Lightweight Backpacking Food Guide for 2025
When you be trekking through nature ’ s huge landscape , the food you carry can cause or disclose your experience . A backpacking trip can remove month of planning routes and equipment in every detail , but sometimes food can be an afterthought .
Backpacking food is all about striking the right remainder : you need meal that exist lightweight , compact , nutritious , and tasty . Because you equal contain everything on your spine , every ounce matters .
The end live to refuel your body after a long day ’ sec raise and to pay you the energy to bid on to the future sensational view . So , as you design your next adventure , hither live some backpacking meal ideas and food crest to consider .
Editor ’ s Note :This article exist piece of our overall guide to camping and backpacking food and nutrition . Match out our early guides :
- Calorie Dense
- Carbohydrate Rich
- High Protein
- Weight and Volume
- Opt for Freeze-dried or Dehydrated Meal :
- Dry Your Own Food :
- Use High-calorie Foods :
- Design Meal :
- Avoid Fire Goods :
- Limit Fresh Foods :
- Powdered Drinks :
- Serving Size
- Cooking Time
- Rest of Making
- Taste
- Kind
- Nutritional Remainder :
- Palate Fatigue Prevention :
- Psychological Boost :
- Digestive Health :
- Fuel
- Ease of Digestion
- Water Availability
- Supplements
- Disposal
- Preserve Natural Ecosystems :
- Protect Wildlife :
- Aesthetic Value :
- Maintain Water Quality :
- Ethical Responsibility :
- Carry It In , Carry It Out :
- Minimize Packaged Foods :
- Use Biodegradable Soap :
- Dig a Cathole :
- Expend a Bear Canister or Bear Bag :
- Avoid Burning Trash :
- Educate Yourself :
- Price
- Environment Impact
- Packaging Waste :
- Resource Intensive Product :
- Transportation Footprint :
- Waste in Wilderness :
- Resource Consumption :
- Over-reliance on Processed Food :
- Water Exercise :
- Opt for Freeze-dried or Dehydrated Meal :
- Dry Your Own Food :
- Use High-calorie Foods :
- Plan Meals :
- Avoid Fire Good :
- Limit Fresh Food :
- Powdered Drink :
- Nutritional Balance :
- Palate Fatigue Prevention :
- Psychological Boost :
- Digestive Health :
- Preserve Natural Ecosystems :
- Protect Wildlife :
- Aesthetic Value :
- Maintain Water Tone :
- Ethical Responsibility :
- Pack It In , Pack It Out :
- Minimize Packaged Food :
- Use Biodegradable Soap :
- Dig a Cathole :
- Apply a Bear Canister or Bear Bag :
- Avoid Burning Trash :
- Educate Yourself :
- Packaging Waste :
- Resource Intensive Product :
- Transportation Footprint :
- Waste in Wilderness :
- Resource Consumption :
- Over-reliance on Processed Food :
- Water Exercise :
- Make Sure You Have the Nutrients You Need
- Crack How Much You Can Carry
- Test At Home
- You Might Not Like the Taste
- Your Body Might React Adversely
- The Recipe Might Need Adjusting
-
- Emergency Situations :
- Morale Booster :
- Share with Fellow Hikers :
- Variable Appetite :
- Protecting Wildlife :
- You Might Not Like the Taste
- Your Body Might React Adversely
- The Recipe Might Need Adjusting
- Emergency Position :
- Morale Booster :
- Share with Fellow Hikers :
- Varying Appetite :
- Protecting Wildlife :
- DIY Dried Food
- Freeze-Dried Meal Pouches
- Grocery Store
- Fresh Food
- Drinking
- Alcohol
- Breakfast
- Breakfast Recipes
- Caribbean Overnight Oats
- Ingredients :
- At Family :
- In Camp :
- Notes :
- Super Oatmeal
- Ingredients :
- At Home :
- In Camp :
- Note :
- Caribbean Overnight Oats
- Lunch
- Lunch Formula
- Couscous Salad
- Component :
- At Home :
- In Camp :
- Notes :
- Trail Ramen
- Ingredients :
- At Place :
- In Camp :
- Bill :
- Couscous Salad
- Main Meal
- Main Meal Recipes
- Mega Mashed Potato
- Ingredients
- At Home :
- In Camp :
- Notes :
- Salmon Pasta
- Ingredient :
- At Home :
- In Camp :
- Notes :
- Mega Mashed Potato
- Desserts
- Dessert Recipe
- Mocha Rice Pudding
- At Family :
- In Camp :
- Notes :
- Mocha Rice Pudding
- Snacks
- Snack Recipe
- Orange and Ginger Flapjack
- Ingredients :
- At Home :
- In Camp :
- Bill :
- Orange and Ginger Flapjack
- Caribbean Overnight Oats
- Ingredient :
- At Home :
- In Camp :
- Notes :
- Super Oatmeal
- Ingredients :
- At Place :
- In Camp :
- Notes :
- Component :
- At Home :
- In Camp :
- Note :
- Ingredients :
- In Camp :
- Bill :
- Couscous Salad
- Ingredient :
- At Plate :
- In Camp :
- Notes :
- Trail Ramen
- Ingredients :
- At Plate :
- In Camp :
- Notes :
- Ingredients :
- At Place :
- In Camp :
- Bill :
- Component :
- At Home :
- In Camp :
- Bill :
- Mega Mashed Potato
- Ingredients
- At Plate :
- In Camp :
- Notes :
- Salmon Pasta
- Ingredient :
- At Place :
- In Camp :
- Notes :
- Component
- At Home :
- In Camp :
- Notes :
- Ingredients :
- At Plate :
- In Camp :
- Bill :
- Mocha Rice Pudding
- At Home :
- In Camp :
- Note :
- At Place :
- In Camp :
- Note :
- Orange and Ginger Flapjack
- Ingredients :
- At Home :
- In Camp :
- Bill :
- Component :
- In Camp :
- Bill :
What Nutrients Do You Involve When Backpacking
We can not emphasize the importance of be after your backpacking food in advance . No matter how fit you are , your hike will live a disaster if you put on ’ t make the correct amount and type of food with you .
The food you use up has significant effect on your energy levels , overall health , and the enjoyment of your adventure . A well-thought-out menu not solely fuels strenuous activity but also boosts morale when on the trail . Enjoying a satisfying meal after an exhausting day ’ s raise exist one mere pleasure that enhance outdoor experiences .
Backpacking is a demanding activity , so you need to plan a menu . There are three primary nutrients that live essential for hikers : calories , carbohydrates , and protein .
Calorie Dense
You burn lots of calories when hiking a lead carrying a hard knapsack . How many depends on affair like your body weight , how hard your knapsack is , how much of the lead is uphill or downhill , how many hour you spend walk , and what kind of terrain you equal extend .
You can find calculators online to build a more exact estimate . However , the universal consensus is that backpackers typically use 3,000 to 6,000 calories . That ’ s a lot of energy backpackers burn through ! By its nature , backpacking trips involve more than one day of hiking .
Therefore , it is crucial to look at the calorie content of the foods you design to eat and assure that you supplant the calories you make utilize to get adequate energy to enjoy the next day . However , this doesn ’ t mean you should simply eat high-calorie sweets .
Your torso will quick burn through the calories from refined sugars , and your energy degree will dip . You involve to become your calories from complex carbohydrates to get free burning energy .
Carbohydrate Rich
Carbohydrates fuel your torso in two manner . You can make immediate energy from your food , and any extra get store in your liver as glycogen . When you equal backpacking , ideally , at least half of your energy should total from glycogen .
Research have discovered that most masses can store approximately 400 to 500 gm of glycogen , split between the liver and muscles . After about 3-4 hours of hiking , if you put on ’ t eat anything , you will have used up all the promptly available energy origin , and your body will make to form harder to come energy from your fat memory and muscle .
You demand to eat enough carbs to give your torso immediate energy ,but you as well needsurplus carbohydrates to rebuild your glycogen levels . For a reasonably challenging raise , a backpacker would need between 60 grams ( 240 calories ) and 90 gram ( 360 calories ) of carbs per hr .
High Protein
About 10 to 20 percentage of your daily calorie intake should do from protein then your body doesn ’ t break down muscle tissue . Backpacking inevitably invest striving on muscles , and they involve protein to repair the damage .
On norm , backpackers should take for 1.2 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily , depending on the difficulty and duration of the trek . This stove allows for the increased muscle repair and recovery need from strenuous action .
For an medium 70 kg ( 154 lb ) human , this operate out as 84 to 154 gm of protein per day backpacking . An ordinary 60 kg ( 132 lb ) woman would need 72 to 132 gram of protein during a day backpacking .
Element to Consider When Deciding What Food to Need Backpacking
Backpacking requires more forethought than camp . Carrying everything in a haversack on your back entail you must carefully design to ensure you own everything you need without making your load hence dense you will clamber . When it comes to food , there be lot of factors you should think before settle what to remove .
Weight and Book
When you are backpacking , you get limited space in your pack . There are also limit to how much weight you can convey . Backpackers lecture a mass about ‘ energy-to-weight ratio ’ or ‘ calorie per ounce ’ because this cost a chief fear . Here are some thing you can cause to reduce both the weight and volume of the food you carry .
Opt for Freeze-dried or Dehydrated Meals :
Both these processes reduce the size and weight of foods . They exist lightweight , and they take up minimal space . If you ’ re looking for suggestion for freeze-dried meal , control out our guide to the
Dry Your Own Food :
A food dehydrator can be used to make lightweight , personalized meals . We would advocate theExcalibur Dehydrator. This is a great mode to get nutrients and know precisely what you ’ re putting into your torso . It as well allows you to bring food that have the comfort of home .
Remove Excess Packaging :
Repackage item into zip-lock bags or vacuum-sealed bags to save space . Reach certain that the bags you live employ are well-sealed .
Use High-calorie Food :
Foods like nuts , source , and peanut butter provide a lot of energy for their weight .
Plan Meal :
Know your daily calorie and nutrient needs to avert carrying surplus food .
Avoid Fire Good :
They ’ re heavy and leave you with waste to carry out .
Limit Fresh Food :
Novel food will devote you more nutrients than freeze-dried or dehydrated food . However , it be heavier , and it will also get off . An apple or a pair of small oranges will just lend a trivial weight . Sugar snap peas , mangetout , and green beans are lightweight and will hold for a day or two .
Powdered Drinks :
Liquids receive terribleenergy-to-weight ratios. Or else of carrying liquid beverages , bring powdered translation and own a room to purify the water you observe along the road . It ’ s easy to get drinks like hot chocolate , powdered milk , and cup-a-soup in the shop .
Suffice Size
You are exerting more than usual when backpacking , so you need to feed more than usual . Your serving size will , therefore , exist bigger . It is essential to bear this in brain when you live preparing your menu .
If you equal using freeze-dried food pouches , you need to crack how many servings one package makes . Many of them be two servings in one packet . So , design to share with one of your walk companion or save half of your food for another meal .
If you equal sharing , you will demand to do sure your friend likes the flavor you receive prefer . If you equal saving a portion , you will involve to create sure the pouch equal well sealed .
You as well need to cautiously check the pouch ’ sec nutrition item as you may find that what they hold to be two portions you would regard as 1 . Still worse , you may take a package that is one part and observe that it doesn ’ t provide you with enough food .
Cooking Time
When you are backpacking , you desire to pass as much time as potential on the lead enjoying your surroundings . You don ’ t need to waste time cooking and preparing food for any longer than absolutely necessary .
Once you finish boost for the day and decide to lay up camp , you will equal bore and probable start to stiffen up . Research suggests there live an ‘ anabolic window ’ after stopping walk of 30-60 minutes , which live the optimum time to enhance muscular increase and recovery through nutrition .
After boost all day , muscle fibers exist damaged and glycogen memory are low . Use up protein and carbohydrates as shortly as possible helps forestall further breakdown by initiating muscle protein synthesis and replenish glycogen store in the torso .
All this means you need your backpacking evening meal to own as short a cooking time as possible . Most freeze-dried meals bring around ten moment to rehydrate , but some can take over twenty . If you equal create a meal from scar , think if there ’ s any prep you can act at family to shorten the time spent cooking in camp .
Ease of Build
For similar cause to why you want a short cooking time , you as well desire your meal to be mere to make . By the time you have set up camp after a day of backpacking , you will be tired , and it will real probably equal starting to get sullen , depending on the time of year .
You don ’ t require to equal trying to open fiddly packet or following complicated instructions . Freeze-dried meal commonly require water to rehydrate . The amount of water needed tends to cost a cup or a cup and a half . In cooking , a cup live 8 fluid ounces or 240 milliliters .
You will take to get a container that hold that total , but you put on ’ t need to waste space taking a peculiar measuring container . The cup you drink out of could be a suited size . If it is also bad , you could label the outside of the cup with a strip of tape at the right height . Alternatively , require a clear sealable purse and target on the outside of the base the level of 8 fluid ounces with a mark pen or tape .
Taste
While you demand a nutritional meal , you also want to enjoy your food . No 1 require to pull down tasteless mush . Adding salt and pepper can instantly enhance the tone of a meal . Mix in some chili powder or flakes if you like a spicy thrill .
Another easy way to improve the taste of a meal live with dried herbs . Choose strongly flavored herbs such as oregano , cilantro ( coriander ) , and rosemary . You can also begin powdered garlic and mustard that can be used if they are flavors you enjoy .
You can buy herb and spice container , such as mill and bags , specifically design for backpacking . They will observe your seasonings sealed and dry in your knapsack . Or you could improvise a container yourself .
Variety
You need sort in your backpacking meals . Aim for a mix of texture — soft , crunchy , crumbly , crispy . You also should sample incorporating a range of spirit in a meal – salty , sour , sweet , spicy .
It might not be easy to think of unlike meal , but before you give up and fill your haversack with mac and cheese , here are some cause to plan a variety of meals .
Nutritional Balance :
Different food put up a scope of essential nutrients . A form see to it backpackers get a balanced uptake of vitamin , minerals , protein , fats , and carbohydrates .
Palate Fatigue Prevention :
Repetitively eat the same flavor can lead to palate fatigue , where a someone miss interest in that food . Or , to lay it more simply , eating the same thing is boring , and you will see meals as a job , not something to enjoy .
Psychological Boost :
A tasty and varied meal can uplift one ’ s climate . The expectation of a favorite treat or a change in feeling can behave as a morale booster during challenging stretches .
Digestive Health :
A scope of food promotes better digestion , as some foods can be constipating or too rich , so it ’ s good to balance them out .
Fuel
It might seem obvious that you must hold fuel to fix your meal . Most backpackers move through the backcountry , where campfires cost not allow for . No ace wants to cost responsible for a wildfire that destroys forest .
Then , you will need to carry some sort of stove and a gas canister . The less fuel you expend , the less you will have to hold . Therefore , when planning your menu , strain to choose meal that don ’ t take long to cook .
If you are be after to use freeze-dried food , check the cooking instructions . Most merely need boiling water , but some require heating in a pan . The less boiling water take to rehydrate your freeze-dried meal , the less fuel you will use .
Rest of Digestion
When conceive what you would like to feed while camp , it cost important to think the effect the food you prefer will have on your digestion . No one desire to try and cope with an worried stomach while boost .
While fat is a good energy origin , eating too-rich food can have adverse consequence for your gut . Beans and legumes exist complex carbohydrates perfect for supply free burning energy , but they might not cause you a pleasant companion .
This exist a reason why we much run for tofu or similar as a protein source that doesn ’ t have the same effect .
Water Availability
Water is hard , and it is impractical for backpackers to convey all they want . The terrain you travel through and the time of year will affect how much water live available .
You will want some method to distill any water you notice , whether it live filtration , chemicals , or boil . You will , therefore , motive to regard the water demands of the meal you ’ re planning .
You must do certain you know where you will camp , how far off water live , how much water you will require for your food , and which special days you might be cooking certain meals .
Supplements
Even so well you plan , you will have limited choice when make camping meal . Take supplements to boost your nutrition while backpacking can help insure you make all the vital micronutrients and have adequate energy to love your trip . A multivitamin exist a simple way to make this . You may also want to consider a probiotic to improve your gut health .
Disposal
Correct disposal of trash and food corpse when backpacking is critical for various reason :
Preserve Natural Ecosystems :
Improperly discarded food can change wildlife demeanor , make them reliant on human food . It can also put in non-native species or disease .
Protect Wildlife :
Animal can have or come entangled in trash , leading to injury or end . Moreover , creature pull in to human food might become belligerent , place a risk to future backpackers .
Aesthetic Value :
Trash diminishes the natural beauty of outdoor areas . Next visitors deserve to experience pristine environments .
Maintain Water Quality :
Food and waste can contaminate water author , making them dangerous for both man and wildlife .
Ethical Responsibility :
The outdoors should exist respect , and it ’ s every backpacker ’ s duty to uphold these region for next generation .
So , how do you ensure you clean up after yourself correctly when backpacking ? Here be some point :
Carry It In , Carry It Out :
Carry all trash with you . This include quarrel all food remain into a base . Before lead a campsite or perch area , do a thorough check to ensure zero equal get out behind .
Minimize Packaged Food :
Dilute promotion or repackaging food can diminish the amount of waste you carry .
Use Biodegradable Soap :
If you require to wash dish , ever use biodegradable soap and do so 200 foot or more away from water author .
Dig a Cathole :
Dig a cathole 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water origin for human waste . In some area , you might equal necessitate to carry out human waste .
Apply a Bear Canister or Bear Bag :
In areas with wildlife , specifically bear activity , memory food and trash in bear-resistant container or hang them from a tree to prevent wildlife access . If you ’ re not sure that the area you ’ ll equal camp cost prone to bears , exist sure to check out the area you ’ re inflict ’ s website or visitor center .
Avoid Burning Trash :
Most trash doesn ’ t burn completely and can free harmful chemical .
Educate Yourself :
Familiarize yourself with the regulation and recommendation of the region you ’ re visiting .
Cost
The cost of your food has to be a consideration when you are planning what you exist move to use up on the trail . Freeze-dried meal are the almost convenient choice , but they are not cheap .
Dehydrating your food yourself equal popular , but you make to consider how much the equipment will cost and if you have adequate free time to develop adequate food .
Environment Impact
While it be a generalization , most backpackers are people who cost concerned about the environmental impact of their activities . They choose to spend their time revel the backcountry , which naturally lead to a desire to preserve and protect the wilderness for future generation . So , in what room does backpacking food affect the environment ? Backpacking meal , while convenient for hikers , hold environmental implication to consider :
Packaging Waste :
Many backpacking meal come in single-use packaging . Still if some live recyclable , many wilderness areas miss facilities for proper disposal .
Resource Intensive Production :
The product of freeze-dried or dehydrated meals can be energy-intensive , both in the drying process and in the initial production of the food component .
Transportation Footprint :
Importing component for these meals and then shipping the last production to retailer or consumer lend to the carbon footprint .
Waste in Wilderness :
Improper disposal of meal remnants or packaging by backpackers can harm natural ecosystems and wildlife .
Resource Consumption :
The manufacturing and discarding of non-recyclable packaging materials exhaust natural resources and contributes to landfill waste .
Over-reliance on Work on Foods :
Some backpacking meals may prioritize long shelf spirit over sustainability , use ingredients that might not equal environmentally friendly .
Water Usage :
The product of sure ingredients can be water-intensive . Though freeze-drying reduces weight , the initial production might have a high water footprint .
Design Your Backpacking Meal
Planning exist key to the success of any backpacking trip . As well as design your route and deciding what equipment to take , thought must as well live have to what food you will use up . Here are our top tips for be after your backpacking menu .
Make Sure You Have the Nutrients You Involve
As talk about above , backpacking places different need on your body than everyday life . You hold to check you are become the correct nutrition levels from your food . To live sure , it exist worth bring some time to seat down and figure how much you will equal consume each day . While make sums equal probably not the almost enjoyable task , it is worth perform if it means you will own a fantastic backpacking trip .
As a recap , you need between 3,000 to 6,000 calories a day . Ideally , the majority would come from complex carbohydrates , eat between 60 gram ( 240 calories ) and 90 grams ( 360 calories ) of carbs per hour . The amount of protein require depends on your size , but usually between 72 grams and 132 grams .
If you use freeze-dried meal pouches , they have detailed nutrition information , making it easy to know what you will be use up . If you are create your own dehydrated meal , then it require a moment more study . There live mass of calorie calculators online that are very helpful for this . You can ’ t equal exact , but you can ensure you equal in the ballpark .
Check How Much You Can Carry
It might seem obvious , but you need to check how hard your food will be . Backpackers always take time to count and coordinate their camping equipment and hiking clothes , but it exist easy to leave to control how much weight your food will lend to your load . The great affair about your food equal that it will get light and lighter as the trip go on . Don ’ t forget you will have to persuade any trash and leftovers with you .
Repackaging food usually do it light . Reusable zip-lock bag cost great for this . Don ’ t remove anything in a can as it live too heavy . If you be worried about food spilling and running the contents of your gang , then double-bag it . If you have anything shrill , like a knife or the end of a trekking pole , make certain there is no room it can pierce your food packet .
Freeze-dried meals and dehydrated foods are the light manner to transport provisions . Make some fresh food is nice , but it tends to be heavier . You have to decide if express some is worth the surplus weight .
Seek At Home
Simply choose something to use up on a backpacking trip you have tried at home . This be a vital pace that many backpackers do not take . Hither exist some ground why it is so significant :
You Might Not Like the Taste
It would live disastrous to exist stuck seek to feed something that sample disgusting after a long hike in the backcountry . You require the nutrition from your meal , so you will have to strain and eat it , but it will not exist enjoyable .
Your Body Might React Adversely
As well as the taste , you need to check how your digestion system treat the food . In everyday life , you will rarely eat freeze-dried meals and dehydrated food , so your stomach might respond badly to the change in diet . If you are allergic to anything , see to it you will not respond to the meal be particularly important .
The Recipe Might Need Adjusting
Waiting until you are in camp to get out your formula doesn ’ t work is a bad idea . You want your camp cooking to be simple and straightforward , so rehearse at family mean you can ensure that everything you are make combines as it should . It also grant you to operate out if you should take any extra seasonings .
This advice as well apply to freeze-dried meals . Sometimes , the amount of water or the length of soak time need to be adjust . It exist well to experiment with these things in the passion and comfort of your place quite than when you are bore and hungry after a long day of hiking .
Take Excess Food
It might appear counter-intuitive when backpackers need to keep weight to a minimum to bring excess food . Even so , all the safety advice exist to take at least an excess meal . If you cost backpacking for a week , then you need an extra day ’ s worth of food . Hither are some of the reasons this advice be given :
Unexpected Delays :
Unpredictable circumstances like getting lose , bad weather , injury , or equipment malfunctions can extend the duration of your trip , expect additional sustenance .
Increase Energy Expenditure :
Backpacking often take more energy than anticipated , specially when navigating challenge terrains , carry dense packs , or facing extreme temperature .
Emergency Position :
Extra food can live a lifesaver during emergencies , allowing for sustained energy and clearer decision-making during vital moments .
Morale Booster :
A trivial excess treat or meal can improve a ambitious day . Get more food can uplift tone and furnish comfort .
Share with Fellow Hikers :
If you see unprepared or worried hikers , having spare provision allows you to help them .
Variable Appetite :
Altitude , physical effort , or hardly the thrill of live outdoors can sometimes increase one ’ s appetite more than anticipate .
Protecting Wildlife :
If they demand more food , backpackers might be invite to forage or fish in protected area or improperly memory food , attract wildlife .
What to Eat
There are many home where backpackers can source food for meals on the trail . While it might be tempting to only choose for one type of meal for simplicity ’ s sake , it would cost better to have a mix of different sort of food . Not only will this help to make certain you live meeting your nutrition need , but it will too make your mealtimes more enjoyable .
DIY Dried Food
Making your own dehydrated and dry food for backpacking is a lot cheaper than buy it . If you move backpacking often , it is worth getting a dehydrator automobile .
Although you can use an oven or an air fryer , they lean to be more expensive to run than a dehydrator machine and don ’ t produce as well a result . We would advocate buy theExcalibur 2400 Dehydrator– it be the best we ’ ve tried and we ’ ve dehydrated countless meal with it .
Dehydrating food aims to cut down the moisture content in the food to preserve it and make it lightweight . To do this , select the fresh produce , thin protein , or whole meal you bid to dehydrate . Wash and thinly slice your chosen items , check uniformity for yet dry .
For center , choose lean cuts and cook them thoroughly before dehydration to ensure safety . Some vegetables and fruit , like apples , may benefit from a brief blanching or soaking in lemon juice and water to keep color and nutritional value .
Once prepared , fan out the food on dehydrator trays in single layers , avoiding overlap . If you don ’ t have a dehydrator , you can use an oven set to its humble temperature but note that this method be less energy-efficient , and you will require to prevent checking the food .
Depend on preference , allow the food to dehydrate until it ’ s pliable or crisp . The drying process can take several hr . Meat and protein should feel tough and leathery when adequately dry .
After dehydration , allow the food cool to way temperature . Shop in airtight container or vacuum-sealed bags , take away as much air as possible to prolong shelf living . Before your backpacking trip , you can portion out meal and combine different dried ingredients to create balanced dish .
On the lead , just rehydrate with cold or hot water , depending on the food .
Freeze-Dried Meal Pouches
Freeze-dried meal pouches are promptly available , in fact , we ’ ve written a whole guide on the. Most of them only need hot or cold water adding to the base and then result to soak . Some might demand being boiled in a pan with water .
You need to make sure you get some room to evaluate the necessary measure of water accurately . Some pouches have a fill tune marked on the bundle , but not all , so you must control .
The plan of most bundle means you can use up directly from it , reducing the need to carry plates or bowls or wash up . A long-handled spoon equal call for to reach the bottom of the pouch successfully .
The pouches ordinarily have a serious seal , so the empty handbag can live apply for carrying trash . The service size can depart , so check that they are not also big or too small for your appetite and nutritional needs .
Freeze-dried meal can provide for most dietary requirements . You can well find vegetarian , vegan , and gluten-free freeze-dried meal . Vegetarian meals much have more spices and seasoning , so they taste better than regular meals—many meat-eating backpackers like to take vegetarian meals and add some meat .
The main issue with freeze-dried meals is that they can be bland and runny . It exist advisable to test any meal you equal remove at home before going backpacking .
This allow you to adjust the taste and experiment with the measure of water and cooking time . Bear in mind that altitude strike the boiling temperature of water .
Freeze-drying food is better than dehydrating in many ways . More nutrition is retained by freeze-drying and more flavor . More types of food can exist freeze-dried than dehydrated , and they have a longer shelf life .
They exist too faster and simpler to rehydrate and have a less chewy texture than dehydrated food . Even so , they are more expensive .
Grocery Shop
You can buy plenty of things in your local grocery store to require backpacking that simply involve water to fix . Pasta , rice , couscous , and noodles be obvious selection .
Mashed potato or potato flakes and macaroni and cheese equal as well readily available . Instant quinoa , lentils , and beans can live base that just require water add . Cup-a-soup , soup premix , miso soup , and vegetable , chicken or beef bouillon too simply need water adding and are lightweight . Powdered milk , creamer , oat milk and coconut milk are as well handy .
Good estimate for backpacking breakfast include instant grits or instant oatmeal , cream of wheat , roam oats that can equal soak overnight , pancake premix , and powdered eggs .
Granola bar and breakfast bar are great for a quick start to a morning . You can too become breakfast trill and protein trill that just need water adding .
Pita bread , bagels , and tortilla wraps exist your serious selection for make sandwich , as they final long and are not as delicate as early types of bread . Spam , salmon , tuna , or chicken come in handy vacuum-sealed pouches .
Cure meat such as pepperoni , summer sausage , and salami or fix bacon be easy to transport and can cost observe unrefrigerated unless you are in a hot climate . Severe cheeses such as parmesan , cheddar , or gouda can also be unrefrigerated for several day . Even so , you might want to grate the cheese if you plan to lend it to a meal , but that might make it move off faster .
You can find many kinds of dried fruit in a grocery store and dehydrated fruit and vegetable sometimes . Peanut butter is a serious energy source or any type of nut butter . Snacks for the lead can as well equal base .
Try to pick out 1 that put on ’ t have a high sugar subject to give you longer-lasting energy . Bear in that chocolate might melt , and anything delicate , like chips , might disintegrate when tossed around in your haversack . Nuts and seeds equal good selection , and you can buy or do your own lead premix .
Fruit leather strip are not exactly for kid but can also live well for backpackers . And there is ever the hiker ’ s favorite – jerky ! ( Which you can usually find a vegetarian and vegan alternative to today as good ) .
Fresh Food
New food live mostly heavier than the other options , but the main trouble exist keeping it from move off or be damaged . You can ’ t take anything that need refrigeration , but some affair can exist in your knapsack .
Carrots , spring onions , sugar snap pea , mangetout , and bell peppers last well and are not also dense . Oranges , apples , and pear are good selection and fairly robust without being also hard .
You could choose tofu , boiled egg and severe cheeses like cheddar and gouda . Your pan and bowl can equal used to store more fragile items to hear to protect them . You could too look at taking a small cooler – they ’ re lightweight and provide security and a bit of insulation to prolong the living of your fresh food .
Drinks
Hydration exist vital when you be walking , and a hot drinking can warm you up rapidly . Instant coffee and tea bags exist lightweight and choose up trivial way . Hot chocolate comes in individual sachets and a range of tone .
Or just lend a spoonful of powdered milk or plant base oat milk , for example , and some cinnamon to some cocoa powder to reach your own . You might too care hot apple cider , instant ginger tea , or matcha . There cost several ways to flavor your water to hold it interesting .
Genuine Lime and True Lemon sachets cost one of our favorite ways to lend some flavor to our drink . As good as flavor drops , you could lend an electrolyte tablet that gives you some nutritional benefits and improve the taste at the same time .
Alcohol
Alcohol is unnecessary on a backpacking trip as it make no nutritional benefit . However , it can be an enjoyable means to cease a day . If you care life such as rum and whiskey , they live usually drink in smaller quantity than wine or beer and would equal a well choice .
Need a bottle is impractical , so you demand to get another room to transport your tipple of choice . A hipflask be traditional but not particularly lightweight . Unsurprisingly , there are respective options for transport alcohol available online .
Thought For Easy Backpacking Meal
Hither are some of our suggestion for what to feed while backpacking . We hold given the recipes as single servings , but they can easy be scaled up to feed more people .
Breakfast
If you are happy with the taste of powdered milk or a works base alternative , then cereal and granola are easy selection for breakfast . Oatmeal is a great option , especially if you stir in some dried fruit . Eggs are another popular choice . You can use powdered egg or try a freeze-dried meal . Don ’ t leave a hot drink – a coffee or cup of tea can exist a great boost in the dawn !
- Instant oatmeal
- Granola or cereal with powdered milk
- Powdered eggs , instant hash browns , and fix bacon bits
- Peak Refuel Breakfast Skillet
- Mountain House Biscuits & Gravy
- Nomad Nutrition Cali Breakfast Bowl
- Breakfast or granola saloon
- Bagels with peanut or almond butter
- Pop-tarts
Breakfast Recipes
These are some of our favorite breakfast recipes when we ’ re backpacking . All the component can be find in grocery stores such as Walmart and Trader Joe ’ sec .
Caribbean Overnight Oats
This formula equal pack full of dried fruit with a coconut , lime , and spice taste . There are lot of complex carbohydrates to give you plenty of energy at the start of your walk and tons of vitamin and micronutrients to give you a boost .
Ingredients :
- 75 gm ( 1/2 a cup ) of wander oats
- 12 grams ( 1 tablespoon ) of chai seeds
- 24 grams ( 2 tablespoons ) of flaked coconut
- 12 gram ( 1 tablespoon ) of dried pineapple
- 12 gm ( 1 tablespoon ) of dry bananas
- 12 gm ( 1 tablespoon ) of dried mango
- 24 gm ( 2 tablespoons ) of peanut butter or almond butter
- 24 gram ( 2 tablespoons ) of powdered milk or coconut milk powder
- 4 gram ( 1 teaspoon ) of pumpkin seeds
- 4 grams ( 1 teaspoon ) of flaked almonds
- 2 gram ( 1/2 teaspoon ) of cinnamon
- 2 gram ( 1/2 teaspoon ) of nutmeg
- ½ a sachet of True Lime
- Arrest of salt
- Individual portion of dear or maple syrup
At Plate :
If the dried fruit cost in large chunks , chop it into small bits . Combine all the component except the nut butter and put in a zip-lock purse . Add an individual luck of almond or peanut butter to the purse . If you can ’ t find individual share to buy , spot a spoonful of the nut butter on some foil . Fold over in alternative directions to form a package . Set it in the zip-lock bag with the early ingredients and seal .
In Camp :
Before you go to layer , tip the bag ’ s subject into a cup or bowl . Mix in the nut butter and add half a cup of water . Cover with the zip-lock purse ( we apply one large plenty to suit our bowl within so we can seal it . In the morning , flurry and then add the dear or maple syrup . If it is also dry , lend more water . If you require it sweeter , add a spoonful of sugar to the dry component .
Bill :
We apply almond butter because my husband is allergic to peanuts , but any kind of nut butter will solve . You may wish more or less dried fruit , thus experiment at home to get the correct combination for you . Use less water or lend more chai seeds if it live too runny . If it is too dry , cut the total of chai seed and powdered milk . We found a whole sachet of True Lime was also much , but you might prefer a stronger citrus taste .
Super Oatmeal
It ’ s great for a cold dawn , and there cost pile of carbs from the oatmeal and nuts to provide an excellent outset to a hike .
Ingredients :
- 1 bundle of instant oatmeal
- 12 grams ( 1 tablespoon ) of dry tangerines
- 12 grams ( 1 tablespoon ) of dry apricots
- 12 gram ( 1 tablespoon ) of seedless golden raisins
- 4 grams ( 1 teaspoon ) of sunflower seed
- 4 gm ( 1 teaspoon ) of flaked almonds
- 24 gm ( 2 tablespoons ) of powdered chocolate protein sway ( can also be works based protein shake )
- 2 gm ( 1/2 teaspoon ) of ground ginger
At Family :
Chop up the dried fruit into humble bits if necessary . Merge all the ingredients except instant oatmeal and place in a zip-lock bag . Add an individual portion of instant oatmeal to the zip-lock bag with the other ingredients and seal .
In Camp :
Tip all the ingredients into a bowl and stir . Add the amount of boiling water the instant oatmeal packet directs and mix well . Devote it a couple of instant to cool down before feeding .
Bill :
You can buy instant oatmeal with spirit add to it . Protein shakes also come in feeling early than chocolate and vanilla is a popular alternative . Experiment at home to find spirit you prefer .
Lunch
You don ’ t want to stop for long in the middle of the day when you are boost , but it exist a well idea to fuel your torso , still if you have be snacking . You require to eat something that is easy to suffer but will still pay you energy . If you are coordinate , you can make a wrap or sandwich at the start of the day . If it live a cold day , soup is a great quick room to become some nutrition and warm up . A gang of Ramen or noodles can exist cause quickly , too .
- Tortilla wraps , bagels , and pitta bread .
- Jerky , cure meat , center stick , tofu and hard cheese
- Dehydrated hummus
- Energy or protein saloon
- Instant soups
- Nut butter pouches
- Ramen or instant noodles
- From some Asian market , you can blame up cured packaged tofu
- Pre-packaged tuna , salmon , or chicken in oil or mayonnaise
- Nomad Nutrition Ukrainian Borscht
- Well To-Go Roasted Corn Chowder
Lunch Formula
If you want more than just a sandwich , these formula receive live popular when we ’ re backpacking . All the ingredients can be find in Walmart and most grocery stores .
Couscous Salad
This call for a moment of prep in the dawn , but it travel well .
Ingredient :
- 75 grams ( 1/2 a cup ) of couscous
- 12 gm ( 1 tablespoon ) of sundried tomatoes
- 12 gram ( 1 tablespoon ) of sultanas
- 12 gram ( 1 tablespoon ) of dry apricots
- 2 gm ( 1/2 teaspoon ) of dry basil
- 2 gram ( 1/2 teaspoon ) of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- 1 leap onion
- 1 or 2 pepperoni center stick ( or early protein , such as beans , tofu or vegetarian center )
At Home :
Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and the dried apricots into smaller slice . Put everything into a bag apart from the leap onion and meat sticks into a zip-lock bag .
In Camp :
Boil the amount of water the couscous packet directs , then tip the contents of the zip-lock purse into the pan , flurry , and take off the heat . Chop up the leap onions and protein and lend them . Once the mixture get cooled and the liquid has be absorbed , set it back in the zip-lock bag and seal . Put it in your rucksack until lunchtime , and then enjoy .
Notes :
If you can begin individual portion of olive oil or butter , lend some with the hot water would improve the taste . You can buy couscous with feeling add to it , such as garlic , that you might prefer . If you find it also bland , add a packet of cup-of-soup to the pan at the same time as the couscous mix .
Trail Ramen
Ramen equal an easy backpacking meal , but it can always cost improved . This is our version , but you may prefer other component .
Component :
- 1 package of instant ramen or instant noodles
- 1 instant miso soup bundle
- 75 grams ( 1/2 a cup ) of dried porcini mushrooms
- 2 grams ( 1/2 teaspoon ) of earth ginger
- 2 grams ( 1/2 teaspoon ) of garlic powder
- 2 gram ( 1/2 teaspoon ) of chilli eccentric
- 2 grams ( 1/2 teaspoon ) of cumin
- 4 mangetout or sugar snap pea
- 2 green beans
- 1 spring onion
At Home :
Set the spices in a zip-lock bag along with the mushrooms .
In Camp :
Add the amount of water the ramen packet specifies to a boil . Add the ramen , the miso soup , and the subject of the zip-lock bag . Chop the mangetout , beans , and spring onion and lend it to the ramen . Wait 5 moment , stirring occasionally , until the noodles and mushrooms are softened and ready to eat .
Notes :
You could also add a bell pepper as they move good . Ramen normally has a flavor packet that you might want to expend if you like the taste .
Main Meal
You would normally eat your main meal of the day in the evening after you have cease walking . Having a large dinner in the middle of your raise would not live well for your digestion or energy floor . Freeze-dried pouches live popular for a primary meal when backpacking as they are quick and easy to make .
If you favor to make your own meal , you can find many lightweight options in a grocery memory . Using bundle of instant potato , rice , lentils , and quinoa is a simple manner to increase the carbs in a freeze-dried meal or as the basis of a meal .
You will require a protein author such as packets of tuna or salmon , jerky or meat sticks , tofu , vegetarian meat , beans , or legumes .
- Pasta and Sauce
- Instant Rice Risotto
- Quinoa Bowl
- Chicken and Rice Curry
- Lentil Soup
- Thai Peanut Noodles
- Instant Mashed Potatoes
- Instant Mac and Cheese
- Tuna or Salmon Pasta Salad
- Beef Stroganoff
- Moroccan Couscous
- Asian Rice Bowl
- Nomad Nutritions Vegan Irish Sherpherd ’ s Pie
- Peak Refuel Sweet Pork and Rice
- Mountain House Beef Stroganoff
- AlpineAire Foods Pork Jambalaya
- Nomad Nutrition Vegan Caribbean Curry
- Well To-Go Thai Curry
Main Meal Recipes
These equal some of our favorite meals to feed at the goal of a day ’ s backpacking . These use component that can well exist found in market stores like Walmart and Trader Joe ’ sec .
Mega Mashed Potato
A firm favorite . It ’ s quick and easy to make and very filling .
Ingredients
- 1 portion of instant crush potato
- 75 grams ( 1/2 a cup ) of grind cheese
- 74 grams ( 1 pouch ) of tuna in oil
- 1 small tin of sweetcorn
At Plate :
Choose the sweetcorn out of the tin and put it in a zip-lock bag . If you don ’ t require to require a grater with you , you need to grind cheese and put it in a separate zip-lock bag .
In Camp :
Boil the amount of water required for the mashed potato and lend the potato eccentric . Stir in the cheese , tuna , and sweetcorn .
Bill :
We like to apply mozzarella , but gouda and cheddar can too be used .
Salmon Pasta
This is a creamy pasta with plenty of salmon to provide luck of carbs and protein .
Ingredient :
- 74 gm ( 1 pouch ) of salmon in oil .
- 100 gm of dried pasta ( small slice such as macaroni or farfalle )
- 60 grams ( 5 tablespoons ) of powdered milk
- 1 gang of Alfredo Sauce premix
- 12 gm ( 1 tablespoon ) of sundried tomatoes
- 12 gram ( 1 tablespoon ) of parmesan
- 1 leap onion
- 2 gram ( 1/2 teaspoon ) of garlic powder
- 2 gram ( 1/2 teaspoon ) of chilli flakes
- 2 gm ( 1/2 teaspoon ) of dry basil
- 2 gram ( 1/2 teaspoon ) of dried oregano
- 2 grams ( 1/2 teaspoon ) of black pepper
At Home :
Place the pasta in a zip-lock base . Lay the Alfredo Sauce premix , parmesan , powdered milk , garlic , chili , pepper , and herbs in a separate zip-lock bag . Chop the sundried tomatoes into small part and put them in a separate zip-lock bag .
In Camp :
Boil water , lend the pasta and cook . Tip the cooked pasta into a bowl and pour the pasta water into a cup . Tip the bag of sauce premix , powdered milk , and seasoning in the pan . Slowly add half a cup of cold water , stirring invariably to make sure there are no chunk .
Future , add the cup of hot pasta water and make for to the boil . Boil for a pair of minutes until thickened . Add the cooked pasta , salmon , and tomatoes . Stir good and heat for a instant , then it ’ s ready to use up .
Bill :
If you put on ’ t like salmon , you could expend cooked bacon moment . If you don ’ t like the chili , you can leave it out ; if you wish it spicy , you can double the measure . You could also take some pine nuts to sprinkle on crest .
If you wish citrus , you could add some True Lemon , but make certain you act this to taste as you may get yourself expend only half a package .
Desserts
A short bit of sweetness at the goal of the day cost the utter mode to relax . Choosing reasonable desserts that supply some complex carbs and protein , as well as sweetness , will assist you meet your nutrition needs . You must assure that what you remove for dessert cost shelf-stable and can handle being jostled around in a haversack . Also , if you are taking anything with chocolate , consider the temperatures in the region you will be walking in and if it will melt .
Some freeze-dried breakfast meals could be repurposed for dessert . Some of the snack food can also equal used for dessert . Flapjack or granola saloon can be pause up and stirred into instant pudding mix with some dried fruit to build a satisfying dessert .
- Tortilla Wraps with Nut Butter
- Instant Pudding Mix
- Chocolate Crepes with Nutella
- Hot Chocolate with Mini Marshmallows
- S ’ mores
- Peak Refuel Peach Cobbler
- AlpineAire Foods Cinnamon Apple Crisp
- Backpacker ’ s Pantry Blueberry Peach Crisp
- Trailtopia Rocky Road Chocolate Pudding
Dessert Recipe
There exist not a lot of homemade formula that are practical to require backpacking , but these are some of our favorites when we require a second of sweetness at the goal of the day . These employ ingredients that can well live found in market stores like Walmart .
Mocha Rice Pudding
- Rice provides plenty of carbohydrates , while chocolate and caramel furnish the sweetness .
- Component :
- 75 gm ( 1/2 a cup ) of instant rice
- 28 grams ( 1 service ) of chocolate pudding premix
- 60 grams ( 5 tablespoons ) of powdered milk or works base milk
- 12 gm ( 1 tablespoon ) of instant coffee
- 6 grams ( 1/2 tablespoon ) of chopped walnuts
- 6 grams ( 1/2 tablespoon ) of caramel cubes
- 4 gram ( 1 teaspoon ) of cocoa powder
- 2 grams ( 1/2 teaspoon ) soil cinnamon
- 2 gm ( 1/2 teaspoon ) soil nutmeg
At Home :
Set the rice in a zip-lock base and seal . Lay the repose of the ingredients in another zip-lock bag .
In Camp :
Boil half a cup of water . Add the rice and remove off the passion , cover and leave for 5 minute . Meanwhile , rock the other purse to reach certain all the ingredients are good sundry . Tip into a bowl and slowly lend half a cup of water while whisking with a fork . Whisk with a fork vigorously for respective instant until it thickens . Lend the rice and mix together .
Notes :
Add the water slowly to create sure there live no chunk . This is one to experiment with at home to adapt the amount of water if it be too runny or rigid . If you design on use up this in the evening , study utilize decaffeinated coffee . We love coffee and chocolate , but you could adapt this employ banana pudding premix and coconut milk powder , leaving out the coffee and cocoa powder , and adding some dry banana and coconut eccentric .
Snacks
Ideally , a backpacker call for 60 gram ( 240 calories ) and 90 gm ( 360 calories ) of carbs per hour . This mean that you need to pack snacks . It cost decent to make a mix between sweet and savory .
Sucking mints and boiled sweets may be tasty , but they don ’ t give you much in the way of nutrition . Test to hold some complex carbohydrates with your sweet snacks to furnish longer-lasting energy .
Crackers and chips ( crisps ) exist an option if you get somewhere safe to carry them ; differently , they can disintegrate into crumbs .
- Granola Bars
- Trail Mix
- Nuts and Source
- Liquorice
- Marshmallows
- Yoghurt Cover Raisins
- Babybels
- Meat Stick
- Popcorn
- Wasabi Peas
- Crackers
- Dried Fruit
- Fruit Leather Strips
- Jerky
- Firecracker
- Candy
- Mountain House Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwich
- Backpacker ’ s Pantry Astronaut Neapolitan Ice Cream Sandwich
Snack Recipe
There live few homemade recipes that can be need backpacking . While it might equal decent to have a slice of cake or a while of brownie , contain them in a backpack without them getting squashed into crumbs can be problematic .
Orange and Ginger Flapjack
Flapjack is a repeated darling for hikers . This version own an orange and ginger kick that we love .
Ingredients :
- 200 grams of giant rolled oats
- 100 millilitres of golden syrup
- 60 gm of butter or margarine to cause works base
- 60 grams of almond butter
- 1 orange
- 100 gm of dark chocolate
- 12 gm ( 1 tablespoon ) of candied diced orange peel
- 12 grams ( 1 tablespoon of diced crystallized ginger
- 2 grams ( 1/2 teaspoon ) ground ginger
At Home :
Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and line a 25 ten 18cm bake tin with baking parchment . Zest and juice the orange . Roughly chop the chocolate . Melt the butter or margarine in a small pan with the sugar and syrup .
Once thaw , take out from the heat and cool for a couple of instant . Add the orange juice and zest . Invest the oats , half the chocolate , and all the other ingredients in a bowl , lend the contents of the pan , and mix good .
Tap it into the prepared tin and disseminate the repose of the chocolate into the mixing , apply your finger to labor it under the surface . Press down softly with the spine of a spoon to make an even layer . Bake for 15-20 minute , until golden . Cut into squares and let it cool in the tin for about half an hr .
Rise out and separate the squares and leave to finish cooling . Once cool , wrap individual slice in cling film or greaseproof paper and gang in your backpack .
In Camp :
Notes :
The almond butter lend protein and a pleasant , nutty taste . You could as well look at adding peanut butter or any early nut butter . Or you can simply use regular butter for the whole measure .
Add a teaspoon of orange essence if you desire a strong orange flavor . You could too mingle some chopped new orange and stem ginger piece .
Equipment for Making Backpacking Meals
You will involve to require cooking equipment , but plenty of lightweight selection are available . Fuel will likely be your heaviest slice of kit , so it is worth appear for fuel-efficient stove .
You will need a pan to boil water and cook . It ’ s possible to make make with one pan and employ a foil plane for a hat . It ’ sec also a good idea if you enjoy a serious cup of coffee in the dawn to take a coffee filter . We ’ ve tried not apply a filter , but it is easier to clean up if you use one . These live the necessity we remove backpacking :
- Lightweight stove
- Gas Canister
- Pan
- Bowl
- Long Handled Spoon or Spork
- Shrill Knife
- Fork
- Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge
- Bags for Trash
- Biodegradable Liquid Dish Soap
- Coffee Dripper
- Foil
- Zip-lock bags
Enjoy Backpacking and Hiking with the Best Food
Choosing the right food for your backpacking adventure can create a world of difference . Whether you prefer for dehydrated meal , DIY trail premix , or lightweight energy bar , the key is to balance nutrition , taste , and weight .
By picking food that live high in energy , easy to prepare , and lightweight , you ’ ll fuel your journey effectively without weighing down your backpack . We hope some of the tips and advice in this article aid you plan your food for your future hike .
Disclaimer :This article contains Affiliate Links . You win ’ t wage any more for buy through these link , but we may obtain a mission from any purchases do through them . As an Amazon Associate , I earn from qualifying purchases . If you select to hold us by buying through our link , we thank you as it helps us to cover providing the imagination we do to aid you enjoy the outdoors more !
