Lets say I make some, put it in a ziplockbag andthrow it in my backpack, how long with the stuff last before I should replace it? Funny how there are 1,000 ways to make it, but no one tells you how long it might last. <img src="images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

My wife baked me some last christmas. Its still good!

Chris

The recipe I use calls for whole wheat flour, water, butter, and salt. Eliminating the butter and salt will adversely affect taste, but significantly increase the shelf life. Keeping it dry seems to be the most critical factor, however. I have no difficulty keeping it for 6 months.

Authentic hardtack (flour, water,& salt) will last almost indefinitely as long as it doesn't get wet. If you use a newer recipe that includes sugar or milk then you might lose some shelf life but I'd probably still feel safe carrying it for a season or so. Some online recipes suggest a shorter baking time to make a softer hardtack for easier eating. That "softness" is moisture and will have a negative effect on shelf life.

If you've never had hardtack before, check your dental plan before experimenting
<img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <---This guy has never eaten hardtack!
HTH

Ed