Here are some ideas for easy backpacking meals. While eating along the trail is not as easy as eating at home, there is no reason to have to survive on energy bars alone. With a little planning there are a number of meals that are easy to prepare while on backpacking trips into the wilderness. By using simple ingredients that can often be purchased at the grocery store more inexpensively than specially prepared backpacking foods a hiker can keep the cost down as well.
Rice is a standard backpacking food for a number of reasons. Rice is inexpensive, does not require refrigeration, and is quick and easy to cook. Use rice as the base of your backpacking meal and add in other items for flavor. From simply sprinkling on a little pepper or garlic to adding freshly cooked meat or dried meat, rice can be used a number of ways.
In addition to rice, pasta is another versatile food that can be used to make a number of easy backpacking meals. Pasta can of course be eaten plain, but adding in something else will make it much more palatable to most people. Pasta is often packed loose, so repack it more tightly to avoid an annoying rattle with each step along the trail. Parmesan cheese generally travels well in a backpack and is an easy addition to pasta.
Canned or packaged soup mix is another great item for making easy backpacking meals. Either eaten alone or poured over the rice or pasta mentioned above, soup provides a nice, warm and easy meal along the trail. Soup mixes are available in an amazing variety online if your local store’s selection is limited. Soup mixes often make more than a one or two backpackers will eat so plan accordingly to not waste food along the trail.
My favorite meal along the trail is fresh caught trout. While you can’t be certain that you be able to catch fish, if this is something that interests you carry along what you will need to catch, clean, and cook the trout (or other fish).
Pita bread sandwiches with cheese and dried meat can make a great dinner by simply frying long enough to heat it up. Pick cheeses that travel well (generally harder cheeses travel best) or even spray cheese. Fill the pita bread, fry, and enjoy. Pita bread generally travels well to be used to make main dishes while backpacking or eating as a side.
A great way to find simple backpacking meals is to simply browse the local grocery store and look for foods that fit the bill. What may be great meal for some people might not work for others, find what works for you and enjoy!
