Things to Eat When You Go Backpacking
Updated - 01/25/18
On the trails, I tend to look for foods that taste good, are easy to prepare, and vegetarian (although I've included some non-vegetarian foods that my buddies will eat and seem to enjoy). I've been using a system of a foods that take no preparation for breakfast and lunch, and then eat a hot meal for dinner (that only requires hot water and waiting). At least that's what I do when we hike all day long.
Breakfast - I try to start the day off with a tasty breakfast with about 500 calories.
- Granola with Powdered (Soy) Milk
- Mountain House Granola with Freeze Dried Blueberries & Milk
- Instant Oatmeal
Energy for the trail - Either shortly before we start hiking or shortly after, I try to get something that gives me some energy and a little sustenance.
- Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews (strawberry flavor rocks)
- Clif Shot Bloks Fastpak
- Mixed Nuts or Trail Mix
Morning Snack - After a couple hours of hiking, I'll eat something to hold me over until lunch.
- Justin's Nut Butter Packets
Lunch - I'll usually try to consume 600 to 700 calories with any variety of foods.
- PB&J (makes for an easy lunch; just use the Justin's peanut butter packets)
- Cheese (probably should be consumed the first day)
- Oranges
- Dried hummus mix and pita bread
- Dried Fruit (dried strawberries are amazing)
- Nuts / Nut Mix / Trail Mix (GORP)
- Crackers (ritz are good)
- Jerky
- Gum (fresh breath!)
- (Packets of Tuna)
Afternoon Pick Me Up - After the lunch food settles, I'm usually looking for some more energy.
- Gu Sports Gel
- Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews
Dinner - After a long day hiking, a warm meal tastes pretty damn good. Don't forget to bring some extra spices to add to your meals.
- Freezer bag meal (Rice/noodles/mashed potatoes with dehydrated sausage and vegetables)
- Outdoor Herbivore (Most are amazing including the Blackened Quinoa and the Basil Walnut Penne )
- Mountain House Potatoes and Cheddar with Broccoli For Two (a favorite)
- Mountain House Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf For Two
- Mountain House Pasta Primavera For Two
- Mountain House Macaroni and Cheese For Two
- Seasoning/Salt/Pepper
- (Mountain House Chicken and Rice)
- Spices (Tony's) - 0 ounces
Desert - And a meal can never be complete without some sweets.
- Hot Cocoa (Godiava) - 1 ounce
- Crème brûlée (Backpacker's Pantry)
- Cookies
- Peanut M&Ms
- Oreos