When you're backpacking, having the right food is crucial for keeping your energy up. Backpackers Pantry offers quick and organic meals like Pad Thai, which can be ready in just 15 minutes. For those on a budget, RightOnTrek's affordable kits pack a punch with 128 calories per ounce, making them a great value. If you prefer gourmet meals while on the trail, Gastro Gnome has you covered with options like Almond Pesto that use real, high-quality ingredients. Peak Refuel specializes in high-protein dishes, delivering an impressive 37.6 grams of protein per serving to keep you fueled. Harmony House Foods offers dehydrated veggies and fruits, making it easy to create custom meal blends. Choosing the right food ensures you're well-nourished and can fully enjoy your backpacking adventure.
Key Takeaways
Looking for the best food options for your backpacking trip? Here are five standout choices that cater to different needs and preferences:
- Backpackers Pantry: If you're gluten-free, vegan, or prefer organic meals, Backpackers Pantry has you covered. Their meals are ready in just 15 minutes, making them a convenient choice for emergencies when time is of the essence.
- RightOnTrek: Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate RightOnTrek's meal kits. They are affordable, nutritious, and easy to prepare, making them perfect for those who need to watch their spending without compromising on quality.
- Gastro Gnome: For those who crave a touch of gourmet even in the wilderness, Gastro Gnome offers meals like Almond Pesto and Mushroom Ragu Farfalle. These dishes use real ingredients, providing a taste of home-cooked food while you're out on the trail.
- Peak Refuel: If you need high-protein, calorie-dense meals, Peak Refuel is a great option. They use real meat and offer dishes that pack 163 calories per ounce, helping you stay energized and satisfied during your adventure.
- Harmony House Foods: For those who like to customize their meals, Harmony House Foods provides lightweight, dehydrated vegetables and fruits. These are perfect for creating your own dishes and are excellent for emergency preparedness due to their long shelf life.
Each of these options offers something unique, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for your backpacking needs.
Backpackers Pantry
Planning a backpacking trip? Consider Backpackers Pantry for meals that are gluten-free, vegan, organic, and ready in just 15 minutes. These meals are perfect for anyone who values both convenience and nutrition on the trail. Backpackers Pantry offers a variety of food options that are not only easy to prepare but also tasty. Popular choices include Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, and Pesto Pasta with Chicken, so you're sure to find something that suits your taste.
Each meal provides an average of 118 calories per ounce, giving you the energy you need without adding extra weight to your pack. This balance is crucial when you're far from civilization, and every ounce matters. Plus, the high-quality ingredients mean you're eating food that's as nutritious as it is delicious.
In an emergency, you'll be grateful for how quickly these meals come together, making them a dependable choice for emergency food too. Whether you're on a week-long trek or just preparing for the unexpected, Backpackers Pantry offers meals that meet the demands of the trail while satisfying your taste buds.
RightOnTrek
If you're looking for affordable and nutritious backpacking meals, RightOnTrek has a variety of options that are both convenient and budget-friendly. Their meal kits are perfect for those who want to save money without sacrificing nutrition or taste. Each meal kit usually ranges from $8 to $13, making them a great choice for your outdoor adventures without breaking the bank.
RightOnTrek meals are designed to be simple and easy to prepare. Most of them just require basic pot cooking methods, so you don't need any special equipment or a lot of prep time. On average, each ounce of their meals contains about 128 calories, giving you the energy you need for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Here's why RightOnTrek meals are a great choice:
- Affordable: With prices between $8 and $13, these meals are perfect for budget-conscious backpackers.
- Nutritious: Each ounce provides around 128 calories, ensuring you stay energized.
- Convenient: Easy to prepare using just a pot, saving you time and hassle.
Choosing RightOnTrek can make your backpacking trips more enjoyable by offering tasty, nutritious, and affordable meal options. So, pack your pot and get ready to enjoy these convenient meals on your next adventure.
Gastro Gnome
Gastro Gnome elevates the standard for backpacking meals by offering gourmet options that bring restaurant-quality flavors to the trail. If you're tired of bland, uninspired trail food, you'll love Gastro Gnome's commitment to using real ingredients in their meals. Each dish is carefully crafted to ensure you get a premium meal that's both delicious and nutritious.
Priced between $17 to $18, these meals might seem a bit expensive at first glance, but the flavor and quality make it well worth the cost. Instead of choking down another tasteless, freeze-dried meal, you'll find yourself savoring dishes like Almond Pesto or Mushroom Ragu Farfalle after a long day of hiking. These signature dishes are designed not only to delight your taste buds but also to refuel your body.
Cooking these meals is incredibly easy. Using the pouch cooking method, you just need to add boiling water and wait a few minutes. This simple cooking process means you can spend less time preparing food and more time enjoying your adventure. Gastro Gnome ensures you don't have to compromise on taste or quality, making it a top choice for backpackers who want gourmet meals on the go.
Peak Refuel
For backpackers looking for nutritious and convenient meal options, Peak Refuel offers high-protein, calorie-dense dishes to keep you energized on the trail. Each serving delivers 37.6 grams of protein, giving you the nutrients needed to keep going. What makes Peak Refuel stand out is their use of real meat, ensuring you get quality and flavor that's often missing in backcountry meals.
Peak Refuel meals are designed to give you a significant energy boost, with 163 calories per ounce. This high-calorie profile is perfect for long hikes where maintaining energy is crucial. Plus, their meals are super easy to prepare, ideal for those quick stops during your trek.
- High Protein: Each serving has 37.6 grams of protein to support muscle repair and growth.
- Calorie-Dense: With 163 calories per ounce, these meals provide the energy you need to power through your adventure.
- Real Meat: Enjoy the taste and nutritional benefits of real meat in your meals.
Whether you prefer meat or follow a vegetarian diet, Peak Refuel offers a variety of nutritious options to suit your needs, ensuring you're well-fed and ready for whatever the trail throws your way.
Harmony House Foods
If you're looking to diversify your meals beyond just high-protein dishes, Harmony House Foods has a fantastic selection of dehydrated vegetables and fruits. These options are perfect for putting together custom meals, whether you're out in the backcountry or preparing for an emergency. Their products are vegetarian, gluten-free, and non-GMO, catering to a variety of dietary needs so you can enjoy nutritious meals wherever your adventures take you.
Harmony House Foods excels in providing lightweight, easy-to-pack options, which are ideal for backpacking, camping, and emergency preparedness. For instance, their dehydrated vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and kale add both nutrition and flavor to your meals. Meanwhile, dehydrated fruits such as apples, bananas, and berries make for a quick, energy-boosting snack or a tasty addition to your oatmeal.
What's great about Harmony House Foods is the convenience and versatility of their products. You can easily mix and match their dehydrated ingredients to create your own custom meals on the go. Whether you're an experienced backpacker or new to outdoor adventures, you'll appreciate the high-quality and nutritious options they offer. With such a wide range, you won't have to settle for bland or repetitive meals again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Food Do I Need for 7 Days Backpacking?
Think of your backpack as your mobile pantry. For a 7-day backpacking trip, you'll need around 14 pounds of food. It's important to focus on your calorie needs, plan your meals well, choose lightweight options, maintain nutritional balance, and pack smartly to keep your energy up.
First, let's talk about calories. You'll need about 2,500 to 3,500 calories a day, depending on factors like your weight and activity level. High-calorie foods like nuts, dried fruits, and energy bars are great because they provide a lot of energy without weighing much. For example, Clif Bars and trail mix are excellent choices.
Meal planning is key. Breakfast might be instant oatmeal or granola. For lunch, consider tortillas with peanut butter or cheese, which are both lightweight and filling. Dinner could be dehydrated meals, which are easy to prepare—just add hot water. Brands like Mountain House offer a variety of tasty options.
Nutritional balance is crucial. You want a mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Jerky, nut butter, and freeze-dried veggies can help you get what you need without carrying extra weight.
Finally, pack efficiently. Use resealable bags to portion out meals and snacks. This keeps your food organized and reduces waste. Plus, it makes it easier to grab what you need without rummaging through your entire pack.
What Food Is Good for Preppers?
When you're preparing for emergencies, it's smart to stock up on food that is easy to store, nutrient-dense, and can keep you energized. Consider items like energy bars, dehydrated meals, nut mixes, protein bars, and freeze-dried fruits. These foods are lightweight and have a long shelf life, making them perfect for storing in a pantry or emergency kit. For example, brands like Clif Bars and Mountain House offer products that are tasty and packed with essential nutrients. Keeping a variety of these foods ensures you have a balanced diet even in unexpected situations.
What Foods Are Good for Backpacking?
When you're preparing for a backpacking trip, think of your food as essential fuel for your journey. It's important to pack lightweight and nutritious meals that will keep you energized. Consider bringing dehydrated fruits, as they are both lightweight and nutritious. Energy-boosting snacks like nuts and seeds are excellent for quick bites on the go. Trail mix is a great option too, combining a variety of nuts, dried fruits, and sometimes chocolate or granola for an extra boost. Portable proteins such as jerky or protein bars can help sustain your energy levels throughout the day. By choosing the right foods, you can ensure you stay fueled and ready for any adventure that comes your way.
What Are the Best Long Life Foods for Emergencies?
When preparing for emergencies, it's smart to stock up on foods that last a long time and provide essential nutrients. Items like canned meats, dehydrated fruits, freeze-dried vegetables, energy bars, and nut butters are great options. These foods have long shelf lives, which means they won't spoil quickly. Plus, they're packed with important vitamins and minerals, making them practical choices for quick and easy meals during a crisis.
For example, canned chicken or tuna can be used in sandwiches or salads, offering a good source of protein. Dehydrated fruits like apple slices or banana chips are perfect for snacking and provide essential vitamins. Freeze-dried vegetables such as peas or corn can be rehydrated and added to soups or stews. Energy bars, like Clif Bars or KIND Bars, are convenient and nutritious for on-the-go meals. Nut butters, such as peanut butter or almond butter, are rich in healthy fats and proteins, making them excellent for spreading on crackers or bread.
