Discover over 25 easy, nutritious backpacking meals and recipes to fuel your adventure. Perfect for hikers seeking tasty, lightweight options for the trail.
As an avid backpacker, I've learned that one of the joys of hitting the trail is the food we get to enjoy along the way. Through trial and error, I've curated a collection of over 25 amazing backpacking meals and recipes that are not only lightweight and easy to pack but also incredibly delicious and nutritious. Whether you're trekking through mountains or exploring hidden trails, these recipes are designed to keep your energy up and your taste buds happy. Join me as we dive into the world of backpacking cuisine, where convenience meets flavor in the most extraordinary ways!
Backpacking Meal Ideas
- Cheese and Salami Tortillas: Roll hard cheeses and salami in tortillas for a high-calorie, protein-rich snack. The cheese and salami are both shelf-stable, making them perfect for longer trips.
- Peanut Butter and Banana Pouches: Mix peanut butter with dried banana chips for a quick, nutritious snack. The peanut butter provides a good source of protein and healthy fats, while the banana chips offer quick energy and sweetness.
- Chicken and Rice Packets: Use freeze-dried chicken and instant rice packets for a quick and easy meal. Add some dehydrated vegetables and a packet of sauce (like soy or hot sauce) for flavor and extra nutrition.
- Nuts and Dried Fruit Snacks: Combine almonds, cashews, and dried fruit for a high-calorie, nutrient-rich trail mix. This snack is easy to pack and provides a quick source of energy and a variety of textures.
- Pasta with Olive Oil and Veggies: Pre-pack pasta with packets of olive oil, dried veggies (like broccoli or peppers), and a sprinkle of cheese for an easy-to-cook meal that's both nutritious and satisfying.
- Salmon Tortilla Wraps: Pack pouches of smoked or flavored salmon to spread on tortillas. Add some packets of condiments like mayonnaise or mustard and some dehydrated veggies for a quick, no-cook meal.
- Chili Mac Packets: Prepare your own or use pre-packed chili mac for a filling meal. Look for options that are gluten-free or cater to other dietary needs, ensuring you get the nutrition and calories needed for a long day of hiking.
- Beef Stroganoff Noodles: Opt for freeze-dried beef stroganoff packets that only require hot water. They're easy to pack and provide a hearty meal after a long day, with the noodles offering a comforting texture.
- Breakfast Cereal with Powder Milk: Pack individual packets of cereal and powdered milk for a quick and nutritious start to the day. Add some dried fruit for extra flavor and calories.
- Egg and Bacon Bits Wrap: Use shelf-stable powdered eggs and bacon bits to make a wrap with tortillas. This high-protein meal is great for starting your day strong and is easy to pack.
Homemade Backpacking Meals
3 Easy DIY Backpacking Oatmeal Recipes
Are you looking for some easy and tasty backpacking oatmeal recipes? I’ve been making my own homemade instant oatmeal for backpacking adventures for decades so I have some great recipe ideas! Below you will find
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Tuna Couscous Backpacking Meal
This backpacking tuna couscous bowl is is an easy, protein packed, one pot, just add water, hiking lunch or dinner. (Easy backpacking meal!)
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How to Dehydrate Mango - Dried Chili Lime Mango Recipe!
Knowing how to dehydrate mango will allow you to create one of my favorite dried mango recipes: the dried chili lime mango! This naturally plant-based snack offers a ton of fruity, tropical flavors in every bite.
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Maple Walnut Goji Berry Granola
This easy, healthy and delicious Maple Walnut Goji Berry Granola makes for one satisfying gluten-free vegan breakfast, snack or refined sugar-free treat!
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Homemade Beef Jerky To Take On Your Next Hike - Maplewood Road
I’m not going to hike up to my favorite hawk watching spot without bringing along some of my homemade beef jerky. And neither should you.
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Homemade Instant Oatmeal Recipes - a perfect camping breakfast!
Do you like secrets? Do you also like oatmeal? Well, for all you oatmeal-eating, secret-lovers, this one’s for you: Did you know you can stop buying those overly processed and overly-sweetened pre-packaged instant oatmeals and
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How to Make Layered Lunches (Mason Jar Salads)
Healthy Layered Lunches are mason jar salads that are strategically layered in order to keep your greens and dressing separated!
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No Bake Energy Bites (10 Flavors + Video!) | Get Inspired Everyday
These No Bake Energy Bites (with 10 Flavors!) are the perfect healthy snack! They’re gluten free, dairy free, meal prep & freezer friendly.
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Mushroom Jerky Recipe - Maplewood Road
Jerkies are traditionally meat-based. But what if you love jerky but don’t eat meat? Voilà, mushroom jerky!
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Chewy Blueberry Oat Bars
Naturally sweetened, chewy, healthy, and delicious blueberry oat bars! Ready to eat in 30 minutes! Vegan & gluten-free!
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Backcountry Sloppy Joes
Backcountry Sloppy Joes is an easy backpacking dinner loaded with flavor. Dehydrate these ingredients at home, then just add water on trail. Rich in protein and fiber with wholesome flavor!
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Trail Mix Recipe with Honey Roasted Peanuts - This Is How I Cook
There are so many trail mix recipes. This version, contains homemade granola, roasted pecans and honey roasted peanuts along with m and m’s!
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Dehydrated Hummus with Cilantro and Lime
Are you looking for the best dehydrated hummus for backpacking and hiking? This cilantro-lime hummus recipe is a game-changer for your trail lunch! It takes a classic hummus recipe and elevates it with epic flavors.
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Snickerdoodle Muddy Buddies - The Short Order Cook
Muddy buddies (puppy chow) meet the classic snickerdoodle flavors of cinnamon and sugar. An easy Chex sweet treat everyone loves.
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15-Minute Chocolate Avocado Energy Bars (GF, No Refined Sugar)
These Chocolate Avocado Energy Bars are here to provide healthy energy when you need it. They’re super as pre/post workout fuel or midday pick-me-up. (GF)
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