Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure? Backpacking is the perfect way to explore the great outdoors and reconnect with nature. But what about food? Fear not, fellow adventurers!
In this blog post, we'll share some of the best backpacking recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to make on the go. So grab your backpack, lace up your boots, and get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these mouthwatering meals. Let's dive in!
1. Spicy One Pot Jambalaya with Orzo
The Spicy One Pot Jambalaya with Orzo is a flavorful and filling backpacking meal. Combining orzo pasta, dehydrated veggies, summer sausage, tomato powder, and Cajun seasoning, this dish is easy to cook and clean up.
The level of spice can be adjusted to personal preference. It's a satisfying option for backpackers looking for a quick and tasty meal on the trail.
2. Backpacking Pasta Primavera
The Backpacking Pasta Primavera is a fresh and filling meal that offers a burst of vegetables on the trail. Loaded with zucchini, summer squash, and tomatoes, it provides a satisfying and nutritious option for backpackers.
The addition of capers and butter powder adds a unique and flavorful twist. Overall, this dehydrated pasta primavera is a great choice for those looking to incorporate more veggies into their backpacking routine.
3. Backpacker's Hummus Bowl
The Backpacker's Hummus Bowl is a quick and easy no-cook lunch option for backpacking. It utilizes powdered hummus mix, which only requires the addition of water and oil to prepare. The recipe suggests adding toppings like sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, and spices for extra flavor.
Dippers such as pretzel sticks, sturdy crackers, or dried veggie chips are recommended. Overall, it's a convenient and versatile option for backpackers looking for a simple and satisfying meal on the trail.
4. Backpacker's Apple Crisp
Backpacker's Apple Crisp is a lightweight and easy-to-make dessert for backpacking trips. Made with freeze-dried apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, granola, and walnuts, it offers a warm and cozy treat after a long day of hiking.
With a cost of around $2 per serving and weighing only 5.2 ounces, it's a budget-friendly and convenient option for backpackers looking to indulge in a delicious dessert on the trail.
5. Moroccan Chicken Couscous
The Moroccan Chicken Couscous is a flavorful and satisfying backpacking meal that captures the essence of Moroccan cuisine. Packed with ingredients like apricots, almonds, and ras el hanout, it offers a unique blend of flavors.
With a quick cooking time of just 5 minutes, it is faster than many prepackaged meals. This one-pot dish is lightweight, calorie-dense, and shelf-stable, making it an ideal choice for backpackers looking for a delicious and easy meal on the trail.
6. Pecan and Maple Granola
Pecan and Maple Granola is a delicious and convenient backpacking breakfast option. Made with toasted oats, crunchy pecans, and sweet maple syrup, this granola is packed with flavor. Just add water and powdered milk for a quick and easy meal on the trail.
The recipe can be prepared ahead of time and uses nonperishable ingredients, making it perfect for backpacking trips. The granola comes out crunchy and satisfying, providing a great start to the day.
7. Dehydrated Chili Mac
Dehydrated Chili Mac is a convenient and flavorful backpacking recipe. It combines ground beef, pasta, kidney beans, and spices to create a hearty and satisfying meal.
The dish is dehydrated to reduce weight and increase shelf life, making it perfect for long hikes and camping trips. Simply rehydrate with water on the trail, and you'll have a delicious and filling meal in no time.
8. Backpacking Yogurt Parfait
The Backpacking Yogurt Parfait is a quick and easy no-cook breakfast option for backpackers. It combines freeze-dried yogurt, dried fruit, and granola for a creamy, crunchy, and sweet meal on the trail.
It's lightweight, packs well, and provides a good source of energy with 144 calories per ounce. Perfect for those mornings when you need a fast and nutritious start to your day.
9. Thai Red Curry Rice with Peanut Coconut Sauce
The Thai Red Curry Rice with Peanut Coconut Sauce is a rich and creamy backpacking meal that is both filling and satisfying. The combination of Thai red curry powder, powdered coconut milk, and PB2 powdered peanut butter creates a complex and flavorful sauce.
With the addition of minute rice, dried veggies, and freeze-dried chicken, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare in the backcountry. The dish offers a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, making it an ideal option for replenishing energy after a long day of hiking. Overall, the Thai Red Curry Rice with Peanut Coconut Sauce is a delicious and convenient backpacking meal choice.
10. Ramen Bomb
The Ramen Bomb is a versatile and affordable backpacking recipe that combines instant noodles, instant mashed potatoes, and optional protein. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it convenient for different weather conditions.
The recipe is easy to prepare, requiring only a few minutes of hydration time. Overall, the Ramen Bomb is a tasty and nutritious option for backpackers seeking a quick and satisfying meal on the trail.
11. Quinoa Burrito Bowl
The Quinoa Burrito Bowl is a flavorful and nutritious backpacking meal that features a diverse range of ingredients, including quinoa, black beans, bell peppers, corn, and cilantro.
With its high calorie and protein content, it provides a satisfying and energizing option for outdoor adventures. The dehydrated version is easy to prepare and rehydrate in camp, making it a convenient choice for backpackers.
12. Quinoa Chili
Quinoa Chili is a vegan and gluten-free backpacking recipe that is lightweight and protein-packed. It is a hearty and warm meal, perfect for adventurers on the go.
The recipe includes ingredients like quinoa, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, spices, corn, and beans. It can be easily dehydrated and packaged for long trips. Just add water on the trail and enjoy a flavorful and nutritious chili.
13. Tuna Couscous Bowl
The Tuna Couscous Bowl is a quick and easy backpacking meal that is both delicious and flavorful. Made with couscous, tuna, mayo, and relish, it provides a satisfying and affordable option for outdoor adventures.
Simply cook the couscous, add the tuna and condiments, and you're ready to enjoy a tasty meal on the trail. Perfect for those looking to ditch the freeze-dried options.
14. Backcountry Fried Rice
Backcountry Fried Rice is a satisfying and flavorful backpacking recipe that replicates the Americanized, food-court-style fried rice. It is lightweight, calorie-dense, and quick to cook, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.
The recipe relies on store-bought ingredients, eliminating the need for a dehydrator. It can be easily customized by adding protein like jerky or made vegan by omitting the eggs. With diverse textures and flavors, this easy-to-make fried rice is a great option for satisfying cravings on the trail.
15. Dehydrated Risotto
Dehydrated Risotto is a convenient and tasty backpacking recipe that allows you to enjoy homemade risotto while out in the field. The risotto is made at home and then dehydrated, making it easy to rehydrate with boiling water when you're ready to eat.
The addition of dehydrated vegetables adds nutritional value to the dish. With minimal prep work at home, you can have a satisfying and creamy risotto while backpacking.
16. Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta
The Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta is a quick and flavorful backpacking recipe that requires minimal preparation. It features a homemade pesto sauce made with dried basil, garlic powder, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese.
The pasta and sun-dried tomatoes are rehydrated on the trail, and the pesto sauce is added for a delicious meal. This recipe can be made as a hot meal or a cold soak dinner, and there is also a gluten-free option using chickpea pasta. Overall, the Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta is a convenient and satisfying option for backpackers.
17. Backpacker's Blueberry Crisp
The Backpacker's Blueberry Crisp is a lightweight and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for backpacking trips. With just a few basic ingredients, including freeze-dried blueberries and granola, this morale-boosting treat is worth the weight.
What sets this recipe apart is the ability to customize it to your liking by swapping out the blueberries for other freeze-dried fruits and choosing your favorite type of granola. It's a simple and satisfying dessert option that will surely lift your spirits after a long day on the trail.
18. Nut Butter Morning Oats
Nut Butter Morning Oats is a protein-rich and calorie-packed backpacking recipe that is perfect for those who prefer cold breakfast options on the trail. It provides 23 grams of protein and 66 grams of complex carbohydrates per serving, making it a great fuel source for muscles.
With 13 grams of fiber, it also offers a good amount of dietary fiber. The recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized with different nut butter options. Overall, Nut Butter Morning Oats is a tasty and nutritious option for backpackers looking for a quick and satisfying breakfast.
19. Modern Hardtack
Modern Hardtack is a simple and cost-effective backpacking recipe that offers dense calories, vitamins, and salt. Made with just flour, water, and salt, this hard biscuit is a long-lasting survival food that can be customized with herbs, spices, or dried ingredients for added flavor. It is important to note that adding extra ingredients may decrease the shelf life.
The hardtack is baked until slightly golden brown, resulting in a rock-solid texture. It is recommended to eat hardtack with a liquid to soften it, as it can be quite hard on the teeth. Overall, Modern Hardtack is a practical and nutritious option for backpackers looking for a budget-friendly and durable food source.
20. Backcountry Carbonara
Backcountry Carbonara is a creamy pasta dish topped with crunchy bacon jerky, making it a quick and easy one-pot meal for backpacking trips. The recipe uses angel hair pasta to reduce cook time and conserve fuel.
Powdered cheese and eggs are used for simplicity, and Trader Joe's Sweet & Spicy Bacon Jerky adds a delicious twist. With minimal ingredients and a cooking time of under 10 minutes, this Italian-inspired dish is perfect for outdoor dining.
21. Backpacker BBQ Sliders with Meat Shredz
Backpacker BBQ Sliders with Meat Shredz is a quick and delicious recipe perfect for backpacking or camping. Made with dehydrated pulled pork, it's easy to prepare and loaded with flavor.
The Meat Shredz are made from 100% real meat, contain no preservatives, and rehydrate easily with water, broth, or sauce. The sliders taste like they've been slow-cooked for hours and are a hit with carnivores. This recipe is a great option for outdoor adventures or quick meals at home.
22. Dehydrated Hash Brown Potatoes
Dehydrated Hash Brown Potatoes are a convenient and versatile option for backpacking meals. They can be easily rehydrated and cooked like fresh potatoes, making them perfect for breakfast recipes, potato casseroles, and even camping meals.
With the ability to store 8 pounds of fresh potatoes in just 3 jars, this dehydrated option is a great long-term food storage solution. Whether you're a backpacker or looking to stock up your pantry, Dehydrated Hash Brown Potatoes are a must-have.
