- Plan for three meals and 2-3 snacks per day (breakfast, mid-morning snack, lunch, mid-afternoon snack, dinner, evening snack).
- No dieting or cutting carbs in the backcountry! You need plenty of carbs and proteins to fuel your body, balanced with sodium and fats.
- Separate food into packets for each meal and clearly label them; re-package items that are too bulky and keep the directions.
- Multiple ingredients can be stored in one bag; just tie off a corner to separate them until use.
- Add some variety to your menu. By the fourth day in, you’ll be sick of the same old thing.
- Condiment packets of hot sauce, ketchup, mayo, relish and margarine will keep well and give you a good serving size.
- Tortillas and pitas make a great alternative to bread.
- Cured meats and hard cheeses travel well in the backcountry.
- Package eggs carefully to avoid breaking. They will keep in moderate temperatures.
- Dried herbs and spices can add punch and variety to any meal. Here are some starter spice mixes:
- Mexican – chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, oregano, onion powder, coriander, crushed red pepper, garlic powder and black pepper.
- Italian – dried basil, dried marjoram, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Indian – Cumin, ground ginger, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, turmeric, and black pepper.
- Creole – chili powder, garlic, parsley, salt, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
- Thai – chili pepper, ginger, coriander, red pepper flakes, cumin, cinnamon, star anise, salt, garlic, dried lemon peel, and dried shallots.
Packable, Popular Backpacking Foods:
- Proteins – summer sausage, packaged meats (tuna, shrimp, salmon, chicken), beef jerky, salami, pre-cooked bacon, and tempeh are all great options. If you want a particularly good protein without the hassle of bringing around condiment packets and dressings, try pre-made chicken or tuna salads in packets- they have more calories and better flavor!
- Dry Goods – Pasta, rice, couscous, lentils, instant potatoes, and beans are all good choices. If possible, freeze-dried/easily rehydrate-able pastas are great. One favorite nowadays among many young hikers is specialty ramen, as it's fast, easy, cheap, and pretty reliably good (it's hard to mess up ramen!)
- Mixes – Soups, sauces, hummus, dips. See the seasonings above!
- Add-ins – Dried mushrooms, tomatoes, seaweed, and other veggies are good savoury options. Dried fruits, nuts, honey, peanut butter, Nutella, granola, jams, and jellies all help add calories and flavor to breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and desserts.
- Hot Breakfasts – Quick-cook cereals like oatmeal, grits or cream of wheat are great.
- Breads – Bagels, flat breads, tortillas, wraps, and pita bread work well in place of sliced bread. Another good, emerging option is bagel thins or wheat thins!
- Drinks – Cider, hot chocolate, tea, coffee, drink mixes. Electrolytes are especially important in hot weather.
Example of a Typical Daily Menu:
Breakfast: Amanda’s Power Oatmeal
- 1 package instant oatmeal
- 3 tablespoons applesauce OR peanut butter
- Assorted mix-ins (dried fruit, granola, nuts)
- ½ cup water
Heat water to a boil. In serving bowl, mix dry oatmeal mix and dried fruit. Add water and allow to hydrate for approx. 2 minutes. Stir in applesauce or peanut butter. Stir in granola or nuts.
Morning Snack: Granola bar and dried cranberries
Lunch: Wraps with cheese and pepperoni and a Snickers bar
Afternoon Snack: Power Bar
Dinner: Mike’s Couscous “Burritos”
- Tortillas or wraps
- 1 pkg. couscous (flavored or plain)
- Cheese
- Meats or dried veggies to add in
Heat water to a boil, then add meat and/or dried veggies. Remove from heat and add couscous and flavorings (packaged or your own blend). The couscous will hydrate in about five minutes. Roll into wraps “Colorado style.”
Dessert: Backpacker’s Pantry Hot Apple Cobbler and Hot Cider Toddies
Remember that the most important thing is always to pack food that you like!! Don't just follow the recommendations given to you- there's no "end-all-be-all" menu for backpackers, and after a couple days of hard hiking, you're going to want food that you enjoy. Happy hiking!
Thank you to Mike & Amanda, Charlotte Staff, for your contributions!