It’s simple.
Fresh air + sunshine + the outdoors + miles on a hiking trail = End of Day Replenishment.
We have put together a simple, yet comprehensive list of the best backpacking foods. Whether an easy eat as you go hiking snack, or an end of the day backpacking meal. It’s important to replenish lost calories with the right food.
We like to cover all the bases. Our recommendations are based on what backpackers, hikers, and campers are looking for after a long day in the great outdoors.
Our reviews and recommendations are based on the below specifications:
- Preparation time (how long to go from backpack to mouth)
- Weight (what is the dry carrying weight)
- Nutritional value (actual good for my body)
- Taste (excellent, good enough, barely passable?)
- Cleanup (none, simple enough, or a hassle)
- Cost
We believe this checklist of attributes are foremost in importance to choosing the best backpacking meals.
Best Budget Backpacking Meal: Backpacker’s Pantry Kathmandu Curry
We like this budget backpackers meal as it provides good value for the money. It tends to be rated on the mild to medium spicy side. This particular brand has become increasingly popular as it’s made for any backpacker, including vegetarian or vegan.
Backpackers Pantry has been in the business for several decades now. There is a reason why they are still around. Quality backpacking food, good prices, and a name backpackers & campers trust.
Prep Time: 15-20 min
Weight: 6.6z
Nutritional Value: 32 g of protein, 330 calories per pouch
Taste: curry profile, excellent
Cleanup: none
Cost: $7/pouch
What we like:
- is popular for a reason
- price
- great value for the money
- 4 other options for those not liking curry
- very simple cleanup
What we wish was better:
- garlic in meal can be a bit on the strong side
- leftovers do not hold up taste wise
Best Backpacking Meal For Calorie Replenishment: Peak Refuel Chicken Coconut Curry
This is perhaps one of the heartier backpacking meals available. While a single pouch is considered large enough for two people, keep in mind you will be hungry at dinner time. Our recommendation is to count this as a large single meal. If you find it is too much, you have leftovers for the next day. If you decide to make it a dinner meal for both you and a hiking partner, we recommend you supplement with other hiking snacks or foods.
Prep Time: 10 min
Weight: 5.36 z
Nutritional Value: 44 g of protein, 852 calories per pouch
Taste: coconut & curry, excellent
Cleanup: none
Cost: $13/pouch
What we like:
- has good overall reviews
- price is great if you can get two meals out of it
- 15 options for those not liking coconut or curry
- very simple cleanup
- great caloric replenishment
What we wish was better:
- some claim it lacks a little bit of flavor
- 2 meals from 1 pouch is a bit of a stretch
Most Convenient Backpacking Meal:Mountain House Spicy Southwest Style Skillet
Realistically, most hot backpacking meals are the same principal. Hot or boiling water added to a pouch of freeze dried or dehydrated food.
We picked this as the most convenient b/c the cook time is less than 10 minutes, and there is no mess to clean up. Simply toss your empty pouch into the trash.
Prep Time: 10 min or less
Weight: 3.9z
Nutritional Value: 20 g of protein
Taste: good enough, medium to hot spice profile
Cleanup: none
Cost: $8.75/pouch
What we like:
- has overall very positive reviews
- price
- shorter yet wider pouch allows for easier bowl like consumption
- 6 options for those not necessary wanting breakfast for dinner
- very simple cleanup
- 1 very large meal, or two smaller ones
What we wish was better:
- is on the spicy side (maybe this is a positive?)
- 2 meals from 1 pouch is a stretch
Best Backpacking Meal for Kids: KIDS MRE Full Meal Several Entrée Options w/ Play Pack & more!
Every heard of the expression ‘one unhappy camper’? Anyone who has hiked, backpacked, or camped with children likely understands that things can go south in a hurry.
What better way to motivate and rejuvinate a cranky child? This kids MRE will tickle them with enough options they are bound to enjoy something, even if picky eaters.
Prep Time: 10+ min (heat up entree, mix the drink powder)
Weight: depending on which child MRE, 10-20z
Nutritional Value: Yogurt/Fruit Squeezie
Taste: most reviews say it tastes good
Cleanup: simple enough, lots of little packages
Cost: $15.00/kit
What we like:
- lots of meal options
- super hero mask included
- dessert and applesauce/yogurt included
- drink mix included
- meals packets can be ordered for boys or girls
- many extras included if child does not like the entree
What we wish was better:
- price is a little on the higher side
- lots of little packages can create a mess for cleanup
Best Splurge Backpacking Meal: GOOD TO-GO Bibimbap
This backpackers meal from Good To Go is one of the more filling end of the day meals you can find. This one in particular is an actual meal for two. This of course makes the price point more attractive.
Prep Time: 20 min
Weight: 6.7z
Nutritional Value: 17 grams of protein, 730 calories per pouch
Taste: Excellent (on the spicy side)
Cleanup: none
Cost: $14.25/pouch
What we like:
- 1 pouch can feed up to 2 people
- gluten free, vegan, yet not sacrificing taste
- simple clean up
- lots of calories for replenishment
- comes in 6 different options if spicy is not your thing
What we wish was better:
- prep time is longer than others
- some reviews claim it’s too spicy
Best Overall Dehydrated Backpacking Meal:Backpacker’s Pantry Shepherds Potato Stew/Beef
Backpacker’s Pantry has been in the business of dehydrated camping/hiking meals for decades. They have managed to keep up with the most popular flavor and meal profiles on the market. Offering a 7 year shelf life, you won’t have to worry about not using it in time before expiry.
Backpackers Pantry is better known for their taste, which comes at the cost of a longer prep time.
Prep Time: 15-20 mins
Weight: 5.1z
Nutritional Value: 26 grams of protein, 460 calories
Taste: excellent, shepherds pie meets beef stew
Cleanup: none
Cost: $10/pouch
What we like:
- reviews about taste are positive
- good caloric replenishment
- 1 very large meal, or two smaller ones per pouch
- easy clean up
- 12 different meal options
- good price point
What we wish was better:
- a few complaints about the consistency
- some have recommended pepper or salt to enhance the flavor
Best Eat as you go snacks
We have a few go to favorites if we are running behind and need to snack while on the move. It’s important to remember if you plan to eat/hike at the same time, to eat small morsels. We further recommend to stop, take a 5 min or less break, and replenish as necessary.
Nomads USO Granola blend
Prep Time: none
Weight: comes in 1z or 4z size
Nutritional Value: fruits and proteins
Taste: unique combination of fruits, nuts, and honey
Cleanup: none
Cost: $5+
What we like:
- very positive taste profile
- good caloric replenishment
- healthy hiking snack
- zero clean up
What we wish was better:
- price
Old Trapper Beef Jerky
Some will argue that jerky is jerky, and they have a point. This mostly comes down to personal preference. Many hikers/campers like to make their own. It’s a bit of a time commitment, so we prefer to buy ours.
Regardless, jerky is a fantastic walking replenishment snack. We recommend you balance some jerky with a piece of fruit. The two can be combined as a light meal, yet keep you on your feet for hours.
Prep Time: none
Weight: 10z
Nutritional Value:
Taste: whatever flavor is chosen
Cleanup: none
Cost: $14 (US Outdoor) $17 (Amazon)
What we like:
- quick, easy, convenient
- great taste profile
- comes in 3 flavours
- no clean up
What we wish was better:
- price
Things to Know
Dehydrated or freeze dried backpacking meals need hot water added. Usually between 1 ½ to 2 ½ cups. You will need some sort of heating element and or way to build a fire.
If you plan on carrying all your water during your trek, please factor in how much you will need for your meals.
If you plan on getting water from an alternate source (stream, creek, lake, spring) it’s highly recommended you take along some sort of purification device.
Our first choice would be to boil water where possible (boil for a minimum of 5 minutes). If you have no way to boil water, we would then try for a purification device such as a water bottle purifier. Finally our last choice but certainly still a good option, is to take purification tablets.
As most of these meals are freeze dried or dehydrated, you can dehydrate your own food if preferred. We recommend checking out methods and equipment for dehydrating before jumping in full bore.
Time for an Outdoor Adventure?
It doesn’t matter if you are going for a week-long backpacking adventure, or just a single day hiking trip. Our bodies will burn calories and crave replenishment at day end. Our recommended options for some of the best backpacking meals will hopefully give you a head start for your next camping or backpacking adventure. We wish you the best in your travels!
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