Hearty Backcountry Meals
Easy to prepare meals are essential for providing you with the energy and nutrients needed to fuel your outdoor adventures. Go for lightweight and filling. Pack a portable stove or campfire equipment, along with a lightweight cookware set, to cook these meals in the backcountry.
Here are a few quick hearty meal ideas:
Breakfast:
Instant Oatmeal: Quick-cooking oatmeal packets are a classic backpacking breakfast. Add hot water and mix in some dried fruits, nuts, or honey for added flavor & calories.
Dehydrated Scrambled Eggs: Convenient and protein-rich, just add hot water, and they rehydrate into a scrambled egg consistency.
Instant Pancakes: Pre-packaged instant pancake mixes are available. Just add water, cook on a portable stove, and top with syrup, nut butter, or fruit.
Instant Coffee or Tea: For caffeine lovers, instant coffee or tea bags can provide a morning pick-me-up.
On -the-move:
Trail Mix: A combination of nuts, dried fruits, chocolate chips, and granola is an energy-packed snack to keep you fueled during the day.
Nut Butter Packets: Individual packets of peanut or almond butter provide a quick and high-calorie snack.
Lunch or Dinner:
Instant Rice and Beans: A hearty, high-protein option, you can add seasonings, dehydrated vegetables, and even canned chicken or tuna for extra flavor and protein.
Instant Mashed Potatoes: A great source of carbohydrates, add cheese, bacon bits, or dehydrated vegetables for a more filling meal.
Couscous: Quick-cooking and versatile, you can prepare it with hot water and add spices, dried fruits, nuts, or canned chicken for a complete meal.
Dehydrated Soup: Lightweight and easy to prepare, look for hearty options like minestrone, chili, and potato leek.
Instant Ramen Noodles: Super lightweight and cook quickly, add dehydrated vegetables, freeze-dried tofu, or canned chicken for extra nutrition and flavor.
Dried Pasta and Sauce Mixes: Many brands offer pasta and sauce mixes that only require boiling water. Options include macaroni and cheese and Alfredo pasta.
Instant Miso Soup: A warm and comforting option, just add hot water to the miso paste, and it's ready to enjoy.
Freeze-Dried Meals: Companies like Mountain House and Backpacker's Pantry offer a wide variety of these meals, including beef stroganoff, chicken curry, and lasagna.
Pita Bread and Hummus: Pita bread is a durable and versatile option for sandwiches or dipping into individual hummus packets.
~
Always follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash and food scraps to protect the environment.
