BACKPACKING MEALS: TIPS + TASTY RECIPES FOR THE TRAIL
Planning meals for a backpacking trip can be a daunting task, whether you're new to backpacking or a seasoned explorer. Outer Woods understands the challenges, and we're here to offer guidance, meal ideas, and insights to make your outdoor culinary experience enjoyable and worry-free.
Who Will Benefit From This Blog:
If you fall into any of these categories, this blog is for you:
You're new to backpacking and curious about wilderness dining.
You're planning a backpacking trip and feel excited or anxious about meal planning.
You're an experienced backpacker looking for fresh meal ideas.
Backpacking vs. Car Camping
Backpacking meals require a different approach than car camping. Here's why:
You carry everything with you, so weight is a critical consideration.
Refrigeration isn't an option.
Cookware, devices, and appliances are limited.
Minimizing water weight is essential, so canned foods may not be ideal.
Now, let's dive into some go-to backpacking meal ideas:
Dinners
Pesto Pasta:
Noodles (¼ lb per person)
Olive Oil (a couple of tablespoons)
Pine Nuts (a tablespoon per person)
Vacuum Sealed Chicken (2.6 oz per person)
Powdered Pesto Package (1.2 oz per person)
Parmesan Cheese (a pinch per person)
Desconstructed Shepherd’s Pie:
Package of dried mashed potatoes
Olive Oil (a couple of tablespoons)
Vacuum-sealed meat pouch (bbq, chicken, pulled pork, one small package per person)
Dried vegetable mix
BBQ sauce packages
Rice and Beans (and Meat):
Rice and Beans package (Knorr Power Rice Blend, one package per person)
Olive Oil (a couple of tablespoons)
Vacuum-sealed meat pouch (bbq, chicken, pulled pork, one small package per person)
Lunches
(Keep it simple and skip the cooking)
Trail Buffet:
Package of pepperoni
Ritz Crackers (or your favorite crackers)
Hard cheese/prepackaged cheese
Salami sticks
Beef Jerky
Trail mix
Dried fruit
Mustard/Mayonnaise packets
Breakfasts
Fast Breakfasts:
Bars (e.g., Nature Valley, Kind, Special K, Belvitas)
Dried fruit
Trail mix
Slow Breakfasts:
Oatmeal
Dried Hash Browns (Hungry Jack or similar)
Pepperoni packages or salami
Pancake powder (just add water pancakes)
Dried Fruit
Backpacking meals don't have to be a daunting task. With the right planning and delicious recipes, you can enjoy satisfying and nutritious meals on the trail. So, pack your gear, lace up your boots, and let Outer Woods help you conquer your backpacking adventure with confidence and flavor.
