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Weight limitation is a typical attribute of backpacking and meals for such trips are no exception. Considering the vitality of a meal, backpackers need to take smart calls so that they can include the best backpacking food without compromising on taste preference, nutritional value, the caloric density in the least weight possible.Â
In addition to that, backpackers also need to consider the cooking methodology and cooking time for any meal and map it to their capability of preparation and discipline. Plus, details such as exclusions and inclusions also need specific attention. As you can guess, equating all these to sort the best backpacking meals is quite challenging.Â
Need help with backpacking food ideas? We’ve taken the challenge, gone through several backpacking food reviews, and listed down the 10 Best Backpacking Food In 2022 with a comprehensive buying guide on how to choose the right food for your backpacking trip.
OUR TOP PICK
Backpacker’s Pantry Katmandu Curry
- What Makes This Food Stand Out
- Authentic flavors
- Two servings per pack
- Rich taste
- Highly nutritious
- Perfect for a backpacking trip
Best For: Vegetarian Meal
Servings-per-Pack: 2
Calories-Per-Serving: 340
Weight-per-Packet: 6.6 ounces
Pack Size: 1 Pack
EDITORS CHOICE
Quaker Instant Oatmeal
- What Makes This Food Stand Out
- Certified for organic inclusions
- High fiber content
- Comes in different flavors
- Easy to carry
Best For: Breakfast
Servings-per-Pack: 1
Calories-per-Serving: 150
Weight-per-packet: 1.45 ounces
Pack Size: 32 Packets
BEST VALUE
PEAK REFUEL Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- What Makes This Food Stand Out
- High-quality ingredients
- Freeze-dried meals
- Needs less water to cook and rehydrate
- Five-year shelf life
- Perfect for a backpacking trip
Best For: Non-Vegetarian Meal
Servings-per-Pack: 2
Calories-per-Serving: 340
Weight-per-Packet: 4.97 ounces
Pack Size: 1 Packet
OvaEasy Dehydrated Egg Crystals
- What Makes This Food Stand Out
- Made of Non-GMO eggs
- Provides original smooth texture
- Needs no refrigeration to store
- Gives nutrition of 12 egg
Best For: Egg Meal
Servings-per-Pack: 12
Calories-Per-Serving: 70
Weight-per-Packet: 4.5 ounces
Pack Size: 3 Packet
- What Makes This Food Stand Out
- Includes meal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Takes less time and water to get ready
- Gluten-free inclusions
- Massive self-life of 30 years
Best For: All-purpose
Servings-per-Kit: 18
Calories-per-Kit: 1706
Weight-per-Kit: 39.4 ounces
Kit Size: 9 Pouches
Greenbelly Backpacking Meals
- What Makes This Food Stand Out
- Rich in nutrients and calories
- Gluten-free
- Convenient package
- Ready-to-Eat
Best For: Fast Meal
Servings-per-Pack: 1
Calories-per-Serving: 650
Weight-per-Packet: 5.29 ounces
Pack Size: 30 Packet
Meal Kit Supply Ready to Eat Three-Course Meal
- What Makes This Food Stand Out
- Includes 12 different menus
- Durable sealed package
- Needs no hot water
- Offers high calorie and nutritional value
Best For: Variety
Servings-per-Pack: Subjective
Calories-per-Pack: 1200
Weight-per-Packet: 30 ounces
Pack Size: 12 Packet
- What Makes This Food Stand Out
- Includes 7 meals
- High-quality ingredient
- Comes with a guiding line for filling water
- 5 year of shelf-life
Best For: Taste
Servings-per-Pack: 28
Calories-per-Pack: 240-340
Weight-per-Packet: 2.5-3.5 ounces
Pack Size: 14 Packet
Wild Zora Paleo Meals To Go
- What Makes This Food Stand Out
- Paleo ingredients
- Includes no Gluten
- Convenient packaging
- Offers High protein
Best For: Paleo diet
Servings-per-Pack: 1
Calories-per-Pack: 410
Weight-per-Packet: 3 Ounces
Pack Size: 1 Packet
How To Choose A Backpacking Food – Buying Guide
Cooking Method
One of the first things to consider regarding any good to go meals is its cooking methodology. For cooking, you need access to a pot, stove, and other accessories to give you the capability of preparing the meal outdoors. For this reason, while choosing backpacking food, study the cooking method, and map it to your capability.
Cooking Time
Different backpack lunches have different cooking times which may vary between zero to what not. Here depending on your capabilities to prepare a meal and the liking of your taste, try to pick a backpacking lunch that takes the least time to get ready.Â
Calories Intake and Caloric Density
On average, hikers usually burn between 3000-4000 calories per day. That is why it’s crucial to pack enough nutrients to give your body the energy it needs. This vital calculation also depends on your size, weight, age, and activity level.
Weight
Look for lightweight trail food with a small volume, which is still packed with enough nutrients and calories. Water is the main culprit for added weight, so dehydrated trail meals are an obvious choice here.
Shelf Life
Backpacking foods have different shelf lives depending on their preservation method. Though trail snacks come with a long shelf life to fit required durations, still it is advisable to have a look at them before you make a decision.Â
Ingredients
While many manufacturers try to find the right balance between proteins, carbohydrates, and fat in their backpacking foods, you must read the ingredients before you purchase them. A backpacking food may contain an allergen, which can provoke a reaction. Some lower-quality backpackers’ meals contain many preservatives and food stabilizers, which aren’t exactly right for your health. Instead, it is better to go with natural ingredients.
Taste
It makes sense that you bring something you like to eat. All the things we have discussed so far are important, but you shouldn’t be forced to eat something you hate or something that tastes like cardboard. So, make your choice accordingly.
FAQs
Q:Â What Is the Difference Between Dehydrated vs. Freeze-Dried Food?
These represent two different processes of eliminating water from backcountry meals. In dehydration, a food backpacking is exposed to hot, dry air for a short period while in another a backcountry food is frozen, and then the ice is removed by sublimation.Â
Q:Â How Do I Store My Backpacking Food?
You must store your backpacking meal in a manner that eliminates any chance of animals catching the scent of your food and trying to reach for it.Â
Q:Â How Much Food Should I Bring?
it depends on your size, weight, and exertion level. In general, it is 1.5 to 2.5 lbs. of backpacking meals per person per day, so simply use it to the equate amount.
Q: If I Don’t Have Access To Water And Stove What Should I Do?
In that case, you should carry ready-to-eat backpack meals with you.Â
Globo Surf Overview
Did you need help with ideas for backpacking foods? Bringing the right type and amount of backpacking food is one of the most important things to think about when you plan a backpacking trip. As we’ve illustrated, many factors need to be considered when choosing the right backpack meal – the nutritional value, calories, diet, preparation, volume, and weight. We’ve selected some of the best backpacking meals, in our opinion, which can give you the right balance, and still taste delicious!
More Backpacking/Hiking Reviews:
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- Trekking Poles
- Tactical Boots
- Backpacking Stove
- Backpacking Sleeping Pad
Have you tried some of the foods that made it onto our list? Was it easy to pack and prepare? Was it tasty? Please share your experience with us in the comment section below.