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When you're out on the trail, good food is essential for fueling your body and lifting your spirits. But when planning packing meals for a hike there a few important things to consider including weight & packability, nutrition, and convenience. Here are some meal ideas and inspiration to make your next adventure delicious and hassle-free.
Make Meals Ahead
If you have a food dehydrator, you can prepare full meals at home, dehydrate them, and divide them into lightweight ziplock bags. These meals provide the comfort of home-cooked food on the trail without the bulk or weight. Classic options include chili, pasta, risotto, or stir-fried rice dishes. Simply rehydrate them with boiling water, and you’re good to go!
Pro Tip: Use silicone baking mats or parchment paper in your dehydrator to ensure easy removal
Just Add Water Meals
For ultimate convenience, you can find pre-packaged “just add water” meals at stores like REI or online. These meals are lightweight, calorie-dense, and often include a variety of options like spaghetti, mac and cheese, or curries. Just pour boiling water into the pouch, let it sit for a few minutes, and enjoy.
Pro Tip: Look for brands with minimal preservatives or additives to keep your meals more nutritious.
Granola, Energy, and Meal Bars
Granola bars, energy bars, and meal replacement bars are excellent options for lightweight snacks that pack a caloric punch. They’re great for quick energy during a hike and require no preparation. Look for bars high in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs for sustained energy.
Pro Tip: Brands like Clif, and ProBar offer great options with various flavors to keep things interesting.
Trail Mix, Nuts, and Dried Fruit
Trail mix is a classic hiking snack for a reason: it’s lightweight, energy-dense, and endlessly customizable. Mix your favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and even a touch of chocolate or yogurt-covered raisins for a treat.
Pro Tip: Pre-portion trail mix into small bags to ensure you spread it out to have enough for the entire trip.
Peanut and Almond Butter
Nut butters are a fantastic source of protein and healthy fats. They’re available in convenient single-serve pouches or powdered form, making them easy to pack. Spread nut butter on tortillas, crackers, or add it to oatmeal for a quick and satisfying meal.
Pro Tip: Brands like Justin’s and RX Nut Butter offer flavored options, such as honey almond or chocolate hazelnut, for extra variety.
Instant Oatmeal and Granola
Instant oatmeal is a lightweight and versatile breakfast option. Simply add hot water, or cold-soak it overnight for a no-cook meal. Customize with add-ins like dried fruit, seeds, nuts, protein powder, or a dollop of nut butter to boost flavor and nutrition.
Pro Tip: Create your own oatmeal packs at home with rolled oats, powdered milk, and your favorite extras to save money and tailor it to your taste.
Powdered Hummus
Powdered hummus is a lesser-known but incredibly versatile backpacking food. It’s high in protein and healthy fats and can be rehydrated with water for a quick snack. Spread it on tortillas, eat it with pretzels or crackers, or enjoy it straight from the bowl.
Pro Tip: Spice things up by adding garlic powder, paprika, or other spices
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Tortillas
Tortillas are a backpacking staple because they’re lightweight, durable, and versatile. Spread with Peanut butter (or other nut butters) or hummus, or simply use them to wrap dehydrated meals for a satisfying and mess-free meal.
Pro Tip: Opt for whole-wheat or high-protein tortillas
Instant Noodles and Pasta
Instant noodles and pasta are compact, lightweight, and quick to cook. Enhance them with dehydrated vegetables, or flavorings to create a hearty meal. Ramen noodles paired with a soup packet can make an especially comforting meal after a long day.
Pro Tip: Look for brown rice or millet noodles for a more nutritious option
Instant Soup Packets
Lightweight and tasty, instant soup packets are perfect for chilly evenings or as a flavorful addition to other meals. Pair them with noodles, instant rice, or dehydrated vegetables to create a filling dinner.
Pro Tip: Miso soup packets can be a fantastic addition to your meals too!
Instant Mashed Potatoes
Instant mashed potatoes are a lightweight comfort food that provides quick carbs to refuel your body. Add dehydrated vegetables, gravy mix, or cheese powder for a more complete meal.
Pro Tip: Use Idahoan mashed potatoes for excellent flavor and texture on the trail.
Couscous
Couscous is one of the easiest grains to prepare on the trail. It cooks quickly with just boiling water and can be combined with dehydrated vegetables, herbs, and spices for a high-energy meal.
Pro Tip: Add olive oil packets to couscous for extra calories and flavor.
3 Simple Backpacking Recipes
Couscous with Dehydrated Vegetables and Herbs
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup couscous
- 1/4 cup dehydrated vegetables (carrots, peas, or bell peppers)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Olive oil packet (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine couscous, vegetables, and seasonings in a ziplock bag.
- Boil water in your pot (about 3/4 cup), and add the couscous mix, stir, ad add the lid
- Let sit for 5-7 minutes, then fluff with a fork and enjoy.
Noodles with Soup Packet Mix and Dehydrated Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 1 pack instant noodles
- 1 soup packet (e.g., miso or vegetable soup flavor)
- 1/4 cup dehydrated vegetables
- Soy sauce or hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
- Boil water and add noodles, soup packet, and vegetables.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Add optional sauces and enjoy a warming, hearty meal.
Oatmeal with Extras
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup instant oatmeal
- 1 tbsp powdered milk
- 1 tbsp peanut butter (or single-serve pouch)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds
- 1 tbsp dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, etc.)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in your pot
- Add hot water (about 3/4 cup) and stir well.
- Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then enjoy a nutrient-packed breakfast.
With these backpacking meal ideas, you can stay fueled and satisfied on your next hike, no matter where the trail takes you!
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