by chance I saw them and picked them up from your recommendation.... they are so good. I’m taking some on a multi day hike next week actually. I love the cookies and cream ones

[@amanda.outside]

I'm so glad you like them! The texture is such a nice change compared to a lot of other bars, and I love that they have so much protein, which is great for hiking! I think the lemon and cookie and cream flavors are my favorite 😁

[@haydeepearce1996]

Those look delicious! I’ll hav to try your recipes next camping trip. Thanks!

[@amanda.outside]

You're welcome! I hope you like them! 😁

[@MaikonNascimentoEng]

Love ur channel and energy and tips ! Definitely I have been trying ur camping food

[@amanda.outside]

Awesome! Hope you enjoy!!

[@tanaicamp]

It's a nice video. it was fun.

[@scottnorvell2955]

This is awesome!

[@rexnicious]

This is a great idea. I’m looking for an “essential items” video for car camping, but not backpacking. Do you have one already?

[@amanda.outside]

I just filmed a car camping cooking gear essentials video today!! I should have it edited and uploaded in about 2 weeks!

[@gmoutdoorsandmore7731]

great idea , looks easy and fun!

[@joeyphillips2423]

GREAT VIDEO THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@charlescaprez4322]

Great job. All looked wonderful.

[@amanda.outside]

Thank you! They were so good!

[@frankchandler5535]

Thanks for sharing. Looks yummy

[@mekascorner9302]

Fun and yum! Thanks!

[@ashleyratliff3639]

How many servings do you put per packet? These look so good, thanks for sharing!

[@stilkterrin]

Nice video. Thank you for sharing it. You have my support. 😊👍

[@tommatheson5855]

Interesting camp location! What are those circular almost pot structurs s in the ground? Maybe used for pounding or grinding grains long a go? Where are you / they. I'm knew to your site and I really liked your content! Thank you, Tom

[@amanda.outside]

Hi Tom! Welcome to the channel. For this video I was camping in Utah. I'm pretty sure the ground in this video is petrified sand dunes. 😁

[@boskostoybox]

When I was in the Boy Scouts we called them hobo dinners

[@ktaylor362]

Would it be possible to prepare the packets at home and stack them up in the cooler- and just take them out as needed??

[@Lavenderkist]

Yep

[@Lavenderkist]

I would recommend not to mix raw meat and veg tho

[@joycedimaggio3816]

Great ideas. Thanks

[@seansmart3440]

Great video. Thanks !

[@russhughes9273]

food packets, great idea!!!

[@NancyandMako]

Wonderful wonderful love your magic wand 🎉yummy yay Trader Joe’s!!! I retired from Traders after 10 fun years!!!

[@tinagriffin953]

Good ideas😏 Delicous

[@teresamanning6354]

I take thick pork chops cut to stuff with any veggies seasoning .... yummy

[@80hdpadre66]

If I make these ahead of time and all I would need to do is to cook them, how long would they last in the fridge / cooler? Thanks!

[@jeanettejackson444]

It looks like you did the food prep at the campsite. Can you do that at home before the trip? Maybe freeze the hobo packs and put them in the ice chest until you get there?

[@jenniferlzr5651]

That's what I plan to do

[@elaynewrightberman2336]

Thank you, for the ideas,

[@frankiemacaulay9417]

Do you have a how-to fire video for coal cooking? Or it is just simply build, burn, wait? Regardless, would love to see that!

[@jtatum6900]

What can I use besides potatos I need ideas!! Some of the fam is on keto

[@captinblow]

Can you add rice to these dishes? or does it have to be cooked separately?

[@rlizasuain]

Awesome!!! Yummmy

[@nathansgirl9]

I love hobos!

[@maryb3553]

How far ahead can you make packets? I am going on a 10 day trip in RV, will have portable gas BBQ...can I put foil packets on BBQ grill gas? And can I make ahead and have ready to cook when get to camp? also can they be frozen?

[@amanda.outside]

I wouldn't freeze them, but you can assemble them ahead at home and then store them in the cooler or RV fridge for about 1 day. How far ahead you can make them depends a little on what you put inside. Some veggies don't last long after you chop them and of course you don't want any meat to go bad. If you have a gas grill, preheat the grill to 425°F. Once hot, place the packets on the grill and flip every 10 minutes for about 30-40 minutes. Cook time will vary depending on how big your packets are and how big or small you chopped the ingredients. Hope this helps! Let me know how it goes. Enjoy!

[@jessicasmall2092]

Where are you camping. It looks beautiful.

[@Juanrebram]

Can these be prepared at home for camping or is it best prepare the day youre going to eat them? 😊

[@shadowsbeyondthegrave9624]

Awesome thank you for your tips !

[@amanda.outside]

You're welcome!

[@kirkleadbetter1093]

I'm impressed that you didn't clack your tongs together every few seconds. I can't go for more than a min without giving them a double clack at least.

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Looks great! Blessings

[@amanda.outside]

They were so good!

[@ericabroadbent446]

Was curious if you, or anyone, had any experience with doing foil packet cheesy pasta? I was thinking about cooking my pasta ahead of time (Al dente) and then throwing it in the foil with butter and cheese... would this work?

[@stacyclark5910]

Is foil safe or non-toxic to cook &/or eat from?

[@ElviraVetrik]

Thank you!

[@bbarrett71]

Id like to try the salmon but I am not a fan of asparagus. What is a good substitute?

[@amanda.outside]

I've used green beans before and it turned out great!

[@darrinsiberia]

Green beans. Brussel sprouts (steam those a little first they take longer). Broccoli. Many options.

[@bookwormemerson3074]

Can these be made over a camp grill/stove as well or just the canp fire? Just curious if the process would be any different

[@julia3306]

Can be in stove !!

[@deearguinzoni1565]

@@julia3306 In a pot covered with a lid?

[@luebbert1]

Awesome!!!!! thanks!!!!

[@TrekkingPals]

Are you actually sitting outside or using a green screen? and what Microphone are you using? I'll try them in my next trip. By the way Amanda, we added you as a honorable mention in our video "Best Hiking and Backpacking channels" kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKato4qHapmqq7c . (Min 3:45) Love your content

[@amanda.outside]

I'm outside in all my videos! No green screen here! For this video I used my GoPro and my vlog camera with a Rode Mic attached to it. For the voice over sections, I used a smaller Rode Mic (I think it's called the Rode Video Mic Me) attached to my shirt. Thanks for the mention! Enjoy your next trip.

[@sharlenecook9865]

Yummy yummy.... Thanks... No dirty dishes... I can eat them out of foil... ❤❤❤❤

[@TheTechnoTiger]

Do you think these could be adapted to backpacking & a backpacking stove?

[@amanda.outside]

Unfortunately, I don't think they would work over a backpacking stove. I think it would use up a lot of fuel and be hard to get the right temperature. If you're willing to carry all of the ingredients into the backcountry and you can have a campfire, then that would work! I've never made them in the backcountry mostly because the fresh ingredients would be relatively heavy and take up quite a bit of room in my backpack!

[@TheTechnoTiger]

amandaoutside thanks for the insight! I’ve been going on shorter trips and trying to diversify what I bring! Sometimes I don’t mind the extra weight when I just want whatever luxury it is. Your channel and recipes definitely help!

[@amanda.outside]

Yea I'm kind of the same way. I'm definitely not an ultralight backpacker... one time I brought fresh eggs into the backcountry 😂 I've been working on a lot more backpacking recipes though so stay tuned!

[@antonp6019]

Are you supposed to use pre-cooked food?

[@susanolson3611]

𝑺𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑭𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌... 😁

[@jttaylor2505]

the less shiny side of the foil is non stick side of the foil

[@johnherman8861]

if you take your time and fold the top and sides over n over again...it seals in steam n juices and cooks the meal quicker and tastier. dont just fold once n crush down

[@tomconnally7961]

where is the place you shot the video