Backpacking Food

Backpacking food suggestions:

Whether you're doing a quick overnight trip or backpacking for multiple days, you want food that will nourish and strengthen you, and also taste really good. 

Stay hydrated with flavored beverages: A hot or cold flavored drink makes it easier to stay hydrated. Beyond fluids with electrolytes (such as Propel), consider hot apple cider, tea, chai, hot chocolate, chicken or beef broth, instant ginger tea and miso soup.

Snack ideas: Trail mix is a go-to for many, but the list of tasty snack options is expansive. Banana chips, no-bake energy bites, chocolate-covered cashews or almonds, spicy nuts, dried fruit (apples, mangos, cranberries), fruit leather, string cheese, crackers, fig bars, peanut butter pretzels, cookies, Chex mix, sesame sticks, pumpkin seeds, gummy bears, licorice and candy bars are just a few choices. 

Backpacking breakfast ideas: Instant oatmeal with dried fruits and nuts, breakfast bars or granola bars, Pop-Tarts, granola or cereal with powdered milk.

Backpacking lunch ideas: Jerky; peanut butter and jelly in small tube containers; energy bars; dried fruits; nuts; sandwich thins with tuna; tortillas with peanut butter or Nutella; pita with dehydrated or fresh hummus or hummus bowl; bagels with cream cheese; summer sausage and cheese; crackers with smoked salmon; ramen noodles; string cheese with salami; premade sandwich.

Backpacking Dinner ideas:  This is your reward for a day of exertion. Backcountry gourmets don't mind the extra challenge of creating hearty meals out in the great scenery. Most weary backpackers, though, opt for the just-add-boiling-water convenience of prepackaged freeze-dried or dehydrated meals, or simple dishes such as pasta. 

Consider repackaging foods into resealable and reusable pouches or containers to minimize bulk and garbage. Be sure to clearly label everything and include cooking instructions.

Bring what you like to eat: Don't try to convert your taste buds to new types of food deep in the backcountry. Take comfort foods that you love to eat and will look forward to enjoying at the end of a long hike.

Pack a variety: A variety of foods is key to keeping most backpackers motivated on the trail. Try to aim for a balance of flavors (salty, sour, sweet, spicy) and textures (soft, crunchy, crumbly, crispy) to keep your palate satiated. Make sure you have a balance of carbohydrates, protein and fats.

How much food should you take backpacking? It depends, but the short answer is about 2,500 to 4,500 calories of food per person per day.

What types of food should you bring backpacking? For beginners, keep it simple and choose lightweight, portable foods you know you like to eat.You can take most foods backpacking, just make sure they’re not too bulky.

Include some fresh foods: While refrigeration is one of those luxuries you leave behind at the trailhead, not all backpacking food has to be processed or packaged. It’s easy to incorporate some fresh foods into your backpacking menu if you don’t mind a little extra weight. Consider including a baguette, nuts and seeds, and hard cheeses such as parmesan or gouda. It’s also possible to bring some fresh produce: Most fresh foods are good for one day or two inside your pack, depending on the climate. Pick items that won’t perish easily, such as carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, onion, kale, snap peas, apples or oranges.

Look for lightweight versions of your favorite food: Proteins such as tuna, salmon, Spam or chicken come in easy vacuum-sealed pouches and are available in most grocery stores. Instant rice, couscous, noodles, pasta, rice mixes and other shelf-stable boxed dinners are easy choices. Peanut butter is often available in individual servings, pouches or in powdered form.

Add spices:  Spices can boost the appeal of backpacking food with minimal additional weight. Don’t be afraid to add it to your meals. Bring salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, cumin, lemon pepper or whatever else is essential to your home kitchen. Cinnamon makes hot chocolate taste even better. Hot sauce adds zip to mac and cheese. Garlic powder kicks up the taste of instant mashed potatoes.

Most of these suggestions are based on this article: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/planning-menu.html